Written by Leanlexoz Valiant B. Baybay
With contributions from the volunteers.
May 2019, Baguio City
TANUDAN – SADANGA MEDICAL MISSION
APRIL 12-15, 2019
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
To meet the mission vision of TCC in providing medical assistance to its beneficiaries for the improvement of their health and overall fitness in general.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
To provide health services to the residents of 5 barangays in Tanudan, Kalinga and Poblacion, Sadanga, Mountain Province. To educate women, children and the target beneficiaries on identifying risk factors for the prevention of
common diseases and to seek medical consult early.
EXPECTED OUTPUT
- Provision of free medical, surgical, obstetrical, gynecologic, ophthalmologic and dental services to include identification of high-risk cases and proper referral
- Circumcision of as many eligible males in the target area
- Enhanced knowledge and attitudes about motherhood, pediatric and newborn care, breast and cervical cancer prevention, common adult diseases, ophthalmologic services.
ACTIVITIES/ METHODOLOGY
- Minor surgical procedures
- Medical consultation to adult and pediatric population
- Prenatal care and Family Planning and Gynecologic consultation
- Breast Examination
- VIA (in lieu of Pap smear)
- Pelvic exam and minor gynecologic procedures
- Dental care and procedures
- Hygiene check on school-aged children (hair lice control, nail/ear check, deworming)
- Eye consultation with provision of free eyeglasses
SUMMARY REPORT
VENUE:
Day 1: Tanudan, Kalinga
Day 2: Sadanga, Mt. Province
DATE: April 12 to 15, 2019
PARTNERS:
1. MOMFI
2. LGU of Tanudan, Tabuk City, Kalinga & Sadanga, Mountain Province
BENEFICIARIES:
286 Residents of Tanuda, Kalinga from Barangays Upper and Lower Lubo, Dacalan, Gaang and Babbanoy
227 Residents of Sadanga, Mountain Province (from Barangays Poblacion, Sacasacan and Belwang.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Kalinga= 69
Sadanga= 27
BREAKDOWN:
| Kalinga | Sadanga | |
| 1. Medical Doctors | 13 | 4 |
| 2. MOMFI | 13 | 13 |
| 3. Dentists | 4 | 3 |
| 3. TCC and other volunteers | 10 | 3 |
| 4. Tanudan Volunteers | 24 | 0 |
| 5. Drivers | 5 | 4 |
| Total | 69 | 27 |
MISSION WRITE-UP
INTRODUCTION
Through the leadership of TCC Philippines president, Mr. Gregorio C. Taag, The Cordillera Connection (TCC) in the early months of 2019 planned to have a medical mission under its Project Takkay with Dr. Ruth Taguiling as the lead volunteer. Barlig, Mountain Province was first identified as the beneficiary of the event but after thorough planning and assessment of the TCC team, supported by the request of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tanudan, Kalinga and a commendation from Atty. Ana Marie Rafael-Banaag, the Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Tanudan, Kalinga was finally selected. Sadanga , Mt Province, was also included later as the second mission site upon the request of one volunteer doctor, Dr. Martin Apopot, who hails from the place.
Invitations for volunteers were sent out to form the team. The mission plan was communicated and coordinated as well to Tanudan LGU through Mr. Benedict Asbucan and MHO Dr. Sandra G. Valledor. Meanwhile, Dr. Martin Apopot, who is set out to come home from Texas USA, took care of the arrangements and coordination in Sadanga. One significant group, MOMFI (Medical Outreach Missions Foundation, Inc.), through its executive director Dr. Robert Tolentino immediately volunteered to participate. MOMFI is the mission arm of Saint Louis University which is composed of missionary medical students and alumni doctors of SLU School of Medicine.
Support for this big medical outreach was sought out from the TCC world. Generously, TCC world responded by sending monetary support. Donations in the forms of medical supplies and medicines were also given by DOH-CAR AND from TCC members arriving from abroad. Dr. Taguiling went around collecting drug samples from doctor- friends too, and asked pharmaceutical companies for drug donations. Indeed, it was a huge task, but because of the spirit of volunteerism shown by TCC world, this project had slowly progressed into reality.
