July 2024
June 29, 2024
Comeback at Barangay Banker
Time flies and suddenly it’s already June 2024. Which means: THE KABADIS FROM AdZU-SOM ARE FINALLY BACK AT BARANGAY BANKER!!!
After a three-hour-long travel , we finally arrived safely at Barangay Banker, Kabasalan. We were greeted by both sunshine and rain 🌧️ during our travel, perfectly mirroring our emotions: a mix of nervousness and immense enthusiasm as we are about to experience another fun and memorable community exposure with our Kabadis at Banker!!!
What might await us in this community exposure? All we know is that we are fully prepared to advocate and empower our Kabadis in Banker, aiming to enhance their health and well-being.
JULY 2, 2024
BARANGAY BANKER’S LINGGO NG KABATAAN 2024 CELEBRATION
The youth symbolize hope and a promise of a better future. Therefore, supporting and nurturing the youth and investing in youth programs are essential in empowering the next generations to become engaged, capable, and contributors to society.
In Barangay Banker, the youth are highly valued, thanks to the dedicated efforts of their Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) council, led by Hon. Mark Bryan Sumilhig, the SK Chairman. Of course, the barangay officials, under the leadership of Barangay Captain Julian Sumatra Jr., consistently support the SK council and the entire youth community. Through their collaborative efforts, the youth community in Barangay Banker are always prioritized and nurtured.
During their Linggo ng Kabataan, the youth of Barangay Banker showcased their talents , athletic skills , and sportsmanship on the different activities prepared by their barangay officials and SK council. The youth community had fun during the week as they were given the opportunity to practice their leadership, creativity, and resilience .
Sessions With Barangay Officials
AdZU SOM Kabadis participated in the barangay sessions to discuss and collaborate with the barangay officials of Barangay Banker.
To effectively address the different identified health problems in Barangay Banker, we collaborated with the barangay officials regarding our assessment plans throughout our second community exposure.
Identifying the health problems existing within a community is just the beginning; engaging and collaborating with the community people is the next step. In community health management, the initiative, willingness, and commitment of the community people to make a change are the most important elements to achieve sustainable improvements.
We are fortunate to have such supportive community leaders in Barangay Banker, who committed to cooperate and be involved in our in-depth assessment of the different identified health problems affecting their community. With this partnership, we are confident that our efforts will lead to the improvement of the health and well-being of our Kabadis in Barangay Banker.
July 5, 2024
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION ON THE WATER SOURCES OF PUROK 1 AND 5, BARANGAY BANKER
One of the identified health problems in Barangay Banker is their lack of access to potable water. Most people in the barangay do not have a distinguished source of drinking water. Hence, as part of our in-depth assessment, we conducted a bacteriological examination on the water sources of Purok 1 and Purok 5, where majority of the barangay’s population resides, to determine the presence and numbers of coliforms in their water. This helps us determine the severity of the health problem and direct us in addressing the problem.
This analysis would not have been possible without the assistance of the Kabasalan’s Sanitary Inspector, Ma’am Jonelle Villaflores, who guided us in the proper water sample collection. We also extend our gratitude to the Barangay Captain of Barangay Banker, Hon. Julian Sumatra Jr., and to Ma’am Dolor Embor, the barangay’s Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS), who both personally accompanied us during the water sample collection.
Key Informant Interviews
Key Informant Interviews (KII) with various stakeholders involved in addressing the health problems in Barangay Banker.
Key informant interviews are done to gather in-depth information from individuals who have specialized knowledge, expertise, or experience related to the health issues. The purpose of KIIs is to gain insights, perspectives, and detailed information that can help in understanding the complex health issues existing within a community.
