Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

After World War II, there was a large influx of Filipino workers who migrated to Guam. Consequently, Filipino-Americans make up nearly 25 percent of the voting population of the state. Yet, if you study the composure of the Guam Legislature, a Filipino has rarely been elected. One rare Fil-Am who has stood out because of his excellent service and outstanding qualities served as a Republican Senator for seven terms—Senator Ernesto Mercader Espaldon, M.D.

Known as "the doctor with a heart of gold", Senator Espaldon was born on November 11, 1926, to Cipriano Acuna Espaldon and Claudia Cadag Mercader in Simunul, Sulu Province, Philippines. Even as a young man, Ernesto Espaldon displayed exceptional qualities that made him stand head and shoulders above his fellowmen.

Ernie was barely in his teens when he decided to become a soldier and fight for his country during World War II. Joining the Sulu Guerrilla Organization as a freedom fighter, the 16-year-old soldier quickly proved his abilities as a soldier and leader. On January 12, 1945, Ernesto and two fellow soldiers fended off a contingent of Imperial Japanese soldiers attempting to take the village of Banaran, Tawi-Tawi. For their heroism, the grateful people of Banaran erected a monument memorializing the battle and the three soldiers. Thus, Ernesto established himself as a true Filipino and American patriot.

After the war, Ernesto immigrated to the States with his family. He took up medicine and completed his general surgery training in 1959. In 1961, the new doctor completed his plastic surgery fellowship at Washington University/Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Espaldon then decided to set up his medical practice in Guam together with his wife, Leticia Virata Espaldon, also a doctor. Their marriage produced six children: Arlene, Vivian, James Albert, Diane Marie, Karl Patrick, and Ernesto Jr.

His sister, Dr. Zenaida Cabilete, says Ernesto made Guam his home and what he loved the most about it is the people. It was for them he dedicated a life of servitude to make things better for those less fortunate. "I know my brother loved the community and the people; that’s the reason why he really stayed in Guam," she said.

With his successful medical practice established in Guam, Espaldon wanted to give back to his native country and kababayans. In 1969, he returned to the Philippines to provide free medical care for the desperate poor.  Because of their need, he went back yearly with his wife, Leticia, to continue this work, and with the aid of the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii established the first Aloha Medical Mission (AMM).  Through the years that followed, the Aloha Medical Mission has grown greatly in size and scope. At first, one mission per year, then several, were sent to the various provinces in the Philippines.  In the nineties, missions were not only sent to the Philippines but to several other Pacific Rim nations and a local homeless clinic was set up in Hawaii.

Dr. Espaldon’s numerous humanitarian deeds and missionary work earned him many awards and he was affectionately known as the doctor with a heart of gold.

Not content with helping poor people in his medical missions, Espaldon ran for the senate in the Guam Legislature to serve the people in his state and help improve the local community. A dedicated public servant, he eventually served seven terms in the Guam Legislature, in the late 70’s, early 80’s and 1990s. His political career was one marked by courage, dedication and advocacy for health issues. He sponsored and steered to passage the island’s first smoking ban legislation and he did so under the threat of losing his bid for re-election.

Ernie’s colleagues say he was a model senator/ citizen. His keen attention to detail and thoroughness was a reflection of his medical training. They remember him for his spirit, his community involvement, his humanitarianism and his compassion to the condition of those less fortunate. He was a man who worked hard for the good of the people and the island of Guam.