PRE- MISSION PREPARATION
APRIL 1-11, 2019
Final checklist of medicines, supplies and instruments done. Incomplete items were purchased as well. Sir Greg squeezed few hours of his time to get the boxes of medicines donated by DOH through Dr. Ryan Guinaran. Meanwhile, MOMFI volunteers got busy preparing, itemizing, packing, labeling the medicines and supplies. Since MOMFI’s working force depended on student volunteers, they did the job in between their classes, and after their examinations. All items were then equally allocated and distributed basing from the assessed and listed number of cases in both mission sites. Overall, seven departments namely: Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob-Gyne), Ophthalmology, Ears-Nose-Throat (ENT), Dental consultation, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Surgery were formed according to the medical doctors who volunteered.
The list of volunteers joining the mission were also double checked and relayed to the mission sites. Transportation, accommodation, security, and itinerary were communicated as well.
Because of some security issues however, brought about by the recent NPA-Military encounter in Tadian Mt Province, three medical doctors withdrew. Another two doctors also were not able to join because of personal reasons. On the other hand, local doctors in Tanudan volunteered to join the team there, which was a big help.
KALINGA TRAVEL
APRIL 12, 2019
Call time: 7:00 P.M. The team assembled at SLU hospital grounds where 33 volunteers including the drivers gathered. Five vans were hired, two vans of which were used to load the medical supplies. At this early, the volunteers showed team work, as they helped each other load the boxes of supplies, even before they were introduced to each other. After a short introduction, briefing, and prayer, the team departed at 8:30 pm. The convoy took the Ambuklao road exiting the city via the Beckel passing by Pacdal, Baguio City. The first stopover was in Gurel, Bokod for a late dinner for some who had not eaten yet. Thereafter, the group travelled safely through the night navigating Nueva Viscaya, Isabela, to Tabuk, Kalinga.
APRIL 13, 2019 (DAY 1)
The team arrived in Bulanao, Tabuk AT 4:00 AM and had a brief rest and breakfast at Davidson Hotel. Twelve volunteers who are based in Kalinga also joined, completing the total number of participants to proceed in the mission. Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (MDRRMO) community chairman, Benedict Asbucan and the Administrative officer of the LGU of Tanudan, Eduardo Bitao and some of the barangay officials heartwarmingly welcomed the whole team. After the satisfying breakfast, a pre-mission briefing was conducted. Topics discussed were concentrated on the geographical landscape of the community, the estimated time of travel, as well as the physical appearance of the area. Present during the meeting were also police officers who guaranteed to escort the convoy for safety and security. After all instructions and physical preparations were concluded, the medical team set forth to Barangay Lubo.
From Tabuk City, the group travelled for about two hours to reach barangay Lubo. Barangay Lubo is a village set atop the mountain reached via a bridge, and uphill trail walk. The rest of the road to the foot of the mountain however was rough and unpaved, so the vans were then parked about two kilometers away. The team then geared up, with their backpacks and hats on, they hiked merrily and excitedly to the foot of the mountain. Meanwhile community folks were there to assist in carrying the boxes and equipment from where they were unloaded to the mission site.
While on the rocky, slippery and unpaved road downhill road, the team were met with the whole picturesque view of the community. The small barangay is surrounded by green terraced rice fields with scenic mountains at the background. A wide river surrounded the foot of the mountain, so everyone had their taste of passing by the hanging bridge to cross the river. It is at this mountain base where the elementary school was located. One could just imagine how school children walk their way to and from their houses to the school, crossing the river, passing by rice paddies, up and downhill trails.
After crossing to the other side of the river, the stairway (to heaven) welcomed the team, and everyone had to hike the 200 ascending steps in order to reach the mission site. Despite the exhausting uphill walk, It was a rewarding experience, especially because villagers warmly welcomed everyone as they arrive, And Lubo having its unique community. Normally, pigs are housed in pig pens but upon entering the village their native pigs are set loose on the grounds mingling with dogs and chicken, which is something new for those who has not visited some village outskirts yet. Houses are built near each other, no fences in between, and are separated by walkways and canals.
MISSION IN ACTION 1
The team arrived at 11:00 AM at the center of Barangay Lower Lubo. St. Mark chapel and grounds was used as the mission site. Immediately, teams unpacked and prepared the venue as people were already gathered at the grounds waiting. Registration started followed by brief medical history, and initial assessment for vital signs as Blood pressure and weight.