We, the Kabadis, would like to extend our gratitude to the following individuals who have dedicated their time for our interviews:
• Dr. Eric Cabayacruz, the Kabasalan’s Municipal Health Officer (MHO)
• Ma’am Melodia Magnahoy and Ma’am Joyce Awing, Public Health Nurses (PHN) in the Kabasalan’s Rural Health Unit (RHU)
• Ma’am Jonelle Villaflores, the Kabasalan’s Sanitary Inspector
• Ma’am Cleofe Ferrer, a midwife in Kabasalan’s RHU
• Ma’am Rocelyn Mosquiza, the data encoder on medication dispensary in the RHU
• Hon. Julian C. Sumatra, the Barangay Banker’s Barangay Captain
• Hon. Rosalie E. Sumilhig, the barangay’s Kagawad for Health
• Hon. Mark Bryan E. Sumilhig, the barangay’s SK Chairman
• Ma’am Dolor Embor, the barangay’s Barangay Nutrition Scholar
Your contribution to our assessment has been invaluable in our understanding of the different health problems identified in Barangay Banker. Indeed, magtabang tabang ta para maging healthier ug STRONGER ang BANKER!!!
Focus Group Discussions
Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with target individuals about the identified health problems in Barangay Banker.
Focus group discussions is one of the methods to obtain qualitative insights and understanding on the health issues existing in the barangay from the participants’ perspectives. It allows exploration of specific health issues, generating diverse perspectives.
To select participants for FGDs, we first identified the individuals affected by the health problems then randomly chose 6 to 12 individuals from the population. This approach ensures proper representation of the target group. Throughout our community exposure, we had the opportunity to discuss with several groups of individuals regarding their community’s health problems.
Thank you so much for participating in our in-depth assessment. Your contribution is immensely valuable in enhancing our understanding of the health problems in your barangay. We hope to work with you soon!
July 10-11, 2024
MASS BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING AS PART OF HYPERTENSION RISK ASSESSMENT
From July 10 to 11, 2024, we organized a Mass Blood Pressure Screening at the Covered Court of Purok 1 and Purok 5, Barangay Banker. This event was held concurrently with the Senior Citizen’s Assembly at Purok 1 and the Prenatal and Immunization Program at Purok 5 on July 10, followed by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Assembly on July 11.
During the Mass BP Screening, we were able to identify numerous individuals with high blood pressures—some are diagnosed hypertensives while some never sought health consult. We also identified individuals who are at risk of acquiring hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to family history and unhealthy diet and lifestyle.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in our Mass BP Screening and to those who helped in making our activity a success. Special thanks to the barangay officials, who not only approved the activity but also provided us with valuable resources and assistance.
July 23, 2024
UNICEF AND RELIEF INTERNATIONAL’S PROGRAM ON IMMUNIZATION
We are honored to be invited by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Relief International (RI) to participate in their program at Barangay Banker, focusing on one of their pivotal projects: the Routine Immunizations Delivery Support 3rd Funding Window for the Philippines. This project aims to improve the immunization rates across the country and combat hesitancy towards vaccination.
On behalf of our group, Kabadi Alyyana Atara and Kabadi Linchi Mari Villanueva presented the significant findings from our in-depth assessment of the immunization status among children aged 0 to 5 years in Barangay Banker, highlighting the various factors affecting their immunization rates.
The low prevalence of Fully Immunized Children (FIC) and Completely Immunized Children (CIC) have been one of the health problems in the barangay for the past three (3) years. Therefore, the insights provided by the UNICEF and RI regarding this health challenge are immensely valuable in refining our assessment and deepening our understanding of this critical health issue.
July 26, 2024
NUTRITION MONTH CELEBRATION AT BARANGAY BANKER
The Nutrition Month is celebrated every July across communities as a key initiative to promote better diet and lifestyle choices. For year 2024, the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) aims to eradicate all forms of malnutrition in all ages by year 2028. This year’s theme is, “SA PPAN SAMA SAMA SA NUTRISYONG SAPAT PARA SA LAHAT”, emphasizing collective effort towards adequate nutrition for everyone.
We are privileged to be invited as guest speaker and judges for this year’s Nutrition Month program at Barangay Banker. Kabadi Alyyana Atara delivered an insightful advocacy speech regarding proper nutrition and healthy living during the program. The event featured various activities, including Zumba Contest , Sing Contest, Booth and Display Contest , and Cooking Contest, which we had the pleasure of judging.
We are grateful for the opportunity to engage in this meaningful activity, as it not only allows us to advocate for health and well-being but also helps us deepen our appreciation of the culture, optimism, and community spirit of our Kabadis at Banker. Thank you so much for including us in this event! 💚