A crowded barangay hall full of fans greeted an unassuming Pablo Dancel Agustin during his short visit in Baguio City Saturday.
Agustin, 84, a herbal researcher from Tarlac, achieved popularity in this northern city and other parts of the country by inventing the supposedly 'miraculous' PDA Water.
Reportedly extracted from onions, the herbal formula has purportedly been proven by its users to be very effective in healing all sorts of ailments, even the most terminal cases of cancer, hepatitis, and diabetes.
Though increased sales are attributed to its growing popularity through media exposure and word of mouth, Agustin said the high cost of medicines and treatment are pushing Filipinos, especially during these tough times, to look for alternative treatments.
Perfecto Kalao, who has long been suffering form prostrate cancer, attested to the effectivity of PDA during the informal gathering. "I only tried it for three months, yet my condition has improved a lot. Even my doctors could not believe it," he said.
A senior citizen, Kalao admitted that the financial burden caused by his P9,000 a month bill for his medications alone has caused him to put his faith in the P300 plus per gallon 'miracle water.'
Claudio Maton from Mountain Province, meanwhile said he did not even bother to have his cataract operated. "I placed drops of PDA water in my eyes and immediately I was able to see clearly," he testified.
Noel Ingosan, another senior citizen, admitted that he could ill afford to get medical attention for a mysterious cyst on his neck, reason why he turned to PDA water instead.
Though reportedly proven that it contains no substance that could hurt the body, the Bureau of Food and Drugs has not given a license for the commercial production and distribution of the PDA Liters of PDA water.
However, it continues to be sold in Baguio City and in different parts of the country.
Agustin insists though that his water in no sham. He said it was developed by decades of persistent research.
Baguio residents that flocked Agustin meanwhile are happy believers, lining up for free samples of the Miracle Water.
* I just hope this so called water can cure and not worsen the ailment of the sick person. I guess most people would really be after the treatment that can cause them less especially if they heard that it's really effective. *