There aren’t too many of us that can truly say that we have made a meaningful contribution to the welfare of our fellow countrymen. Dra. Amparo Buenaventura Kenney has. She prefers to be called Dra. ‘Ampy’ Kenney.

Born in Manila, she graduated from the University of the Philippines (UP) Medical School in 1952. From 1952-1957 she was a resident at UP-Philippine General Hospital. Her ex-husband wanted to be a psychoanalyst in Switzerland which is where she was a medical technician for the next 20 years. At the compulsory retirement age of 62 she returned to the Philippines and began her medical mission here. Her motive was altruistic along with “had nothing else to do.”

Since 1992 her medical mission has traveled to serve the poor in 15 barangays of Alaminos City, Pangasinan. Dra. A. B. Kenney also travels to Agno and Bani. Patients come from as far as Sual, Labrador and Anda. She sees 200-300 patients per week. There are three paid staff members: Trescilda R. Sison (Sitio Galiz, Lucap); Lorna Carreon and Marlita M. Gulen (both from Sitio Inansuana, Lucap).

Clinic in Sitio Galiz

I have personally seen her give money to a patient who required urgent care at the hospital. This was not the first time she has provided free extra care to the patients. Dra. Kenney also provides for 2 “schools” in the area. One is behind her house in Sitio Inansuana and the other, in Sitio Galiz, is a kubo-kubo that has been converted to a classroom. They are administered by a teacher on a part-time basis. In Insuana, Lucap she also built a library and a basketball court. She lives modestly with the poor there.

When I asked what her one wish was she replied, “I wish there would be a medical doctor to succeed me… I would give everything I have.” At the age of 78 years-old she feels like she has another 5-10 years to give. “I hope to do this as long as I can.” She also mentioned about possibly having a foundation where the Little Sisters of Jesus or the Sons of Christ continue her mission. She is impressed with the fact that they too live and administer to the poor as she does.

Clinic, library and basketball court in Sitio Inansuana

Financing for the mission comes from her personal pension. “It’s amazing what you can do with a few dollars.” She is emphatic in declining any financial contributions. “As soon as there is money then you are suspect.” She would like some used clothing to distribute to the poor.

School in Sitio Inansuana

It has been my great privilege and honor to have volunteered my nursing services with her medical mission for the past 2 years. I hope to continue for as long as I can. Thank you Dra. Ampy Kenney. I wish there were more like you in this world. God Bless.