Monetary donations will certainly help alleviate the dire living conditions of survivors left homeless and jobless, and this is amply performed by qualified charities such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, among others.

Complementing resources from these charities is the federal government, in concert with city and state agencies. The money is there. The crucial point is whether it’s going to those most in need and how fast it’s getting to them. Time is of the essence.

In fact, President George W. Bush was roundly criticized for his slow, tone-deaf response to the crisis. But he has regained his footing with two trips to the devastated areas, expediting much-needed food and medicine and deploying the National Guard to prevent anarchy and keep the peace.

Although piddling compared with assistance from other nations, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo dispatched a small 25-man medical and sanitary engineering mission to the United States to help in the relief and rehabilitation efforts.

But right in our midst we have doctors, nurses and engineers who could well help in the rehabilitation operations. We challenge, in particular, the national Association of Philippine Physicians in America to call for volunteers from its members, especially those working and living in Texas and nearby states.

This appeal for help is also addressed directly to the Philippine medical associations in the areas, to set aside a day or two at least to help care for the sick and the elderly.

Now is the time for these associations to channel their expertise to help those in distress literally right in their own backyard. Most of them, after all, go to the Philippines every year to perform medical missions in underserved and needy towns and villages in their former homeland.

We call on the newly elected APPA officers led by Dr. Rick de Leon of California to mobilize volunteers from its members who come from all parts of the U.S. This is an opportune time for the APPA to dispel the widespread notion — probably deserved — that the once formidable group has been eviscerated and practically reduced to a happy-hour cocktail lounge and a beauty pageant.

APPA can be great again. Katrina may well be the vehicle for its vibrancy and social compass.