Dealing with the People in the Community: Initial Step

This days marks the most exhilarating day to me because I went through series of activities that tested my ability in dealing with people in the community.  I visited two of the Muslim-inhabited  Barangays today. Brgy Lucatan and BrgyCabagayan to meet the respective Brgy. Captains in Tarragona, Davao Oriental.

  

When I was about to reach the Barangay Hall there were people standing there, talking. The secretary greeted me and  immediately logged in to the register of visitors. Waiting patiently was the barangay captain who was reallly in rush because of another meeting in poblacion. I talked to him about my purpose. He also talked about the way how people mostly lived their lives there and how people participate in every project that may be given to them. The whole conversation really was okay. He said they are open for any development introduce to them as long as it is for the good of its people. Our conversation ended with a warm smile. I immediately ask the secreatry of all the available barangay records they have. He sneaked a little bit sitting beside me and shared some information. His meeting was about to start and decided to spend time to me otherwise. Moreover, it was really good to know that all the data that I need was available. After completing the data I bid goodbye and decided to go. I left Brgy. Lucatan at 11: 50 am and waited for a motorbike going to National Highway. Reaching the national highway there is a terminal. That time I was so hungry. I fillled my stomach and decided to went on board (motor) at exaclty 1:00 pm.

The scheduled Courtesy call to the Brgy. Captain of Cabagayan was really in perfect timing because thee operation tuli is ongoing, therefore, officials are present in this kind of activity. I waited for the kapitan for 30 minutes because he was entertaining other visitors. When it was my time, I began to talked and delivered my speech as usual. His reaction was good though. We talked lots of things and decided to cut the conversation. He led me all the way to the barangay secretary for data gathering. I talked to him and greeted him. Asked a favor, he responded me and handed me over the data that I needed. We talk, laugh and shared common stories. A 40 year old man, single and available according to him. However, I continued to work on to my work and did the multi tasking; chikka and data gathering.

I finished the data gathering and immediate got his number. The Chairwoman of the Women's Association suddenly showed up and greeted us. Something  just pushed me to do the strategy. I talked to her and presented the project and the possible engagement of their association to the project. I was really happy that time. I went to the BHS and greeted the nurses and volunteers as they cut the flesh of those hundreds of children registered for circumcision. I helped them a bit and decided to go home.

Persons Met:

Brgy Lucatan

Bargy Capt.: Hon. Estalin Martin

Brgy. Treasurer: Nelia S. Colicog

Brgy. Kgd. Garry Jay Fernando

Brgy. Cabagayan

Brgy. Capt.: Hon.Bernaldo Sangue

Brgy. Secretary: Gekery Gangis

Challenges and Problems Encountered

The challenge that I experience was my security because I went to these two barangays without any companion. We already set an early morning departure from the poblacion but the assigned midwife in one of the barangays was not able to come because of the operation tuli in other barangays. It was really a problem to me because I know that the barangay captain is expecting me to come for the scheduled courtesy call. Even though it was hard for me to really go, I took the risk. When I arrived, I was really thankful that I decided to come because the captain patiently waited. He even stressed out that he didn’t really go to the poblacion for a some matter and really waited me for such purpose.

Reflection:

Taking risk is not something that tell us what or when to do something. We just need to use our common sense and behave, act and think positively, for there are things that really matter to us. Right decisions comes in a right time and right way. To sum it up, daghan kog nakat-onan karong adlawa.hahaha 

Provincial Orientation and Planning Meeting

The day was intended for the Provincial Orientation and all of us are really excited to rock the stage. Bearing in mind the tasks that we need to do, we all set ourselves as the program was about to start. Participants from six municipalities came. The registration was going on as I played the TB Informational videos. Participants who has been there in the area really find it nice to get to know more about TB aside from the idea that they already have in mind, I saw how they enjoyed the media maybe because of the animations and the kind of presentation being showed. When we were about to start the program, I was really nervous but remain at ease. I began the said event by saying a famous quote of Nelson Mandela which I think gave impact. I was suddenly driven by my inner self, my nerves were cracking and that really was the time that I wasn’t able to organize the acknowledgement of participants, some was not recognized well. Especially the MHO of Baganga. However, despite the said technicalities the program went well and delivered based on its real purpose.

The activity commenced before everyone had to eat the lunch. Picture taking and series of conversation went on as we eat. Participants immediately left the area and we were all there for the restoration and after care. We assessed the activity and identified some of the positive outputs. We went home at around  3:00 pm and reached Davao City before twilight.

