A.B.Y.A.N. KA: Stories From The Countryside

Unsung Heroes of Philippine Public Health

2010-04-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

The Final Dance Moves of Abyan Ka

2009-12-05T18:26:00.001-08:00

ABYAN KA Graduation 35th CME

2009-12-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

BATCH 23 ABYAN KA
Doctors to the Barrios
November 2007-October 2009

The 34th DTTB CME in Tagaytay (May 4-14, 2009)

2009-05-15T05:47:00.000-07:00

Catharsis

2008-11-14T14:33:00.000-08:00

"hay...minsan nakakapagod na magtrabaho no? ano ba talaga ang relation
ng PHTL sa DTTB? yan ang tanong ko kay doc tin. she answered..bosing
ng DOH rep...exactly! !!
ang PHTL namin ni -----, feeling ata niya under niya kami, always
looking for us in seminars, trainings..as if we have to meet him for
attendance. nag AOP kase kami before our CME, e siyempre nakaalis na
sa area. He told me mas priority daw ang AOP kase yun ang trabaho
natin kesa sa CME, kase CME lang yan. but dra. tin said, nasa MOA
natin yan that we should attend CME unless diba siyempre kung
emergency or may epidemic sa area.
kanina, umattend kami ng seminar ni ----- about responsible
parenting. nasa communication: family planning officer, MSWDO,
nutrition officer, Population officer..yun lang...so walang MHO. kayo
ba pupunta? pumunta pa din kami ni ----- kase hinahanap kami dahil
dapat daw may DTTB. e ni hindi nga kasama sa team ang MHO e....minsan nakakalito na din sila. ETO PA!!! yung text ko na yun umabot kay -----...umabot sa DOH coordinator. so I texted back to ----- & DOH
coordinator, I'm here na sa seminar..ok na..i'm just asking what is
the relation of the PHTL sa mga DTTB. wag na sana palakihin ang
issue, thank you. unang una...if may mga issue ba tayo naaayos nila?
sweldo na lang natin di nga nila maayos, pati yung philhealth, GSIS,
pag-ibig yun man lang sana inaasikaso nila. pero pag mga cheezzzmax
na issue mabilis pa sa alas kwatro!!! TRUE? or TRUE?"

reposted from the e-group email. Sender wished to remain anonymous.

Celebrating One Year As DTTBs

2008-11-13T05:04:00.000-08:00

Celebrating One Year as Doctors to the Barrios. It has been fun working with your, ABYAN!

You can download this tribute video from youtube right here.

What Happened In Leyte Stays...Forever!

2008-11-04T01:18:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Celna's Birthday in Palo, Leyte!

More Snapshots From The Barrio

2008-10-30T22:28:00.001-07:00

Batch 23 In Action

2008-10-20T19:16:00.001-07:00

Dancing Doctors at the 33rd CME: Closer

2008-10-12T04:31:00.000-07:00

The 33rd CME of the Doctors to the barrio program

2008-10-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

The 33rd CME of the DTTBs finally came to an end last October 9, 2008 in Palo, Leyte with the recognition rites of the Batch 21. 16 Doctors finished their 2-year contract with the Department of Health and received tributes from the remaining DTTB batches 22, 23 and 24.

Batch 23 led the group during the invocation when Batch ABYAN KA sang “I Offer My Life” while a video edited by the group was being flashed on the screen. Usec. Juris Soliman was the guest of honor and gave an emotional speech, admitting to the group how inspired she was from the start, especially while watching the movie tribute given by Batch 21 to their fallen comrade, Dr. Emerson, who died a few weeks ago.

Batch 24, being the youngest batch, presented a dance number. Wanting to be consistent in their informal title as “Dancing Doctors”, Batch 24 also presented a dance number, this time Dr. Gary, Dr. Mike, Dr. Johnny and Dr. Nathan were present, the 4 “DTTB returnees” of Batch 23. Batch 22 then presented a video tribute for Batch 21, as per tradition.

Awarding of certificates/diplomas followed, including citation of various minor and major awards. Doc Bien won the best reporter for batch 23. Doc Merly was second best reporter for batch 23. This year’s grand distinction award was won by Dr. Martin Parreno, an Ilonggo and a DTTB assigned in Limasawa Island. The Mayor of Limasawa Island, along with the Sangguniang Bayan and the entire RHU staff were present to give their support to Doc Martin.

After the awards, a special ceremony was held, a pledge of commitment to the DTTB program.

The ceremony ended with the pictorials of each batch, including the PHMs and regional DTTB coordinators who were present. For the first time also, a picture of all the Batch Presidents, past and present, were taken. Dr. Kenneth Ronquillo, HHRDB Director, had a private meeting with the outgoing batch 21 afterwards while the rest were at the poolside enjoying the live band music.

It was definitely a CME to remember. Batch 23 is looking forward for yet another CME in Manila come May 2009. Until then, we make this promise, “We Shall Return”.

Batch 23 At Work

2008-10-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Batch 23 At The 33rd CME in Leyte (Parang Nag-RaRhyme)

2008-10-06T21:27:00.001-07:00

Pictures from Leyte!

