“Shall we deny our help to our neighbors when they are in need of it?” These words echoed through Laos and the Philippines decades ago. Today we stand before Hatxayfong District Hospital. It is more than just a building. It is a testament to international cooperation and enduring compassion.
Hatxayfong District Hospital serves the people of Hadxayfong district in Vientiane Prefecture. The district itself is home to nearly 100,000 people. This hospital is vital for their health and well-being.
Imagine the late 1950s. Laos was embroiled in a secret war. President Ramon Magsaysay of the Philippines received a request for help. Oscar Arellano sought assistance in sending medical personnel to Laos. Magsaysay responded with unwavering support. He emphasized that human misery knows no national boundaries. Thus began Operation Brotherhood.
For nearly two decades, Filipino doctors, nurses, engineers, and technicians volunteered in Laos. They staffed hospitals and clinics. They built schools. They worked tirelessly in Vientiane, Sayaboury, and many other places. Jose “Pete” Fuentecilla, a staff administrator, recalled the dedication of these volunteers. About 600 Filipinos worked alongside their Lao hosts. They fought disease, poverty, and development difficulties. It was a unique Asian-to-Asian effort.
Operation Brotherhood also extended its services to the Hmong people. They helped staff USAID field hospitals. They sent medical teams to remote villages. Hmong women were brought to Vientiane. There they were trained in basic nursing skills.
The volunteers faced constant danger. Most Operation Brotherhood stations were in combat zones. Personnel were often evacuated when hostilities arose. Despite the risks, they remained committed to their mission. Twenty-one Filipino fatalities were recorded. They included Operation Brotherhood members and other workers.
One volunteer, nurse Cecilia “Cecile” Salarda, exemplified this dedication. When asked if she wanted to spend Christmas in Vientiane, she refused. She preferred to stay with her team in Sam Neua. Her commitment was unwavering.
Another volunteer, Vicente Marquez, met an old woman whose grandson had been hospitalized. She had no money but returned with a basket of vegetables for the doctors and nurses. Her gratitude touched Marquez deeply.
The end of Operation Brotherhood came in 1975. As the Pathet Lao forces gained control, the volunteers had to leave. The departure was bittersweet. They bid farewell to their Lao colleagues. The Lao people expressed their gratitude with the traditional “wai” gesture.
Hatxayfong District Hospital stands as a reminder of this shared history. It embodies the spirit of Operation Brotherhood. The Lao Rehabilitation Foundation also supports the Hatsayfong District Hospital. It is a place where people from different nations came together to heal and help. It shows that even in times of conflict, compassion can prevail. The hospital continues to provide essential medical services to the community. It ensures that the legacy of Operation Brotherhood lives on.