The pharmacy where drugs and medical supplies are dispensed was set up on the stage ground. The rest of the consultation and procedures were inside the chapel. Makeshift dividers and curtains were used to provide privacy. The other departments were positioned on the western portion where most consultations were done while the Dental area was located on the newly built wing on the outside west part of the church for the reason that more lighting was needed. After registration, patients wereushered accordingly in their area of concern in a first come first serve basis. It was of great help and relief when the Department of Health team representatives of Tanudan arrived and helped facilitate.
Generally, many patients received more than one medical service. For instance, her chief complaint was blurring of vision but after further assessment, it was found out that she also has high blood pressure and tooth decay. So, after the eye check-up, she went to adult medical consultation for her high blood pressure and finally to the dental department. In the Surgery department, most of the cases catered were circumcision, wherein parental consent was required for young male candidates to undergo the procedure. In obstetrics and gynecology, very few women lined up for consult, mainly for prenatal and family planning. So, Dr Taguiling sat with the women patients as well as volunteers there and informally shared information on how an ob-gyne checkup will help prevent cervical and breast cancer by screening procedures, even if they don’t feel anything bad at all. After one volunteered to be examined, curious women onlookers realized that it was not an invasive procedure after all and so they immediately lined up for consultation. They even had a group support when they were all inside the examination room to provide moral support to the anxious women who had their first gynecologic exam.
In the pharmacy department, where patients get their medicines and receive the final instructions of how to take their medications, or how to take care of the surgical wound, Dr. Robert Tolentino and the volunteers there had to ask help of a local guy as an interpreter to make sure the patients understood the instructions.
The volunteers took turns to eat their lunch, comfortably set at the mayor’s house where boiled pig meat and red rice were served. There was no table in the house, the food and plates were served at the floor, everyone sat around, and ate with their hands.
Lunch experience stories: #1: When it was time for Dr. Cala and his team mates went to eat, everyone went in the room, had indian-sit style and started passing around food and ate while busy chatting noisily. Dr Cala meanwhile was left standing up on the side. His companions noticed him but presumed he was not hungry at all and didn’t like to eat, so they ignored him. The truth was he was hungry, and likes to eat, but because of his big tummy, he couldn’t just sit down easily. While trying to figure out his strategy, he was hoping that someone would offer him plate of food, but no one did! He took a picture of the lunch scene and sent to his wife saying he has not eaten yet. To his surprise, his wife replied: “now I know, I will remove all the tables in the house!!”
Story #2:When it was time for Dr Taguiling and team to eat, the food consisted of rice and boiled pork and fried pork, and another pork menu. Since she does not eat meat, she asked for any other fruit or viand available like tomatoes, or any vegetable around. A helpful woman was quick to look for one in their house nearby. To the delight of Dr Taguiling, she came back with a bowl of black beans and an exotic food fried “abuos”. It is made up of red ants and ant eggs, collected from their ant hive, with all the ant stings expected by the one who gathered it. It was simply stir fried, and tasted delicious and crunchy. Those who were brave enough to taste it, enjoyed the experience also.
At around mid-afternoon, Heavy rains poured down and continued until night. Unfortunately, too, the electric current went into brown out, so the last departments to finish had to use flashlights and candles as they catered to the last patients, most of which were the women in the OB-gyne department.
SIDE STORY (COMEDY)
As serious and tiring the event was, a comical incident occurred. Lenie Ticag, a MOMFI volunteer and assistant of the Ob-Gyne section, was asked by Dr. Ruth to throw out the dirty pale of water. In a hurry, she tossed the wastewater outside through a window, not knowing that drivers, Walter and Kevin were having a chat just below. Both of the drivers were doused with water but Walter was completely showered. He portrayed a questioning look when he smelled a foul odor and when he went up to ask what it was, he was completely shocked knowing what the water is and where it came from. The story spread like wildfire making it the comedy happening of the day and it somehow aided in relieving exhaustion of the volunteers.
Another story popped out from Popsie (monicker of Mr Taag) and Aquino, one of the drivers and a TCC volunteer,too. As they were going around observing the proceedings earlier in the day, they saw some boys aged around 6-10 perched on the steel windows of the church. They were peeping on their friends who were being circumcised. One boy exclaimed, “Kasjay gayam ti makugit? Mapan ta met?”, motioning to his buddy. His buddy, obviously afraid of the procedure, climbed down and rushed home.
