Courtesy call to the Municipalities of Baganga, Cateel and Boston, Davao Oriental

Activity: Courtesy call to the Municipalities of Baganga, Cateel and Boston, Davao Oriental

Date: April 16, 2015

As we continue to invade the east coast the team had to go through a lot of travel. We began our journey yesterday by visiting MHO’s of Tarragona, Manay and Caraga where we met different health personnel and gathered relevant information to initially understand the situation in the area. However, this day we started another day, another day to learn new things. We conducted courtesy calls to municipalities of Baganga, Cateel and Boston. These last three municipalities lie in the northern part of the province.

Baganga was greatly struck by typhoon Pablo last 2012 but we still can see how people strive hard to revive their economy. We met the Municipal Health Officer Dr.  Violeta P. Morales,MD and the TB aider Thellemae Balmores. Dr. Morales seemed to be so busy as   she came in and approached us happily. The conversation between us was so funny. Dr. Morales was really able to tell her story as to how she reached Baganga and the challenges she has been taking after the catastrophic typhoon. The project was explained by the Project Manager and emphasized the main role of the RHU and LGU in the engagement. We met the Executive Assistant, Mr. Milan Caubang where we explained how the project will be implemented and the actions or the support that the political leaders should give. Resolution making were among the things that was discussed in the said meeting. The team had to be so very quick that time because the team should be able to maximize the time in order to visit the next LGU.

Reaching the RHU in Cateel had become so poignant to me because I saw how people lived their lives after the typhoon. “Pabahay Program” of DSWD was given to the people. The houses are built in many different colors; green, blue, pink, yellow and red. Some of the houses in the relocation sites were not occupied maybe for some reasons. Shattered trees, trunks and abandoned establishments can be seen anywhere. We reached the RHU and unfortunately they had to occupy the Provincial Hospital-owned building due to the ongoing construction of the RHU building brought by the typhoon. The scenario was not good though because of the lack of space. We’ve seen how RHU operate that very moment. We were then introduced to the NTP coordinator and other staff as we waited for Dr. Modesto Veroy who happened to be in some place or a meeting. Christine Morales, NTP Coordinator together with the Public Health Nurse are both listening to the usual explanation of Ate Ging2x (though we heard it all over again). But aside from that I am still observing how our manager explains and answers every single detail and questions for it will also help me if I will be asked the same. Gladly, the whole time talking with the MHO, NTP, PHN and other staff was good. It was then when we decided to go to Boston to conduct courtesy call to the MHO which is supposed to be tomorrow (Apr. 17).

                           The view of the poblacion area in Boston was the first thing that we saw and it was a clear picture of a coastal community that was also ravaged by the calamity. A small and peaceful town within mountains and sea. As we say during the trip “save the last for the best”, indeed it was the best because this is the only municipality that have complied with the DOTS accreditation. We were welcomed by the staff and Dr. Al Raymon Tupas, Municipal Health Officer showed up and greeted us. It was supposed to tomorrow but because of some schedules we came earlier than expected. The whole conversation really was emotional for me because Dr. Tupas shared his experiences during the aftermath of the calamity. He really was expressing his relentless battle as they give health services to the people that are really in need those times. He said it was hard for him and other staff to really serve the people because the staff themselves was also victims. The team really had a great time hearing those experiences and even me doesn’t really expect to have a clear and up-close conversation with the victims of Pablo. The team checked-in to the only available inn. The remaining time we had was spent on walking to the bay near the plaza and talked to some of the people and children there. It was one of the moments that I like most about today’s activity.

Highlights of the Trip

After we con ducted courtesy call to Baganga the team decided to visit Aliwagwag Falls because we arrived at Cateel around 12 noon. The 19 km trip from poblacion Cateel was good because we saw the unadulterated areas of Davao Oriental;  fine view of beaches, green meadow of trees and the clear water flowing in the rivers. The gigantic hundred falls blew up my mind and it was clear to me how gifted is nature. We arrived at the place and people kept coming in and out. Series of picture-taking together with the team was fun. There were times that some of our colleagues embraced the moment and feel the gift of nature. According to one of the staff, the park is on its soft opening. Some buildings just began the construction and other amenities are under development. Zip Line with 680 meters through Cateel river and Monkey Bridge with 45 meters crossing the falls are some of the initial fun filled summer adventure that you wish to experience.