Faith or Fear?

by Riezyl Barbadillo

It was on one of my conversations with an old professor when I first heard of this question. At that time I thought I understood what he meant when he said this. But to my surprise, it took on a really different meaning during the three-week Zamboanga Crisis.

 “Fear imprisons, faith liberates; fear paralyzes, faith empowers; fear disheartens, faith encourages; fear sickens, faith heals; fear puts us into hopelessness, while faith rejoices in its God. You choose Faith or fear?”

A Little Help

by Rothessa Reyes

 

Each semester culminates with a community immersion. During last year’s immersion, our team was able to establish rapport with the people, gather data about the barangay, conduct health teachings and formulate community health plans.  OPLAN KAUSABAN 2016 was the product of the two months we spent in the community. Our team was supposed to leave for Roxas last September 28, 2013.  This time around, our goal was to start the ball rolling. It was time to put OPLAN KAUSABAN 2016 into action.  Unfortunately, due to the stand-off between the security forces and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), classes were suspended as well as our awaited return to the community. 

Courtesy of Phil Inquirer

Every Zamboangueño was affected by the stand-off. It brought about fear and tragic experiences especially to those living in and near the area of conflict. Many lives were lost and hundreds of houses were ruined.  Everyone was left wounded. Everyone mourned for a killed soldier, father, mother or child. Many fled the city to seek safer grounds but thousands were displaced to evacuation centers where they have to endure the lack of food, water and problems with regards to health and sanitation. Day by day, the number of evacuees piled up and communicable diseases also erupted. However, the government, other Zamboangueños and other cities, extended their help. There was more food, water, clothing, medicines and temporary shelters for the evacuees. 

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.

My Community Experience

by Mary Joanne L. Vargas

"...the smiles that you see on the faces of each person in the community is worth more than what i have sacrificed for..."

Problem based learning.. self directed learning.. learning issues..OSCE.. VOSCE.. community exposure..

We exist not for OURSELVES but for GOD and OTHERS. - Definitely YES!

These are the things that describe Ateneo de Zamboanga University School of Medicine, a unique school that engages its students to the real world, the real experience that each of us will face in the future to become a better doctor.

Among the things mentioned, the Community Exposure is both the fun and the exhausting part of the curriculum.  Each student like me, learns a thing or two in the community. I learned how to sacrifice my comfort zones like TV, internet, cellphone and most especially, my bed!

You ought to do your own laundry and deal with all the insects around.
But the smiles that you see on the faces of each person in the community is worth more than what i have sacrificed for.

The tears they have shed for us when we told them that it was time for us to go back to Zamboanga even though they know that we will come back soon, are heart breaking and priceless. The residents of Denoman is our second family, our second home. Me and my groupmates are very glad because they accepted us immediately without hesitation.