Poverty: Cause of Death to Developing Countries

What do you think is the most important thing in your life? Does it really matter to you? We are all provided of what we need. Those things that has no economic value such as the air that we breathe, the water that flows in the rivers, and all other forms that is free of charge are considered valuable. We tend to think of how unfortunate we are because of the things that we cannot buy the luxury that we aim to get. Those impeccable things which have been disastrous part of lives because we can do impossible things. Aren’t you questioning how lucky you are that you can access to the simple, no cost and natural gifts of nature? While other suffer and crave for those that they are deprived with.

Malnutrition, scarcity of water and famine are problems that the society is, have been and will be experiencing. These phenomena have been a major problem in countries with the economic and environmental upheaval. People are always in the center of economic dispute and environmental hazards. The death of millions is caused by not merely a disease but of political and tragic economic recession. The United States is the most influential country that have been helping other third world countries like Philippines. Through united partnership in Southeast Asian Countries issues on poverty that causes health risks have been addressed. One of the paradigm that the US is in accord with the Philippines is its USAID which have been helping countries around the world. The influence of the American people has thrived and continued its humanitarian support to other countries.

The Philippine government and other agencies have been doing their best to give basic services to the people. However, these services are not properly utilized because of the lack of knowledge and awareness. The framework of the Millennium Development Goal or MDG which was drafted to intensify health findings in cases of malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and other forms of diseases, will end in this year.  The MDG is one of the strategies that is formulated by the World Health Organization to address these kinds of problems.

In the same end, countries have been engaged to the said developments. The problem in tuberculosis is one major disease that caused deaths in growing countries like Vietnam, Malaysia and Philippines in Western Pacific Region. In the Philippines, tuberculosis is the 6^th cause of death. According to research (WHO), there are number of cases identified in the case detection, new sputum positive, case detection by age group and classification notification of positive cases in the Philippines from 2003 – 2011.

 

 

Given all the data, it is imperative that the government should adopt the programs of the agencies whether local or international to really address the needs of the community. With the help of other countries like USA and other Global Funds, the achievement of the said goal will be realized. The economic, environmental and political dilemma that is triggered by our personal views and intrinsic behaviour is the root cause of all these phenomena. We receive help from other countries; our country is in grasp of humanitarian service that has been proven in the history. 

Medications are always there in the facility in your community. You are generously provided, therefore there is no reason for you to say that you are poor and cant afford to buy medicine. Government provided medical supplies and NGO,s provided technical support to communities. We have everything we need, medication are just a simple example of the natural gifts of nature. It is like air and water where we can get anywhere. It is simple but of large importance. Those gifts are simple but radical. Accessing these medical care to the government facility are just like breathing oxygen and drinking clear and clean water in the river. Former director general of the World Health Organization Go Harlem Brundtland once said, “We have a cure. We need to mobilize the world to use it”.

             Live, laugh and love for its the only reason why we live, these are unconditional and valuable things that we need to cherish the most.

Courtesy Call to the Municipalities of Tarragona, Manay and Caraga

Activity: Travel Time (Dava to Mati City)  & Courtesy Call to the Municipalities of Tarragona, Manay and Caraga

Date: April 15, 2015

There is always a perfect timing for us, whether we like it or not our journey will officialy begin. Today, we conducted courtesy call to the first three municipalities which will be covered by the project. The municipalities of Tarragona, Manay and Caraga are municipalities that lies in the coastal area of the province facing the eastern pacific

We first met the Municipal Health Officer (MHO) of Tarragona, Dr. Prosperidad P. Silverion, TB Aider Mr. Elmer Acosta and other staff of the office. The team first presented the project after a couple of introductions. The MHO shared her core thrust in terms of giving services to the general public including its mechanism in reaching communities. She emphasized the mobilization of the community through concerted efforts of its partners and other agencies. A short but meaty conversation ended when Dr. Silverion said that, “We do our part as gatekeepers”, it clearly emphasizes the effective delivery of the health services to the community. Screening patients within the area is one of their efforts to reduce burden to the provincial level. Given that the said purpose (courtesy call) was delivered, the team decided to leave.

