The experiences of the 8 medical students in their 1st exposure in Brgy. Logan. 

Finding Home Away from Home

On January 4, 2025, the 1st year medical students were deployed to their respective communities. 8 of which were deployed in Barangay Logan of Ipil Municipality in Zamboanga Sibugay. Each having feelings of their own about the event, they boarded the bus and rode 4 hours to reach their destination. In this chapter, we will unravel the individual stories of the 8 medical students throughout their 1st leap on their journey in the community of Barangay Logan. 

Justine Ralph B. Calo is the team leader - a nurse who dreams of becoming a surgeon or a medical researcher one day.  He believes in the saying “Semper ad Meliora” (Always onward toward better things) which captures his visionary, and ambitious self. When asked about his experience on the first exposure, this is what he had to say: 

"Stepping into Barangay Logan, I expected to observe, to learn, and to apply what we’ve been taught. What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would change the way I see healthcare. The numbers in reports became faces, the statistics became stories, and the gaps in our health system became real—palpable, urgent, and personal. We walked through homes where illnesses weren’t just medical conditions but economic burdens, where the lack of access to healthcare meant relying on remedies passed down through generations. This is the reality that I faced.

I realized that medicine isn’t just about diagnosing diseases—it’s about listening, understanding, and becoming part of the community’s struggle and hope. True healing begins with empathy, and sustainable change isn’t found in prescriptions alone but in empowerment, and in being with the people, and for the people.

Through it all, I am very grateful for my groupmates, who stood by me on this journey. Together, we navigated uncertainties, shared insights, and supported each other through the challenges. This experience wasn’t just about learning—it was about growing together. Barangay Logan was our first step, but certainly not our last."

Zeleikha M. Daud, the head of the Creatives Committee, is a BS Psychology graduate who aspires to become a Neuropsychiatrist. In life, she aspires to "find comfort amidst the chaos" which enabled her to find solace in a place beyond her comfort. In telling her story, she stated:

 "Staying in Logan made me appreciate the stillness of life. It helped me pause and focus on the present rather than feeling anxious about what was to come. I feel so connected with the community that I already call it home. I love the sunsets, sunrises, and starry nights. Although we have to fetch water from a well, I still love staying there. Logan, promise mubalik ko!

I am extremely thankful for my newfound friends—Jane, Ros, Ate Pat, Res, Kah Ayra, Mike, and Jus. It felt so nice staying there with them; everything felt light, and they made the stay worthwhile. I am also glad to have met the kids and played with them. My most memorable moment was playing with my friends, as well as when Waze, a kid from there, gave me a slingshot that he made himself."

Rosalino S. Gayagoy Jr.,  the head of the Research Committee is a BS Biology graduate who, with a burning passion, aspires to become a community doctor as he believes in the saying that "the meaning of life unfolds once you make meaningful deeds”. When asked about his experience in Logan, this is what he had to share:

"My first community exposure together with my teammates was very memorable for me. Before the community exposure, I was anxious about the people that I would be with, I realized that It’s gonna be with these people that I would spend the next 4 years of my life in Medical school, I worried more about our relationship than the solving problem itself, but the first week of our community mended my worries with hope and excitement as we built good relationship together until our last day in our Barangay. I also celebrated my first-ever Birthday in Medical school, and it was with them. Now, I know that we are ready for all the upcoming challenges in the future exposures. I only hope that our relationship will lift each other as we collectively radiate this to Barangay Logan."

Mary Jane T. Jacalan, the team Auditor aspires to become an Obstetrician working in underserved communities one day as she believes that "A heart full of kindness has the power to heal the world, one soul at a time." True to her words, she spread such kindness to the people she met at Logan having her own story to tell.

"The same thing at first, I felt anxious knowing I would be away from home, away from my comfort zone, and uncertain of what lies ahead. However, once we settled in Barangay Logan, nature never failed me. It was an amazing community experience, immersing myself in the people and the place, to be with my lovely groupmates. It made me more appreciative of what I have."