Challenges and Problems Encountered:

1. Microphone and other technical assistance arise because of lack of coordination between DMSF staff and Honey's Hotel  before the day of the activity.
2. Uncoordinated presentation (prezi) because there was no pointer available and no rehearsal was made.

3. Most of the MHO's are absent that affects the decision making and discussion on the coordination and referral mechanism.

Reflection:

I was really surprised how we end up into a not so really successful provincial orientation but really we did our very best to come up with an acceptable output. We were al happy because at last we initiated the activity. It is good to know that all of us took our part to do this. However, there were some simple things that I think we need to work on. Anyway we are new to this job, but you know what is not new to us is our common sense, our guts and our desire to do the job. We are in the first phase of the project and I know it is hard, given also that some of us doesn't have experience in  organizing events. In my part, hosting is one thing I was doing when I was in college and I almost forgot how to do it because I haven't able to practice it for a very long time. I felt different that time that I wasn’t able to do it properly. But aside from that I really appreciate how all of us took the challenge.

"It's always seem impossible , until its done" - Nelson Mandela

Data Gathering at Rural Health Unit, Short Meeting with MHO and Courtesy Call to Barangay Cabagayan and Barangay Tomoaong, Tarragona, Davao Oriental

Short Talk with MHO

The early morning experience with Municipal Health Officer Dr. Prosperidad Silveron was one of the things that I like most about today's activities.  I finally had the chance to talk with her about all the things that I might do for the whole period of my stay. She said she was really very busy these past few days and she even stressed out how hard it is for her to be wide awake the other nights due to series of activities that have been lining up. I was really happy that at last I really presented my major activities. The planned courtesy call wasn’t conducted due busy schedules of the mayor. However, the following outputs have been achieved after a short meeting. These are the following;

• Identified the main goal of MHO in Tb Control (Success Rate)
• Arrangements of Courtesy Call to Mayor (availability)

• Reconciliation of TB data to improve recording system in identifying  actual tb cases all forms.

• Validated the availability of health data and other TB related statistics.

I decided to conduct the barangay courtesy call to two of the most nearest barangay and ask for  the approval of the MHO. Fortunately, she permitted me. The two barangays  situated along  the highway became the first two areas I visited  today. I began my journey at around 11 am.

Brgy. Cabagayan

Reaching the area was quite easy due to good access of vehicles whether it is a van, a "skylab" or a bus. I preferred to take a van that time as recommended by one of the RHU staff in order to save transportation expenses. I filled my empty stomach before going to the barangay hall, prepared the brochure, and myself of course. Present during my visit were only the SPES scholars, barangay record keeper and Botika ng Barangay Staff. The barangay officials are currently attending seminar at Davao City about the procurement and budgeting. With courage, I began to speak and introduced myself, talked about the project and its main goal or purpose. I stayed for 1 and a half hour and just kept asking  relevant questions. I have even joined them on their late lunch. While they were eating, there were things that I really learned including  the place and the people who lives there. I expressed myself in a way that they can relate to me because most of them are young people. They all treated me very well. I cant help the feeling of being valued, every words I  speak and every gestures I made was meaningful to them. I have this feeling of being dignified, being respected which I think I have never experienced before. However, there are things that have made me realize how hard it is for the first timers like me to talk with these groups of people. The courtesy call achieved the following:

• Initially identified trends (political), religious distribution (Muslims and Christian)
• Schedule of Regular Session (this coming May 6 and 13, 2015)
• Met the Botika ng Barangay Personnel and identified the medicines that are mostly accessed by the people (for cough, fever, diarrhea, skin rashes)
• Captured photos of the Barangay Map (11 sitios), Barangay Organizational Structure (expanded), health data board (updated) and Barangay Officials.
• Scheduled the Courtesy Call on Monday, April 27, 2015, Afternoon.

The scheduled date of the operation tuli of the Municipal Health Office will be on April 27, 2015 and I said I'll be present during that time to finally meet the barangay captain and the councilors as well.