The 18 km ride from Tarragona to Manay was amazing. The panoramic views of the beaches and the terrains were things that made my eyes wider. Dr. Edwin, MHO; Ricky Pagadoan, NTP coordinator and; Norilyn Fabio,  TB aider welcomed us. The MHO took the chance to appreciate this kind of project where USAID through the BPSP augmented the need to intensify the case finding and detection rate in their municipality. Despite the said increase in their success rate there is, however, the need to increase their detection rate. The team really expressed the main purpose of the project. The MHO was challenged after hearing that they belonged to the six low performing municipalities in terms of TB program. We then decided to go and traveled to the next municipality.

              The municipality of Caraga is the last municipality that we visited. The old churches, ancestral houses and the distinctive architecture depicted Spanish traditions. It is said that the convent used to be the living quarters of the missionary priests. Before we went to the MH Office we headed to the said old church where we grab a rest and clicks facing the appealing waves of the sea. The place was one of the typical growing municipalities. The MHO we met is a half Indian half Filipino, Dr. Khuzuphilli together with her NTP Coordinator and TB aider, the team talked about the project and run through the flow of discussion. She emphasized that she is newly assigned in the area and not really penetrated to the communities. She works hand in hand with the NTP Coordinator and TB aider to address the call for their low performance in TB control. However, the MHO herself finds it really hard to facilitate some public services and especially in public health because of the lack of experience. The team went back to Mati City to Prepare for the next day activity.

                                                                                     Reflection:

                 Coordination is important. Establishing rapport and building thin line within partners should always prevail. Even though we are young to be in this field, it is important to make the partners feel that they can have trust on us. The establishment of trust and respect is one of the most important factors in doing the job for it is the only thing that might help us pursue the said project.

5 Tips in Processing Government Transactions

As I have noticed, there are actually thousands of people coming in and out every single minute especially in government establishments everyday. Not to mention the lines that you need to bump in just to pay for the services; cedula, health card, clearances and permits. Im saying that you literally needed to have patience. However, visiting this kind of office is not so easy, you must do the following:

1. Eat before you leave home. Usually, when we go for any transactions we tend to skip our meals just to get rid of traffic congestions. Have a full stomach can help you sustain the long hours of wait. Bringing with you some biscuits or chocolates can help.

2. Secure your requirements. Taking into consideration all the requirements, it is important to scan your papers, review the lacking documents because it will help you maximize your time. In my end, I came to get a police clearance but I wasn't able to bring my cedula as a requisite to having a clearance. Thus, it affects my time.

3. Bring extra cash. If your money is alloted only to pay for your required documents, you are in danger. In your way to getting these requirements there are number of unexpected expenses that you might actually have. There are instances that you can pay for unneccessary charges. In other way around you, you just find yourself thirsty and to quench your thirst you can buy a couple of refreshments.

4. Take a bath. Due to several reasons we are sometimes forced to go even without taking a bath. You know that making yourself fresh can help you become more relax while on the line, sitting and standing for an hour. It was the most disgusting part for me. I wasn't able to fix myself before a government transaction. I went to so many offices, the heat of the sun really embarrassed me. The dust that blends in my went face and body made me feel so sticky. I swear, my sweat was pouring and I cant help but to feel awkward. Stinky. I really looked waisted and fucked. However, realizing these traumatic incident, the next time I did the same thing I secured myself to be rejuvenated.

5. Make yourself busy. Having a phone can help you find ways not to get bored while waiting. Texting, reading pdf short story, playing games are things that you can do. Apparently, this article was written while I am sitting, waiting for my turn. See? You can make something that can turn you in to your comfort zone.


Conclusion

I am saying that government system has to change. The way they deliver services, the manner of proper housekeeping (not literal housekeeping), effectiveness and efficiency should be observed.