Dancing Doctors

2008-08-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

The video you wished you have never seen!

Pictures From Carles, Iloilo

2008-07-08T23:29:00.000-07:00

Below are pictures from Carles, Iloilo where Doc Stephen is stationed. These were taken after Typhoon Frank ravaged Panay island.

32nd CME Video of Abyan Ka

2008-06-21T23:18:00.000-07:00

music featured here is that of Jason Mraz's You and I.

32nd CME: Success!

2008-05-29T00:26:00.000-07:00

The 32nd CME of the Department of Health's Doctor to the Barrio program was a resounding success. The 2-week medical updates featured 4 batches of DTTBs (Batch 20 to 23) with each batch tasked to report on their Situational Analysis (batch 23), Community Diagnosis (batch 22 and 23), Annual health plan (batch 21) and their gallery of accomplishments (batch 20). The CME featured updates in Pediatrics, Medico-legal, Dermatology, Pulmonology, Pain management and psychiatry.

During the Graduation Night of Batch 20, batch 23 once more presented their signature batch presentation: a dance showdown, with Don Lyndon a.k.a. showdown master, highlighting the presentation. The special number received a standing ovation (hehehe) and great raves from the WHO representative to the Philippines, Usec. Mario Villaverde, HHRDB Director Dr. Kenneth Ronquillo and other special guests present during the evening.

During the evening, the pioneer batch of public health managers to be deployed by the D.O.H. were also introduced. Two of them will be deployed to Doc Celna's area (Balete,Aklan) and Doc Bien's area (Candoni, Negros Occidental).

During the evening, special citations were also given. Doc Bien of batch 23 was cited as best reporter during the situational analysis and community diagnosis presentation for batch 23.

All in all, it was a successful CME. Ten of Batch 20 graduated, 2 of which will be absorbed by their respective LGUs. Doc Joel Buenaventura, batch president of Batch 20, gave a very well-received speech during the graduation rites.

During the CME, batch 23 signed an open letter addressed to the House of Representatives through the office of Congressman Monico Puentevella, asking for support. All 17 signed the open letter.

The next CME is said to be in September, in time for the aninversary celebration of the DTTB program.

32nd CME: Robbinsdale Hotel, Araneta Avenue, Quezon City

2008-05-14T00:51:00.000-07:00

The 32nd CME of the Doctors to the Barrio Program of the Department of Health are now on going, since May 12 to May 22, 2008, at the Robbinsdale Hotel, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Present in the CME are Batch 20 (graduating), Batch 21, Batch 22 and Batch 23. Friday May 16 will be spent for reporting. The rest of the time will be spent for lectures. Also present at the CME are the 5 Public health managers, graduates of UP-Manila, who will also be deployed by June 2008. PinoyMD scholars who are on immersion with the DOH for the summer are also present acting as facilitators for the said event.

As for batch 23, all the members of the batch are present, including our DTTB returnees. With regards to the compensation issue, the problem is being resolved as of the moment by the office.

The weekend will be spent in Laguna for team building exercises.

And Then There Were 13

2008-05-09T23:23:00.000-07:00

I have just been informed by Ka Bubble himself that he has resigned effectively immediately from the DTTB program. It appears he wanted a re-assignment but he the place offered to Ka Bubble was not to his liking. In this case he can no longer join us in the CME this May 12-22, 2008.

We will miss you, Ka Bubble.

Speaking of CME, there have been a lot of issues lately, especially when the salaries of the DTTB batch 23 were placed on hold due to the fact that there were others daw who were not able to liquidate their previous cash advances, especially last November 2007 during the pre-deployment. Only 2 of the Batch 23 DTTBs were able to cash advance from their respective Regional Offices there transportation allowance for the CME. The rest were not able to cash advance due to the limited time given for processing the needed papers in the Regional Office (the allotment was given just last May 5, only a week prior to the said CME). Many are now thinking, "Paano kami makakapunta ng Maynila pag ganun?" Those who were not able to liquidate were actually planning to submit their liquidation reports during the CME. Those who were able to liquidate were wondering, "Ba't kami na sama sa mga salary na na withheld?"

Things will get clearer on May 12.

Looking for Rural Health midwives

2008-04-17T23:50:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon fellow DTTBs!

The HHRDB is launching an RHM Placement Program. Mechanics are similar to the DTTB Program, in that we hire licensed RHMs willing to serve areas in need. As such, the previously identified 25 low performing municipalities, which was the basis of recruiting midwifery scholarship applicants, will be the same 25 sites where we are deploying our licensed RHMs.

These sites are as follows:

1. Benguet
2. Pangasinan
3. Zambales
4. Quezon
5. Romblon
6. Oriental Mindoro
7. Camarines Sur
8. Catanduanes
9. Masbate
10. Capiz
11. Siquijor
12. Western Samar
13. Zamboanga del Norte
14. Zamboanga del Sur
15. Zamboanga Sibugay
16. Lanao del Norte
17. Davao del Norte
18. Tawi-Tawi
19. Sulu
20. Basilan
21. Lanao del Sur
22. Maguindanao
23. Sultan Kudarat
24. Saranggani
25. Surigao del Sur

A stipend of Php 8,000 per month will be given to RHMs hired. This program will run for two (2) years. They are expected to be deployed in June or July of 2008.