Barangay Tomoaong

The 1 hour wait for the van along the highway was really good because I was able to talk to the people within the area. I was in a hurry and decided to take a break and went to the CR in one of the houses beside the road. I was surprised with what I saw and it introduced me into what they called "antipolo", a kind of toilet that has only two slits of wood  at the center creating a rectangular-shape hole. But what I appreciate was the concrete septic tank that they are using. When I was waiting, I asked couple of people  as to how they have been living their lives there. Most of them are Muslims and it was really in my mind the fear of talking to them because I have bad experiences with the Muslims in our place. I decided to finally ride the motorbike  because the time left was not enough to really conduct the visit. I have in my mind that the next barangay has no barangay officials because of the seminar bu then I pursued. When I got there, I was reminded of the woman  I talked when I was in Cabagayan. She was the same woman,very timid and was wearing a headress called "tubon". I reached through her and greeted everybody in the Barangay Health Station. The woman was incidentally the Barangay Kagawad and the committee chair on health. I was really surprised then. I met the Midwife, Rosie M. Alcoser, BHW's and RHMPP Miss Fern, assigned in the barangay. The courtesy call achieved the following:

• Initially identified trends (political), religious distribution (Muslims and Christian)

• Met the federation president of Coconut Association (possible CBO) in the area and other staff of the BHS.

• Established friendly environment towards Kagawad on Health and the Midwife.
• Captured photos of the Barangay Mission and Vision, Barangay Organizational Structure (expanded), Barangay Officials, Names of other barangay development council.

I found out that there are only 3 barangay captains that have served the community since the barangay was established in in 1968. People are more focused on improving their methods and technologies applied in farming which is actually stated in their mission vision statement. The barangay plaza was filled with joy and celebration because of the upcoming fiesta on the 29th of April. A have seen a picture of a healthy and unified community because people are working together on the preparation and beutification.  I went back to the poblacion Tarragona together with the RHMPP, Miss Fernie who is assigned in the area. Gladly I was able to ride in a jeepney once again. Around 5:30 pm I jumped off the jeepney bringing with me the first experience in 2 barangays that I visited.

Reflection:

There are things that have helped improved myself. I learned that you really need to have courage and patience to be able to achieve whatever goals you wanted. Taking away doubts and negative things might be a good factor in seeing new things in a broader sense.

Courtesy Call to Barangay Local Government Unit

Activity: Short Talk with MHO. The early morning experience with Municipal Health Officer Dr. Prosperidad Silveron was one of the things that I like most about today's activities.  I finally had the chance to talk with her about all the things that I might do for the whole period of my stay. She said she was really very busy these past few days and she even stressed out how hard it is for her to be wide awake the other nights due to series of activities that have been lining up. I was really happy that at last I really presented my major activities. The planned courtesy call wasn’t conducted due busy schedules of the mayor. However, the following outputs have been achieved after a short meeting. These are the following;

• Identified the main goal of MHO in Tb Control (Success Rate)
• Arrangements of Courtesy Call to Mayor (availability)
• Reconciliation of TB data to improve recording system in identifying  actual tb cases all forms.
• Validated the availability of health data and other TB related statistics.

I decided to conduct the barangay courtesy call to two of the most nearest barangay and ask for  the approval of the MHO. Fortunately, she permitted me. The two barangays  situated along  the highway became the first two areas I visited  today. I began my journey at around 11 am.

Brgy. Cabagayan

Reaching the area was quite easy due to good access of vehicles whether it is a van, a "skylab" or a bus. I preferred to take a van that time as recommended by one of the RHU staff in order to save transportation expenses. I filled my empty stomach before going to the barangay hall, prepared the brochure, and myself of course. Present during my visit were only the SPES scholars, barangay record keeper and Botika ng Barangay Staff. The barangay officials are currently attending seminar at Davao City about the procurement and budgeting. With courage, I began to speak and introduced myself, talked about the project and its main goal or purpose. I stayed for 1 and a half hour and just kept asking  relevant questions. I have even joined them on their late lunch. While they were eating, there were things that I really learned including  the place and the people who lives there. I expressed myself in a way that they can relate to me because most of them are young people. They all treated me very well. I cant help the feeling of being valued, every words I  speak and every gestures I made was meaningful to them. I have this feeling of being dignified, being respected which I think I have never experienced before. However, there are things that have made me realize how hard it is for the first timers like me to talk with these groups of people. The courtesy call achieved the following:

• Initially identified trends (political), religious distribution (Muslims and Christian)
• Schedule of Regular Session (this coming May 6 and 13, 2015)
• Met the Botika ng Barangay Personnel and identified the medicines that are mostly accessed by the people (for cough, fever, diarrhea, skin rashes)

• Captured photos of the Barangay Map (11 sitios), Barangay Organizational Structure (expanded), health data board (updated) and Barangay Officials.