Note: I am writing this just to make myself busy while waiting for more than a hundred people before me, also craving for food. it is almot 2:00 pm but my stomoch is still empty. I didnt feel that after writing this article Im the next one to be served.

Delivering Basic Services through Non-profit Organizations

I had a great experience finding a job for months. I've been to some trial and error, but now, finally my job hunting has come to an end. I just attended the orientation for my new job and it was amazing. The dream of having this kind of work will be realized on February 16.

I am very excited on how this job will work for me as to how I also work for the job. The job involves humanitarian services where I will be one of the agents in delivering projects in areas in Mindanao. The institution that I'm saying is a non-profit organization. I was really moved by the fact that this institution has been serving the people in Mindanao for 37 years. An organization with a strong foundation. Dedicated to serve people.

This organization have been in so many projects. The funding agency that helped them came from foreign countries such as Canada, Japan, United States and among others. With that fund, this organization is really working hard to deliver these medical benefits and access to health. People  from different areas in Mindanao are in need of these health care with serious diseases such as Tubercolosis and other major sickness.

The agency is in need of health personnel to deliver these services. Thus, they posted a job offer on the internet and it so happened that I applied. After passing many phases of hiring process, I am now assigned to Montevista, Compostela Valley, a province in western Mindanao that is largely occupied by Bisaya, other tribal groups. I will be staying there for one month.

I am writing this from now on because my journey will deal with many so many people. From the aspect of health care and with other government linkages. I will be discussing in the future on how the organization affect the lives  of people in the community, as to how they deliver basic services to the general public and how this journey affects my life as a public administrator.

The feeling of excitement is running. The feeling of having this kind of job is something that I really need to work on.

Government reform can end corruption

In times of trouble and distress, we Filipinos, have worked hard to consistently lift ourselves whatever problems that our country may face. In many of those that have been tested by their faith, courage and weakness, they remained at ease and hopeful. Still hunting the memories that made them believe that something should be changed.

The government and its main goal is to give the poeple a harmonious way of living. It is the people  who will benefit for whatever actions that leaders will do. But the reality is,  government cannot comply any of it resulting to public dissatisfaction. They say it will start within ourselves, from the way we look at things in its own perspective. The way we see things right now is far from what these words should imply.

Many people are crying for change. Maybe it is about time to carry out that dream. A dream of every Filipino people that have been argued and debated for decades - a government reform. One of the proponent of this so called change is the mayor of Davao City who is pushing Federal form of government. Supporters of the said political leader is also campagning such a thing. Recently, forums on federalism have been conducted in many schools and other institutions.

Philippine government is overly bureucratic, exaggerated, and blurry. The position that can be done by one person is sometimes excercised by three or four people. This is a usual scenario in most government offices. The exaggeration of budgets and other related issues also condole many factors - mostly political. Transparency became very easy and timid way of showing people the flow of money. People will just only look at the paper posted in conspicouos areas but did they even try to evaluate what projects that have been done. And if there is any of it, is it
justifiable?

Im not questioning the government on how they run it. Those are just my observeations. These arguments are solely based on my personal interpretation of facts and hearsays. However, if the government reform will be successfull and with the right kind of poeple in the position, Filipino people might have prosperity, abundance, transparency and trust.

I know that any form of government will do as long as we have the right leader. Selfless, brave and honest leader who will change the way how we look at the concept of CORRUPTION.

The Challenge of Change

The challenge that is in a public administrator is the constant change in the system and approach in the field. These changes are provoked because of the dynamic government in achieving humanitarian services that have evolved from generation to generation. In order for the practitioners and public administrators to be successful in such a demanding and progressive government, it is important that they need to be knowledgeable enough to obtain organizational theory and practices.              

The proper comprehension of this knowledge is vital to creating positive relationship with the general public as well as government leaders. This will contribute to the increasing public outcry, to fully furnish the services for the improvement within public organizations.

