Reflection

It’s been almost half a year since I got exposed into a language my teammates use but I still hardly
understand. I have learned a word or phrase, but I always use it to express my understanding of the
matter (or the utter lack of it). Imagine the initial anxiousness I had when we went to Iligan City for our
medical mission; talking to patients whose concerns I did not understand, up to the culture I am yet to
comprehend. Barely a month passed and here I am again, flying to another place, to another region, to a
language subtly different to the one I’m already familiar with (ie. “Kasabot” in Mindanao means
understanding; while in Ilo-ilo, it means pubic hair), but with more confidence in facing patients I am
vastly unfamiliar with.

We experienced many hiccups along the way – from problems in luggage to scheduling adjustments and
transportation break-downs – but we found a way to push through with the mission. I have been
involved in the mission in Hinoba-an (as the other half was involved in Pahanocoy the following day) and
I was surprised with the load of people who came for check-up. I was also surprised with the facts that I
gained – on how far the hospital to the area (4 hours ride to the nearest location), or how poor their
grasp of knowledge about certain health practices, or how hard it is for them to do laboratory
examinations that we find routine in our hospital duties. We have to make do with the medications
available, in order to have an answer to rising BP measurements or blatant infection (despite not being
first-line medication).

As one of the persons responsible for documenting the mission (and its subsequent recreational
activities), this means I would have less opportunities in interacting with patients. This was proven right
during the first leg of the mission, but I had to forego documenting on the second leg as the bulk of
patients means needing additional manpower to finish on schedule. Work was efficient, mainly due to
the support and assistance of the local health unit in Hinoba-an. They provided the framework for
triage, dispensing (of medications), and crowd control, and it was a big help because we became more
focused in the thing we do best – assessment and diagnosis. For that, I am very much thankful for them.

The community support was overflowing. As mentioned earlier, the local health unit of Hinoba-an
assisted us in our medical mission. They provided the logistics and us the manpower. The people are
supportive in terms of food, lodging and accommodation. Even the foreign volunteer that we’ve met
(alias James Reid) were very helpful in terms of providing documentation and fruitful stories between
his hopping of communities. We felt very welcome and we responded by giving everything we’ve got –
by providing healthcare – albeit temporary – to those who really need it and give hope to those who
have a hard time gaining access to health professionals.

Overall, it has been a rewarding experience for me. Healthcare is not confined to the four corners of the
hospital, but to anywhere in the country as long as you are around. You are equipped to give healing to
those who need it – the knowledge, the expertise, and the experience are already there. It is rewarding
to see people glimmer with hope, and the long trip and loaded expenses were worth it.