Fatima Riesa A. Karay is the head of programs and events. She is a BS Psychology graduate who aspires to be a Psychiatrist one day. An empathetic and compassionate medical student, she believes in the saying "To heal others is to heal one's self." In her accounts of their 1st community exposure, she shared a few notes:

"Before arriving at our community, I had already been skeptical of what lies ahead. I was anxious, but excited at the same time because this was one of the reasons why I chose ADZU-SOM. While on the road headed to our community assignment, my worry kept growing when I saw how far we were from the town center. Eventually, we arrived at Barangay Logan - in Purok Gemilina. I could feel the curious eyes of the people of Logan, some were in full smiles waving at us, while some just simply stared. 

As days went on, I’ve come to face the reality of what was once an idea. Before, I loved the idea of immersing in the community, being with the community, and learning the lives of the people of the community. But then, I got to live with them, be with them, and listen to their stories and concerns about health firsthand. I was touched, and concerned, and became more driven to do something for these people. They too, like any of us, have stories to tell that need to be listened to, and problems that need to be answered. Although I know that we cannot simply solve every problem they have, there is something that we can do and I am thankful that we were placed in this community as we come with a purpose."

Patricia Dominique J. Lee is the team Secretary, she is a nurse who dreams of becoming an Obstetrician as well. She believes in the saying "Le bonheur est parfois caché dans l'inconnu." (Happiness is sometimes hidden in the unknown), which shows her adventurous and optimistic nature - a true anchor in every team. When asked about her 1st community exposure, this is what she had to say:

"Being away from home was a first for me. I remember being anxious and scared about what we would experience during our first community exposure. Upon arrival in Barangay Logan, we realized that we lived far from the town center, without access to running water, or mobile signals. It was a struggle, but fortunately, we were able to adjust well. If there was anything I learned from this exposure, it was to appreciate life more. Living simply and being surrounded by great people made my home feel closer to me. I look forward to the new adventures we will encounter in future exposures <3. 

Michael Ismail L. Quiling is the head of the Logistics Committee. He is also a nurse who aspires to become a surgeon or an internist. He believes in the saying “Life is like a ship, you have to cruise against the powerful current to achieve your desired destiny.” Fueled with determination and hope, he shared his journey in Brgy Logan.

"It was my first time being far from home for a month, but I always bear in mind that sometimes I also need to get out of my comfort zone to give myself opportunities to explore more about life. As I reached my assigned community, all of the things and struggles that I had expected once were all present. I was able to adapt easily to the environment because I had experienced these things before. One of the struggles that I had, personally, I experienced homesickness for a couple of days but because of the endless smiles and moments that I had shared with my groupmates, it just disappeared right away. 

During my stay in Logan, one thing that I have realized is being a doctor is not only about treating your patient but it’s about how you influence one’s mind and soul to help themselves improve. Not every person has the opportunity to shine and it’s our role as medical students to turn the spotlight towards them to shine brighter. I am thankful for having such groupmates who emphasize unity. We stood together firmly during our stay which made us survive, accomplish, and cherish every moment. 

Last but certainly not least, we cannot forget the pillar of the group, the head of the Finance Committee Ziarich Ayra S. Sakirani. She is also a nurse who simply dreams of becoming a doctor with a good work-life balance. A low-key, and reserved person who treasures her privacy, she believes that "There’s peace in keeping things private.” But her story about her 1st community in Logan is something that is meant to be shared. 

​​"On our first day of community exposure, the moment we arrived at our living quarters, it struck me that I would be away from my comfort for an entire month. Although I was able to adapt, I experienced some challenges, especially during the first few days. It was also my first time to be away from my parents, and I have learned that this exposure is beneficial because it allows me to learn how to be independent. A memorable event for me was when we ate meals together from breakfast to lunch, snacks, and dinner."

Coming from different places, these 8 medical students were brought together in one place where they were able to live a life apart from their usual scripts. Here in Logan, they were able to make different pages, and different stories, but most of all, they made a home away from home.