• Scheduled the Courtesy Call on Monday, April 27, 2015, Afternoon.

The scheduled date of the operation tuli of the Municipal Health Office will be on April 27, 2015 and I said I'll be present during that time to finally meet the barangay captain and the councilors as well.

Barangay Tomoaong

The 1 hour wait for the van along the highway was really good because I was able to talk to the people within the area. I was in a hurry and decided to take a break and went to the CR in one of the houses beside the road. I was surprised with what I saw and it introduced me into what they called "antipolo", a kind of toilet that has only two slits of wood  at the center creating a rectangular-shape hole. But what I appreciate was the concrete septic tank that they are using. When I was waiting, I asked couple of people  as to how they have been living their lives there. Most of them are Muslims and it was really in my mind the fear of talking to them because I have bad experiences with the Muslims in our place. I decided to finally ride the motorbike  because the time left was not enough to really conduct the visit. I have in my mind that the next barangay has no barangay officials because of the seminar bu then I pursued. When I got there, I was reminded of the woman  I talked when I was in Cabagayan. She was the same woman,very timid and was wearing a headress called "tubon". I reached through her and greeted everybody in the Barangay Health Station. The woman was incidentally the Barangay Kagawad and the committee chair on health. I was really surprised then. I met the Midwife, Rosie M. Alcoser, BHW's and RHMPP Miss Fern, assigned in the barangay. The courtesy call achieved the following:

• Initially identified trends (political), religious distribution (Muslims and Christian)

• Met the federation president of Coconut Association (possible CBO) in the area and other staff of the BHS.

• Established friendly environment towards Kagawad on Health and the Midwife.

• Captured photos of the Barangay Mission and Vision, Barangay Organizational Structure (expanded), Barangay Officials, Names of other barangay development council.

I found out that there are only 3 barangay captains that have served the community since the barangay was established in in 1968. People are more focused on improving their methods and technologies applied in farming which is actually stated in their mission vision statement. The barangay plaza was filled with joy and celebration because of the upcoming fiesta on the 29th of April. A have seen a picture of a healthy and unified community because people are working together on the preparation and beutification.  I went back to the poblacion Tarragona together with the RHMPP, Miss Fernie who is assigned in the area. Gladly I was able to ride in a jeepney once again. Around 5:30 pm I jumped off the jeepney bringing with me the first experience in 2 barangays that I visited.

Reflection:

There are things that have helped improved myself. I learned that you really need to have courage and patience to be able to achieve whatever goals you wanted. Taking away doubts and negative things might be a good factor in seeing new things in a broader sense.

TRAVEL TIME (Davao City to Tarragona, Davao Oriental)

We left Davao City at 10 am. Together with Dimple we went to Mati City. At 3 pm, we reached Mati City and finally went to our respective municipality. The 1 hour drive from Mati City to Municipality of Tarragona was quick because the roads are concrete and there was no sign traffic. I already contacted the TB Aider of Tarragona, Mr. Elmer Acosta for the expected time of my arrival.

I reached the Rural Health Unit at around 5 pm. Mr. Pusta, Ms. Bridget and  Mr. Renan welcomed me. I was then introduced by the TB Aider to other staff. Among of those that I met today are midwives; Ate Inday1, Ate Inday2, Sir Jun and Jie2x.  I began to talk and introduced myself. We chatted and shared common stories.

Challenges and Problems Encountered:

The challenge was the establishment of contact towards the TB Aider. It was one of the crucial part of the trip because I've been contacting  him a couple of times but didn’t respond. I texted one of his colleagues and asked for his active number.    Fortunately, they replied. The number that was first given to me by the TB Aider from Baganga was wrong. I thanked to TB Aider of Caraga for sending the number though it was late. I immediately called Mr. Pusta and fortunately, he answered. I was then in awe when he was telling me that he was going to leave the RHU at 5 pm. I was really weary that time and decided to just let go of the situation. I took the risk and gladly he was there, patiently waiting when I came.

Reflection:

One of the most valuable thing I learned today is to just don’t lose hope. The hope I am referring to was the time I had nothing but a chance to gain contact and suddenly a text message I received was one of the awesome hopes that I've had. I was really  battling between fear and hope when I was sitting inside the bus. I'd like to quote that, "risk taking is something that tells us of the infinite possibilities, we are not human if we do not take risks" , indeed we are all created to be hopeful and fashioned with actions . We just  need to pray and take actions. These are the perfect formula to success. 

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.