From January 3 to 26, 2024 we had our first community immersion in Barangay Paruk in the Municipality of Siay. I witnessed the transformative power of engagement and collaboration. The experience provided invaluable insights into the challenges faced by the local residents and highlighted the resilience and tight-knit nature of the community. As we worked side by side with the Barangay members and health workers, it became evident that sustainable development requires not only addressing immediate needs but fostering a sense of empowerment and ownership among the community. The relationships built during this period served as a foundation for ongoing initiatives, reinforcing the significance of genuine connections in creating positive change at the grassroots level.

First month of the year 2024 was the day of the departure. Laden with bags full of things and a mind full of thoughts, the eight medical students started their journey to an unfamiliar Barangay. Their days were full of uncertainty yet the goal set by the medical students was as bright as the sun reflecting on them during their house-to-house survey. As they felt the sweat touch their shirt, they came to understand how difficult their task was, empathizing with the farmers working in the field to make ends meet. Despite the beautiful scenery, the reality of the community people there was far from beautiful. People are forced to walk miles to get to where they want, some do not even have slippers to protect their feet. To get what they need means to travel long distances from their house. How then, would they address their medical needs? Fortunately, there is a Barangay Health Center, yet the truth remained: there were insufficient medical supplies to meet the demands.

Many residents use herbal medicine and visit traditional healers. While the practice is not wrong, people need to be guided in the usage of herbal medicines to make them effective. As time passed by, the medical students carried the responsibility on their shoulders to impart knowledge to the residents regarding their health. Each student has made it their duty to provide instructions and explanations about their health issues in a manner comprehensible to the residents. Being students, they can only provide basic skills like checking vital signs as well as measuring height and weight, yet the residents were very happy and looked at the medical students with hope.

At the end of the day, it is not our place to pass judgment on the health beliefs and practices of the residents. They came to understand that with proper knowledge, medical supplies, health programs/ordinances, and cash assistance given to the residents of Barangay Paruk, health care will be accessible and available to all in the Barangay. 

Engaging in community immersion has been a profound journey that has reshaped my perspective on society and deepened my connection to the community. As I immersed myself in the daily lives of the residents, I encountered a tapestry of stories, struggles, and triumphs that opened my eyes to the diversity and resilience embedded in the community. This experience has challenged me to confront preconceived notions and stereotypes, fostering a genuine appreciation for the rich tapestry of human experiences that exists within the community.

One of the most impactful aspects of my community immersion was the development of a heightened sense of empathy. Listening to the personal narratives of community members, I gained a profound understanding of the challenges they face. This empathetic connection not only fueled my desire to contribute positively but also highlighted the importance of approaching community development with sensitivity and respect for individual experiences.

Moreover, the immersion experience underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing communal issues. Through teamwork with local leaders and residents, I witnessed the transformative power of collective action. This collaborative approach not only enhanced the effectiveness of proposed solutions but also instilled a sense of empowerment within the community. Overall, my community immersion has left an indelible mark on my understanding of social dynamics, emphasizing the importance of empathy and collaborative engagement in creating meaningful and sustainable change.

Over the course of January 3 to January 26, the community engagement in Barangay Paruk has been a profound journey marked by collaboration, dialogue, and shared commitment to positive change. Witnessing the collective efforts of residents, local organizations, and external partners has been inspiring. From health initiatives led by medical students to environmental awareness campaigns and social activities, the community spirit has been palpable. The exchanges during this period have not only identified pressing issues but have also showcased the resilience and unity of Barangay Paruk. The diverse range of events, meetings, and initiatives reflects a dynamic and participatory approach to community development. As we reflect on these weeks, it is evident that the seeds of positive transformation have been sown, promising a future where the community's aspirations and shared goals continue to drive meaningful progress.

Months before the schedule, groupings and designated areas were announced, I was already expecting the hardships we’ll experience with the “bukid life” that I know most of us are not used to. I grew up doing most of the things on my own because my parents allowed me to be curious, make decisions and grow without depending on someone. They will always tell me “Nah! Jende tu puede vivi na monte” every time I struggle or can't do things with what is available, which was my drive to be resourceful and work with what I have. I thought that was the idea of our community exposure, and how to live independently. That trait that I had was only a plus, because being in the community was more than just being able to do things alone. I’ve seen our struggles when the water supply was cut short (flow lasted 2-3hrs per day sometimes none at all), the signal was very weak, the food source was limited and the nearest market was 10 kilometers away. The residents of Paruk live with this situation EVERYDAY, I thought to myself, who are we to complain? AGAIN, the “jende tu puede vivi na monte” rang but this time, I was smiling because I understood the phrase better; “puede tu vivi na monte, si sabe tu queda contento” - You can live on the mountains, if you appreciate the art of contentment. But being contented is dangerous because contented people are okay with whatever place they are in, no progress, no growth, just going in circles. This made us want to do more. That community needs us, they look at us as if we are their hope to movement and people they could reach out to when they need help and that is what we’re going to do. 

During our stay in Barangay Paruk, Municipality of Siay, I found myself deeply immersed in the daily lives and challenges of the community. Spending time within the area allowed me to gain a profound understanding of its unique culture, values, and social dynamics. Engaging with residents on a personal level, I witnessed the resilience and strength that characterized their way of life. Having a conversation with the community members provided me with insights into their struggles and aspirations of their lives. This experience was not only eye-opening but also fostered a sense of empathy and appreciation for their diverse perspectives that shape a community. 

Moreover, participating in the health sector’s activities allowed me to contribute to the betterment of the community. Whether it was collaborating on local initiatives or just having an ocular survey, the immersion experience provided me with a hands-on opportunity to make a positive impact to Barangay Paruk. I learned the importance of active listening when we interview most of the residents, cultural sensitivity and the significance of collaborative efforts in fostering sustainable change. Overall, my community immersion experience was transformative, it not only broadened my perspective on societal issues but also instilled a sense of responsibility towards making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The residents were grateful even though we only checked their vital signs.

In Barangay Paruk, people experience several circumstances that hinder them from seeking the medical care they need. As a medical student, I learned way more than just facts from books, during our community engagement. The residents there may not have much, but their spirit is richer than one can imagine; they welcome you with open arms and offer you smiles. Among the struggles, I found a community that taught me about strength and resilience. Although the community was visually pleasing with its scenic beauty, it did not hide the challenges of health and poverty. I realized me that being a doctor is not just about treating patients; it is about understanding lives. Barangay Paruk became my real-life lesson in compassion, where the best medicine sometimes goes beyond prescriptions and into the warmth of understanding.

As a medical student, doing a 21-day community immersion in the barangay of Paruk has changed me and helped me learn more about how healthcare affects society. This immersive journey gave me the chance to see healthcare disparities for myself, which made me more empathetic. Upon gaining knowledge about their everyday lives during the house-to-house survey, working with people from different backgrounds made me realize how important cultural competence is for providing good treatment. This experience not only made my medical learning better, but it also gave me a strong sense of duty to deal with the bigger social determinants that affect health. Not only identifying issues and implementing interventions, this immersion experience allowed us to enhance our understanding, foster a greater understanding of traditions, cultures, practices, and religion, and enhance the well-being of a community in need of assistance. Thinking back on these 21 days has made me more dedicated to providing holistic treatment to patients and more aware of how medicine and society are linked.