Political power within the organization can greatly affect to the mechanism of the government. It is on how public leader decides everything. The challenge is in the public administrators as to how they cope with the changes in the organization.  The entire organization is affected by those who are going to decide which can change policy decision making in the organization. The power and knowledge of these individuals that are moved and utilized are the prime factors that need to be embraced, and if possible, loved by public administrators.

Factors that can contribute to weaken an administrator are at some point essential in pushing them forward to motivate themselves and advance the organization. According to an article, “Scholarshave offered advice for public administrators which include, bringing in moneyand other resources from external sources, building coalitions and networkswith a large number of people and enhancing the legitimacy and prestige ofadministrators' positions and departments, while considering legitimateauthority and external political authority”.  This can be consistently predominant in utilizing their knowledge to further enhance the organization’s goals and aspirations.

Why Public Administration is Important?

Studying Public administration is very challenging yet fulfilling. Public administrators are the ones who have the ability to interpret the government’s decision and implement projects to deliver basic services to the general public. The idea to study public administration is not only prepare someone to be competent but of course enhance the ability to deal with the problems of the community.

One of the great proponents and teachers of public administration, US President Woodrow Wilson, wrote, “It is the object of administrative study to discover, first, what government can properly and successfully do, and, secondly, how it can do these proper things with the utmost possible efficiency and at the least possible cost either of money or of energy.” It is not a simple job. Of course it has to take a lot of time, effort and money in order to achieve that. Therefore, students of public administration are encouraged to take a step towards a successful career.

The face of the government solely lies within the politicians. Yes of course, it has something to do with the decisions, the head of the state for example. The thing is, the success behind are the “bureaucrats” or often called public administrators. These people are those that maintain the mechanism of government, secure fiscal autonomy, regulates social services and endeavour for better projects.

In other words, public administration tries to interpret how decisions in government are made as well as administrating government projects to execute those decisions. A varied background is essential for the degree, with classes in fiscal autonomy, sociology, management and political science.

To exemplify the many decisions an administrator must handle, pretend for example, there is an increase of incidents involving gangsters in the community. Public officials should do something to lessen or stop the situation. They will provide an efficient and effective solution to the recurring problem. Those pose a question and formulate different ideas. How many police will be deployed for roving? What measures that the government should do to regulate the future gangster? What projects will be made to educate the youth?   

The idea is to develop a program for out of school youth. However, how do you attract adults and youngsters to participate? Where is the money going to come from to do this? Perhaps, the solution is to sponsor increased jail time for repeat offenders, yet challenges happen with this as well. Does punishing a person, rather than trying to rehabilitate them, serve society better?

All these types of questions are examples that a certain public administrator should answer. The challenge that is in the field shows how and what will be your adventure as you go through. There are many things that will happen, and it’s inevitable, as the government have to face problems in the field of technology, health, society and economy.

A Simple Guide to Public Administration Students in the Philippines

I studied Public Administration at Bukidnon State University. I graduated last April 2014 and I guess there are many things that I still don't know about the field. As of now, I kept on telling myself, how can I use my knowledge in this field? Aside from the theories of Public Administration scholars like Maxwell, Webber and among others, I still have the feeling of emptiness. The idea of making this blog is to review my lessons during my stay in the academe.

During my time in college the availability of reference is not enough to suffice my needs in understanding the concept of the field especially in the Philippine setting. Limited articles are available on the internet that somehow made my college life more challenging. In spite of these, there are people who made me understand the discipline in Public Administration. My professors have helped me better understand the whole concept. This blog will also help students taking the same field because the topics that I will be discussing will revolve in the Philippines and other countries as well

To all the students who are taking this thing rough, I know how it feels like. I will do the best thing I can to share to you my knowledge. Let me share to you one of the famous letter of Ninoy Aquino to his son.

Live with honor

The only advice I can give you [son Noynoy]: live with honor and follow your conscience.

Ninoy's letter to Noynoy (Benigno Aquino III), August 25, 1973

It is good to know that we are all guided by our own vision, our hopes and our convictions.