CONCLUSION 1
The Tanudan medical mission was concluded past six in the evening. After everything was fixed and settled, the team assembled at the church for a brief meeting. All departments stated their accomplishment reports and remarks (including the epic incident of the driver). It was also noted that there were no complaints received from the community folks, a good indication of a satisfying and smooth turn of events. The parish priest was also there all along, helping out with the physical arrangement, the improvised lights and assisting all the time.
THE RITUAL
After the meeting, a short native ritual was displayed called ‘Domog’. Men and women repeatedly pounded a chunk of wood on the ground, producing loud sounds, accompanied by their chants. Later on, they explained that this ritual is mandatory whenever there is a newly built house or portion of a house.
That portion of the church where the Dental Department had their procedures was newly built. The “Domog” practice is believed to ward off the spirits in the wood materials used in the construction of the building. Doing the ritual wards off the malevolent spirits and will also help in strengthening the integrity of the material thus, improving the structural durability and stability of the building making it accessible to use.
During that time, another pig was butchered in front of the convent. Dinner was again served at the mayor’s residence and fortunately, the electric current supply resumed. Four welcoming hosts provided accommodation for the night, namely the house of Iska, Celia, the Mayor’s residence and the convent.
THE DELAY
APRIL 14, 2019 (DAY 2)
The second day was set for Sadanga mission.
After breakfast at 6 am. The volunteers had the remaining time for picture taking and thanked their hosts for the night. Sir Greg, drivers and group left the place and went ahead, hiking downhill back to the mountain base. They had to check the vans and anticipated difficult drive back in the rough road considering the heavy rains the night before. The others followed in batches. The sweepers were Dr. Martin Apopot, Dr Taguiling, some MOMFI members including the box heads (term given to the ones in charge of box count every time they are transferred)
On the way back, the unpaved road turned muddy and dangerous. Three cars were needed to be hauled and dragged up to around 400 meters uphill. One car was stucked and had to be carried manually by kind locals and pushed uphill to safety. It caused most of the delay (3 hours to be exact) in the travel time. Additionally, three vans while on the way back to Bulanao had a flat tire and needed repairing.
THE SEPARATION / SADANGA TRAVEL
Around 11:30AM, the convoy arrived in Bulanao, Tabuk City. Twelve of the local volunteers stayed behind in Bulanao, and will not join the Sadanga mission.To save time, the group had lunch along Tinglayan road on the way to Sadanga. Travel time from Bulanao,Tabuk to Sadanga road intersection in Tinglayan road was about 4 hours. At the junction, Sir Greg, together with some doctors and volunteers separated from the convoy and proceeded back to Baguio City.
The remaining 22 volunteers arrived in Poblacion Sadanga at around 3:45PM. Despite the delayed arrival, many locals were there patiently waiting. Most of them had been there since lunchtime because it was broadcasted earlier that medical mission team will arrive at 12nn. Later, we were informed that many patients could not wait any longer for they had to hike for an hour or so back to their houses in the nearby community. It was untimely too that a campaign rally of a congressman candidate was scheduled in the evening on the same venue as the medical mission.
MISSION IN ACTION 2
The physical set up of the medical mission was done in a way that the examinations will continue while the campaign rally will proceed. After setting up, the team had to work double time in order to cater to more than two hundred listed patients. At sunset, the Ophthalmology and Internal Medicine department were relocated to another area since the campaign staff of the rally had to set up their sound system and chairs on the same grounds. Most patients were attended before 9pm, last OB Gyne patient was seen at 10pm. The last patient was finished by 12 midnight at the Surgery department where the mass in his left armpit was surgically removed by Dr. Cala and Dr. Benedito, assisted by MOMFI volunteers.
As the day before, the team took turns eating dinner. All meals were provided by the family of Dr. M. Apopot, who also generously offered their house for accommodation.
Despite the long day of travel and work, the group ended the day with much excitement. Partly because of the “Maatong” communal bath experience. Most of the volunteers took the chance of immersing and bathing in the Maatong Hot Spring. It is a sulfuric spring with a temperature up to 30 degrees centigrade or more, located in the center of the community, housed separately for men and women. Villagers customarily come to the bath before and after the day’s work, and one normally bath naked. And so, the volunteers had their unusual bath at midnight to the wee hours of the morning!
