QC teacher on vacation breaks leg, facial bones in accident

Analiza Balmaceda

MANILA, Philippines — Analiza Balmaceda, a high school teacher in Quezon City, was on vacation in April in her native town of Panganiban in Catanduanes province when she broke her foot and some facial bones in a freak accident.

“A decaying coconut tree fell on me while I was removing weeds from our cassava field,” she told the Inquirer.

The 47-year-old Balmaceda was taken to Viga Rural Hospital in the province before she was transferred to Philippine Orthopedic Center in Quezon City.

Since her accident, the Grade 8 music, art, physical education and health (Mapeh) teacher at New Era High School in Quezon City has been on leave.

Balmaceda said that while the fracture on her left foot has healed, her right face needs a titanium implant to hold the bones together and prevent her eyes from sagging.

“The reconstruction procedure will bring back the normal anatomy of her bone structure. Since it is biocompatible, the implant will not be removed anymore,” said her physician, Dr. Ted Oreta.

Although the operation will be done free of charge, the 15-hole titanium miniplate implant with 12 screws will cost P115,000.

Analiza Balmaceda can be reached at 0938-6085762. Donations may be deposited in her Landbank account No. 0625007208.