Application requirements:

1. Application letter to Dr. Kenneth G. Ronquillo, MD, MPHM, Director IV of HHRDB. This should include the province they wish to serve.
2. Photocopy of most recent PRC license card
3. Photocopy of transcript of records
4. NBI Clearance

Upon acceptance, applicant should produce the following:

5. Photocopy of birth certificate
6. Photocopy of diploma

Application period will run from April 15 to May 21, 2008. Pre-deployment orientation is scheduled on the 1st week of June, 2008.

May we ask for your assistance in disseminating this information to interested parties in your respective regions and other regions as well? Applicants need not be residents of priority area.

Memorandum for initiation of the RHM Placement Program to follow. Resolution has been approved and is incorporated into the resolution for the Midwifery Scholarship Program of the Phils.

For more details, you may call us at the HHRDB (02) 743-8301 loc 4203 to 04, or txt me at (0919) 600-3700.

Thank you very much!

Christine Joan R. Co, MD.
HHRDB-DOH

Shobe Surviving in the Barrio

2008-04-04T18:39:00.001-07:00

pictures are courtesy of Doc Shobe, DTTB Batch 23 assigned in Milagros, Masbate.

Candoni RHU Celebrates Heart Month

2008-02-15T17:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a video of Candoni's RHU celebrating the Heart Month with a mass hataw exercise. For more pictures, visit The Freudian Slip

Pictures Of My RHU

2008-01-25T22:28:00.000-08:00

Here are some snapshots of my RHU in Candoni. By the way, I am sad to see Mai go. The last time she told me she is now planning to take up residency in Siliman. Wherever you are Mai, we are with you all the way!

In my Observation Ward

Snack time with my midwives, nurses,, SB for Health and DOH rep

During my lectures with my OPD staff

goodbye

2008-01-15T02:12:00.000-08:00

i was about to post my unpleasant experience during my deployment and one week stay at tuburan but as i read everybody's stories and posts, I didn't have the heart to spread my bitterness to all these idealistic and passionate young doctors who are bent on fighting this country's stinking system for the sake of our underprivileged countrymen. I guess my light went out too soon and my passion to fight was trampled and brutally shredded even before it had the chance to shine.so, forgive me guys for giving up on our cause and i admire you all for doing this to the end.

mai

Email Exchanges: as posted by Lyndon, Stephen and Shobe a.k.a. Galis

2007-12-26T20:05:00.000-08:00

"plenty of children in lope with furunculosis like lesions.

lesions r prominent over scalp, web of toes and fingers. they can
appear numerously all over the body.

any idea on how 2 deal with it." - Lyndon, Samar

"if infected pre bka pwede mong i-cloxa. dagdagan mu na rin ng anti-
his, khit 1st gen lng. kung mkakabili, topical antibac na rin. usually
IEC tlaga e, cnasabihan kon na lng ang folks na paliguan ng maigi ung
mga anak nila.=)
meri xmas pre!=)" - Stephen, Iloilo

"thanks for feedback regarding galis. i'm thinking primarily of prev
med, environmental sanitation n personal hygiene. i'm aiming 4
social change, particularly responsible parenthood. most people just
live day 2 day, subsistence living, peasant mentality.

have any submitted form for our performance evaluation which is due
b4 end of this year? i propose the ff:

clinical
consultations 1 pt/px
night calls 2-10 pts depending on accessibility
suturing 3-10 pts
debridement 4-20 pts
epi 2 pts
prenatal 2 pts

family planning counseling 5 pts

medical certificate 1pt
death certificate 2pt
post mortem exam 5pt

court appearance 10 pts

sanitation inspection, regulation and licensure 5 pts/establishment

administrative
execom 2 pts/hr
health board 2 pts/hr
budget hearing 10 pts

barangay visit/medical- surgical mission 100 pts per day

supervision/ monitoring of BHWs 5 pts/barangay

capacity enhancement program 4 rhu staff 10 pts

information and education campaign/advocacy and health promotion
20 pts/barangay

networking: ngos, volunteers, government agencies

paperworks
accomplishment report 5 pts
sit ana/comdx 15 pts
annual health plan 20 pts
budget/procurement 10 pts" - Lyndon, Samar

"do we really need to pass it na? dec pa lang tayo nag start e?
anyways about sa galis..consider scabies..use sulfur soap, if they can
buy permethrine lotion better. use antibiotic for bacteriel infection.
advise them to boil their clothes and hygeine. regarding sa scalp,
consider seborrheic dermatitis with bacterial infection. apply baby oit
to scalp 30 min before bath then give anyi fungal shampoo & anti
biotic. furuncolosis, if recurrent and madami, use mupirocin ointment
lagay sa ilalim lang nostrils staph infec kase yan, then give oral
antibiotic. siyempre advise:)" - Shobe, Masbate