Through the Months...

by Nurdaya Abubakar

June 2013.

Finally, the Oplan Kausaban framework has been completed. After the all the efforts and sacrifices that the team and community people have gone through, we have finally presented our OPLAN KAUSABAN 2016 to the medical school during the Community Health Plan (CHP) Presentation. Implementation of our plans was just months away and we were all looking forward in making it a reality... Below is a glimpse of our Oplan Kausaban:

 

August 2013.

The team started preparing for the implementation of the Oplan Kausaban. Our calendar was already filled with scheduled activities. We were all excited to set foot once again to the place that brought the team together. We were excited to bring about change. BUT...

September 9, 2013 3:30am.

That morning.
Gunshots broke the silence in the City.

A war has started. Our excitement were all turned into fear. Everyone was hoping and praying for it to end soon but for reasons we don't know, for the conspiracies behind it, and for all the better plans that God has already made for us despite this adversity, the war continued for a month. Billions worth of properties were burned and destroyed. Almost a hundred thousand people were evacuated. Over 200 people were taken hostage. A lot of people got sick. A lot of people died.

In response to this, our batch, Potencia Domus decided to help the affected ones. By giving a portion of what we have, we were able to provide hygiene kits with the aim of promoting health. Some of us also volunteered in the Medical operations at Grandstand and WMSU Gymnasium.

WMSU Gymnasium was temporarily used as a satellite hospital of Zamboanga City Medical Center due to the armed conflict near the said facility.

October 2013.

 Tents of displaced families were flooded as a result of the heavy rainfall.

Finally, the war has ended and clearing operations started. Heavy typhoon soon followed which seemed to wash away the remains of the war. However, the city streets and even the evacuation centers were flooded. Towards the end of October, the ghost town atmosphere was already replaced by the vivid ambience that the Ciudad used to have. People are now trying to move on with their lives. Indeed, God will not give us problems we cannot solve. :)

Team Denoman is currently working on modifying the plans that should have been started already. We are not taking this as a set back but rather we see this as a challenge and a reminder that no matter what happens, no matter where we are, we have to move forward, help others if we can and even in our own little ways, be the catalyst for CHANGE.