After our four years of community medicine journey at Barangay La Concepcion in the Municipality of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, a Disengagement Program was held on 2nd of September 2022. This Disengagement Program was conducted for us to formally say our farewell to the people and to make them understand that the programs that were created with them are for the betterment of the health of their community and hopefully, will flourish even though we leave the community.
The Disengagement Program was conducted at the La Concepcion Elementary School Covered Court. It was attended by the Municipality Health Officer, Dr. Rex V. Samson, ADZU-SOM Representatives Dr Sta. Elena, Dr. Elgie Gregorio, and Mr. Victoriano Saavedra; Barangay Council; Barangay Health Personnel; La Concepcion Elementary School Representative, Ms. Marfie Dinglasa; and the people of the community.
A turnover of our Community Health Plans and the Communal bins to the Barangay Council was also done. We also gave the Barangay Council our token of appreciation for their support during our entire community exposure.
We gave a time for our doctors to speak in front of the people in the community. Dr. Gregorio gave a talk about the curriculum of the school and how it is designed to help communities. Also, Dr. Samson talked about the reasons why he assigned us in Brgy. La Concepcion. He also related the story of the Blind Men and the Elephant to public health, emphasizing that we may individually describe a problem correctly but all of us may be wrong in pointing out what it truly is when we do not consider all other perspectives.
Furthermore, we individually gave our messages of how grateful we were for the help, support, cooperation, kindness, and hospitality that the people of Barangay La Concepcion has shown to us.
The disengagement program ended with the surprise video showing the community exposure activities that we had from the start of our community journey.
Again, we, the medical students are so grateful to the entire community of Barangay La Concepcion for welcoming us in your community. Daghang Salamat, La Concepcion! Mamalik mi. God bless you all.