Technical Support to Developing Rural Communities

We had a smooth ride on our way to Barangay Camansi, Montevista, Comval, the last barangay to receive the assessment. Upon reaching the place, participants were already there waiting together with the barangay captain who welcomed us. It was a sunny day and people on that place were all busy. After a short welcome, we were ushered by some participants to the activity area.  We started posting the visuals and that signaled them that the training was about to start.

The preliminaries, introduction of participants and giving of expectations were normally conducted. A short message from the barangay captain welcomed the participants. The activity was participated by the barangay council, barangay health workers, BNS (Barangay Nutrition Scholars) and IP representatives. A brief background of the Project and PRA tools were discussed respectively. Amazingly, participants expressed their ideas, arguments and have also raised concerns. The data presented were validated.

I appreciate how they gave ideas to address the occurrence of the problems in their barangay, especially on health matters. However, participants also find time to give jokes and a spree to laugh but at the same time learning out of it. The explanation of the speakers gave clarity to vague and obscure topics. Participants’ insights were good and provocative. I saw how they are affected with the assessment.

First Activity: Participatory Rapid Assessment/Appraisal

Activity:Participatory Rapid Assessment/Appraisal

Date: Feb. 16, 2015

Venue: Brgy. Hall, Banglasan, Montevista, ComVal Province

                Before the activity I saw the CO’s prepared. After we filled our empty stomach we went to the terminal. The idea of riding a “skylab” was one thing that filled the excitement. It was my first time. We left the Poblacion area around 8:00 am. The weather wasn’t good though. Light rain was pouring. We came down the road and the rain inked the streets. Mountains were covered by white smoke. At first it was a smooth ride until it turned out bad.

                Before we reached the place I saw how people lived their lives. Simple. I saw how they cultivated their crops, how they raised their animals. We crossed a river, schools and other existing projects of the NGO's. I learned that it is not easy to reach a certain place just to give them education and technical support. It takes passion.

                Together with the midwife who happened to conduct the immunization that day, we were welcomed by the barangay captain. We started the assessment immediately. I was task to facilitate the introduction of participants. The activity was attended by the Barangay Captain, BHW’s, a Midwife, BNS, Tribal Chieftain, pastor and representatives from Senior Citizen and the barangay Secretary. I really appreciate the warm welcome of the participants. After that, the background of the project and PRA tools were presented.

                Participants were actively participating. Issues and other medical concerns were raised. The interaction was good. They were assessed in a collective and participatory manner. Some topics were deeply discussed and argued. I saw the problem of the barangay and I was moved by the fact that the activity affects them as to how they view on health.

                The PRA in Banglasan was the first exposure for me. It introduced me into a perspectivewhere I can feel belongingness. The roadtrips, budgeting, ambiance, my team mates, the interactions of the participants and the warm welcome of the people are things that lived my expectations.

A New Experience

Activity: Travel from Davao to Montevista

Time: 1:30 pm

Feb. 15, 2015

                Together with my co-OJT  we traveled  from Davao to Montevista as per advise from our team leader. This idea was formulated to meet the CO’s before the activity on the next day. We traveled for almost four hours. When we were in Davao the team Montevista already contacted us about our status; what terminal; what time is expected for arrival and the like. We arrived at around 4:30 pm. Waited for a couple of minutes and took some rest. Three people showed up and approached us. Upon confirmation and a couple of introductions, we proceed to the rented boarding house. The warm welcome of ate Ruan, ate Haide and kuya Mack was amazing. We unload our baggage and quench our thirst immediately. We were introduced to the owner, landlady and other board mates.

                I really appreciate the fact that they don’t want us to feel intimidated. However, they embraced and accepted us as their brother and sister. We shared the meal with laughter and series of topics.