As medical and public health students of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU), we focus on helping provide solutions to health problems of people and communities to Western Mindanao and beyond, and protecting and improving community health through disease prevention, education, and a lot more. As we set foot in our communities, we put into our hearts the essence of cura personalis – care and concern for the whole person, and magis – to go above and beyond in everything we do. Being given the opportunity to touch and help other people’s lives in a positive way is amazing. It is something that we are grateful for and not take lightly
Thursday, January 3. Our class started with a five hour trip going to Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. Our group moved into Barangay La Concepcion, located 13km away from the town proper and settled in the Barangay Hall. Doctors from AdZU and our community preceptor, Dr. Rex Samson accompanied us. We were able to arrive safely, thanks to the bus provided by the school.
Photo of the team after arriving in the Barangay Hall. Photo by Narjavel Usman
We were also able to meet with the Barangay Captain, Mr. Crispin Taruc Jr., and the barangay midwife, Mrs. Mariven Alcorin. Our group will coordinate with them for the activities that we plan to do.
This is just the beginning of our journey with the community. We maybe far from our comfort zone, but we are here not to just survive community life, we are here to live it.