Allan Out of Post

One significant part of an effective health care delivery system are the people working hand in hand in the medical aspect. For a nation to progress, it must be a healthy nation. Good health at a Barangay level is an important investment in realizing the country’s goal in promoting health for all Filipinos. My second week in Tondo became very exciting since I got the chance to know some of the people who works in Canossa. The services each has to offer play a significant role in the successful operations of the center. I learnt about the dedication and passion of the nuns in running the center and implementing their programs which are some of the secrets of a successful organization. Political will is vital! The beauty of volunterism is also exhibit in the center. Their love for the people and how they value the concept of being healthy is one of the answers in solving a problematic health situation. One must have the drive to be involved despite of the workload and the re...

With the booming industrialization in the City of Manila is the existince of a saddening situation of some oppressed parts of the metro. Despite the modernization and scientific breakthrough, the downfall of some aspects in the community is still evident. Furthermore, a saddening health situation is also one of the major concerns that must be addressed by the city government. My first week in Tondo, Manila was an eye opener despite of my knowledge of the real situation of the people living in the said area. Seeing it personally is heartbreaking. If I would gather all the pieces of the puzzle (Tondo situation), it would reveal a bigger and remarkable percentage of the unfortunate situation of the place. While approaching Canossa, what struck me the most was the “island of  houses”  occupying the national road. “Paraiso”, a popular song by the Smoky Mountain popped up immediately into my mind. Yes, it’s poverty and it only depicts that there is lacking political will in...

The concept of a family starts from the moment we recognize the people surrounding us. Just like the time when our moms carried us the first time and we felt their warmth exuding from their skin. It is the time when our dads play “peek a boo” in front of us and see us giggle every time we see their face. It is the time when our siblings lie down beside us when we are asleep and started to wake us up to play. Every time I recall my own childhood memories with my family, I realize that It is one of the most wonderful times that ever happened to me. There was nanay, tatay, and toto. They were all smiling at me. They were excited to see me grow, enjoy with my playmates, go to school for the first time, graduate for the 1st time, excel in school, meet new friends, visit other places, seen me finished high school, conquered college and medical school. Yes, they were there for me! I felt so lucky to have them until my post graduate internship (the last step before the Physician Licensure Ex...

Everyday of their lives, they spend most of their time in bus terminals to sell peanuts, boiled quail eggs, fish crackers, bottled water and the like. I bought a plastic of peanut for 10 pesos and a bottled water for 15 pesos. The 25 pesos I gave him meant a lot to him. The extreme heat of the sun is nothing for him.  I  admire these people because they are doing it for a very significant reason. Their little income gives their family joy and hopes to continue life no matter what. Some are raising a family, some are helping their parents, some have no choice but to do so because of lack of education and it is very hard for them to compete in the field of employment. I salute them because of the simple joys they bring to the commuters and travelers. I hope that they will be blessed with a healthier body as they continue their journey in life. :)

Flower garland sellers are common in the Philippines. Quezon City, Philippines is one of the largest cities in the country. With the vast and rapid changes, the undeniable fact of poverty still exists. I stayed for about a year in Quezon City for my medical licensure examination review classes. I was in Fairview and my stay was indeed memorable. I met people and made friends with them. Somehow, they touched my life and they will always be cherished. These are my classmates! The background is Pearl Drive and it's where the little girls stay and sell garlands. :) Everytime I pass by Pearl Drive in Fairview, two little street girls ran after me to sell flower garlands. They have been doing that for a long time already and they have no choice because the little amount they gain from it will be spent for their classes the next day. The little girls never knew my name that time so, they do call me "sir bente-bente" (sir 20-20). That was cute! Hehe. Twenty, for...