CONCLUSION 2 / BAGUIO TRAVEL
Before the 8:00 AM flag ceremony, the team had the chance to have a brief informal talk to Mayor Jose Limmayog Jr and other municipal officials, with a short picture taking. As they were wrapping up, two patients arrived at the RHU clinic needing urgent attention. While the rest are loading, Dr Taguiling and Dr Martin assisted the local nurse on giving first aids and advised the family to bring the patients to Bontoc Gen Hospital.
Dr. Martin gave a brief tour to Barangay Sacasacan to view the Fokong rice terraces. Finally, the team started their journey home to Baguio City via Bontoc, then to Halsema Road.
Along the way, the private car of Dr. Cala got lost while traversing the Abatan-Bauko road. The driver got confused on the road signs and took the opposite road going to Tadian. Sensing the wrong way, they then turned back and finally ride on the right course where the other vans were waiting for them at Bangao, Buguias. The team had their final lunch together at Garden Breeze Hotel hosted by fellow MOMFI alumni, Dr. Hilda Kimakim. At 5:00PM the team finally arrived safely at SLU hospital grounds tired, but happy.
FUTURE PLANS
The team is now contemplating on its next medical mission. When we met for the evaluation last April 27 at Dr. Taguiling’s residence in Baguio City, initial plans were laid out for the Barlig mission.
LIST OF VOLUNTEERS/ PARTICIPANTS
MEDICAL DOCTORS
- Phyllis Bengwayan, M.D.
- Martin Apopot, M.D.
- Jovy Joy L. Boacon, M.D.
- Bernard L. Wandaga, M.D.
- Evervic Joy G. Dalanao, M.D.
- Sandra G. Valledor, M.D.
- Irene Limmayog, M.D.
- Therese D. Tolentino, M.D.
- Ruth R. Taguiling, M.D.
- Leonora L. Benedito, M.D.
- Rizal Leo B. Cala, M.D.
- Judah Leo G. Capistrano, M.D.
- Christalyn A. Masa-ao, M.D.
DENTISTS
- Ophelia S. Palangyos, DMD
- Judith M. Tacudog, DMD
- Jovy S.Ybañez, DMD
- Ruthsel Vicky O. Palangdan, DMD
MOMFI
- Robert E. Tolentino, M.D.
- Julius S. Abugan
- Lenie Edraline C. Ticag
- Patricia Bianca O. Yu
- Samantha P. Saoit
- Christine Anne E. Saac
- Anna Colleen D. Rossi
- Jenna Charise M. Casuga
- Aira Rhemer R. Cala-or
- Francis Roman D. Padua
- Angel Ace Irish J. Logronio
- Virgilio Clement A. Bilalat
- Mark Julius F. Apopot
TCC and VOLUNTEERS
- Gregorio C. Taag
- Frauline G. Bentayon
- Miller Kieth D. Antonio
- Jasmine Lapnawen
- Geneva Tumis
- Leanlexoz Valiant B. Baybay, RN
- Kisses Ann D. Canilang, RPH
- Maki B. Ammakiw, RN
- Rafe D. Aronza, RN
- Romeo U. Licyayo Jr., RN
TANUDAN VOLUNTEERS
- Feth Claudette B. Bangngagan, RMT
- Rachel Jenniette D. Balocnit, RMT
- Blessing Faith P. Agagon, RMT
- Manilyn L. Wandag, RMT
- Camile D. Paredes, RMT
- Kathy Lee S. Lungao, RMT
- Mary Mae V. Bucayo, RMT
- Maelyn B. Gacadan, RN
- Jovelyn B. Gadut, RN
- Jerald B. Mangawit, RN
- Cristian Dennis R. Bayangan, RN
- Liwayway S. Almeda, RN
- Genites B. Dumalsin, RM
- Jasmine M. Dangpason, RM
- Melisa O. Magwaki, RM
- Brigilda O. Dammay, RM
- Mikee A. Wackisan
- Brigitte L. Gaayon, RM
- Narie D. Bangguiyac, RM
- Grace C. Linggayo, RM
- Reynalyn B. Magguiya, RM
- Thomasa, G. Puctiyao, RM
- Milkilyn A. Adaggan, RPH
- Jennifer D. Oslao, RM
THE CORDILLERA CONNECTION 
thank you, i enjoyed the company in this mission .. God bless and more to come…
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Thank you and kudos for being a part of it Romeo
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