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 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.

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.