“The idea of developing themselves should always start within them.”
iSANg ISIDRO
The community immersion trains us, future doctors, to respond to the health problems of individuals. The process helps integrating theoretical classroom discussion through actual experiences. It also raises the level of awareness and consciousness of the realities besetting the people in the communities. And lastly, it promotes involvement and service to the communities.
Arriving at Barangay San Isidro, Mahayag, we could really distinguish their primary source of income, that is, agriculture and farming, through the vast rice fields surrounding their place. Their simple lifestyle is evident. They go about their day with a bright smile on their faces. That is something that we admire about them. They live through simple joys.
The home visits were heart-warming. The families had warmly welcomed us into their homes. They were even glad to see us and asked us to take their Blood Pressure. At first, we were shy to reach to them because we were afraid that they might reject us, but even though we were complete strangers they were so enthusiastic to open their lives to us. With that, our shyness was replaced with excitement. Their stories were almost the same. Hearing how unfortunate they had become at sometime, made us realize how lucky we are. They made us appreciate what we have now and that we must take good care of them.
Being exposed in San Isidro for a month gave us various realizations. Most of us are not given a silver spoon as soon as we are born. Others have to work hard to reach their dreams and aspirations. The satisfaction that they will get from that success will always be fulfilling when they strive for it. We have to be thankful for everything that God has showered upon us. The Lord always gives us what is enough for us. We should not complain. If we are given the chance to help others even in our own little way, we should always take that opportunity because it may never come again. As student doctors, we strive to help others in a holistic way. But we want to teach them how to depend on themselves first. The idea of developing themselves should always start within them.
To be healthy, is to be self-reliant.
ISANG ISIDRO 