Not the usual thing I see everyday..

by Joanne Vargas

In my 22 years of existence, the Zamboanga Siege was the first war that I experienced for almost a month unlike the Cabatangan Siege in 2001 that lasted a week or less. The war that happened here in my hometown is very memorable to me and I will never forget it as long as I live because it started on a Monday of September 9, 2013, the day of my 22nd birthday.

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...

OPLAN KAUSABAN 2016

by Nurdaya T. Abubakar

The KKK to CHANGE: Kalimpyuhan, Kalawasan, Kabuhayan

Oplan Kausaban 2016

"...because the key to change is in the hands of the community people themselves"

Pun-an Denoman believes that COMMUNITY is multifaceted. It is contingent upon various factors that when put together to work, will bring about KAUSABAN (CHANGE) -- Change that will IMPROVE the health of the people; Change that will give them a sense of EMPOWERMENT; And Change, CHANGE that will not only lead them to IMPROVEMENT but to SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT as well. 

Kalimpyuhan (Sanitation), Kalawasan (Health) & Kabuhayan (Livelihood)

Oplan Kausaban 2016 is an effort of bringing Denoman into a new perspective, where the community people themselves are the building blocks towards a healthier, cleaner and a more progressive community. This is a battle against the Barangay's unsanitary condition, poor health and poverty. And winning this battle means tapping the community, empowering and bringing out the best in them -- because the key to change is in the hands of the community themselves.

for more info on Oplan Kausaban 2016, visit http://pun-andenoman2016.blogspot.com/p/whats-hot.html

Le Dossier

Into Denoman: Psychedelics and Whatnots

by Elno Rae S. Estrada

"...it is not about what we can give them; it is about the determination that they can do something for themselves and for their community..."

Doc Elno, the Master of Ceremony in the Community Assemby, talks his
way to capture the heart and minds of  the  audience.

To be in a place wherein I was really tested up to the smallest anatomy of my body brought a transformation that even I myself could hardly envision. It was a challenge that I had to master; it was a challenge.

The Barangay of Denoman in the Municipality of Manuel A. Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte was a haven for me, amidst the nuisance of everyday life. 

The place was way too different from the environment that I grew in for the past 21 years. But it did not matter at all. Rather, it opened an opportunity for me to embrace and understand the community life. It was a realization that I was glad to have.

Although the community is somewhat progressing, there are still things that need help and changing. Like for example, misconceptions on health and their health-seeking behaviors that necessitate attention and proper enhancement of knowledge.

Their struggle with low income and their need for other sources of income are also some of the major concerns. Furthermore, the barangay has poor practices regarding solid waste management. But with correctly taught strategies and activities, I am 100% confident that they can do better with it.

After our second exposure, I can steadfastly say that the challenges we are going to face for the next three years will give me the extra push to do things that will make them grasp the whole idea of change, improvement, and sustainability.
However, they must first appreciate the potential that they have. After all, it is not about what we can give them; it is about the determination that they can do something for themselves and for their community.