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Doctor Chris Gonzaga to receive award for homeless outreach

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ALBUQUERQUE/GALLUP - Dr. Christopher Estabillo Gonzaga, a primary care physician specializing in internal medicine and infectious diseases at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services College Clinic in Gallup, is being recognized Oct. 5 at the 9th Annual Panama Heritage Award Celebration. The ceremony will be held from 2-4 pm at the South Broadway Cultural Center, 1024 Broadway Blvd. SE, Albuquerque.

Gonzaga is being honored for his support of the RMCHCS-Immediate Action Group program in which he and his wife RMCH Neurologist Dr. Flor Caballar-Gonzaga, along with Gallup volunteers, raise money to feed the homeless.

In addition to treating residents of McKinley County’s healthcare needs for more than twenty years, he has also raised funds for local schools and to help cover the costs of flu vaccines at homeless shelters.

“RMCHCS is honored to have such an outstanding physician, homeless advocate and overall community booster serving at our hospital,” RMCHCS CEO David Conejo said. “It is our great privilege to have someone on our staff so committed to Gallup and McKinley County.”

RMCHCS has a homeless outreach every Saturday at 8:45 am in conjunction with the IAG, offering a weekly breakfast at the Nizonhi Laundromat parking lot located at 1733 S. Second St. in Gallup where Gonzaga and others volunteer.

The award and a plaque are being bestowed by the Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande Chapter and Filipino Community Council.

“Dr. Chris Gonzaga and Dr. Flor Caballar Gonzaga are role models of the good will and honor Filipinos bring to the U.S. and countries around the globe,” Perla King, RN and President of FANHS said.

Pillar of the Community

During his 20 year residency in Gallup, Gonzaga has served as board member at the Cibola Medical Foundation and has held fundraising events that benefit the RMCHCS Wellness Center, a clinic responsible for the prevention of diseases such as diabetes, and the promotion of general well-being among the population through health education.

Filipino Americans in New Mexico

Every other year, the Filipino American National Historical Society Rio Grande in cooperation with the Filipino American Community Council recognizes Filipino Americans in New Mexico who have contributed to Filipino and New Mexico communities beyond the call of duty. The event is being held during the Filipino American History Month to remember the first Filipinos who landed in Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Calif. on October 18, 1587.

For information about attending the ceremony, visit //pinoy-newmexico.com/2019-pamana-awards; or call (505) 440-6883 or (505) 264-3205. Tickets are $15.

By William Madaras
For the Sun