1st Community Assembly

by: Jermae Rubares

It is in the little things and in the lonely places that we prove ourselves capable of the big things. Let me start this entry by sharing this inspiring message with you. It was an “aha” moment for me when we ended another prayer session with this lasting lesson. I could not help but ponder on such thought. Do the little things matter that much? Why are we shaking off the small stuff? Are they even worth discussing? I mean, they are called “small” for a reason after all. Then looking back, I realized that the little things are the very reason why the big things happen. Well, a more concrete example would be monetary unit, the ‘little’ centavos are the reason why we have the ‘big’ thousand bills. So maybe, if we have such perspective in life, then we wouldn’t be whining and complaining about not achieving the “big” things in a rush. Because building a “big” thousand bill with the “little” centavos take time. If we actually, took time to dwell on such thought then the world would be a better place. If we learned to appreciate the small things, if we took responsibility and embraced the small things, then for sure, big things will happen. If you have proven yourself capable of handling the small stuff, the big things will be handed to you, and everything will be a like a breeze.

“Mauswagong Mirangan 2015”, this is our goal, and in no way is it considered “small”. Indeed, it is ambitious, it is “big” in every angle, yet it is possible. It will be achieved. We already claim victory, because we started by embracing the small stuff, we took responsibility in the little things, and we succeeded. If we already proved that we are capable of the small things, then, lo and behold, the big things will be promising.

The 1st Community Assembly is one of the first steps into reaching our dreams for Mirangan. For others, it may be like it is just another gathering, something that they would normally take for granted, but for us, it is the key to a strong and lasting relationship with the people. Some say that we should not pour all our efforts into the Community Assembly, after all, it is the implementation that would matter most. However, we took a different take on it; we invested on having a good relationship with the people. We listened to them; we talked to them and lived with them. In every day that we shared with the people, we learned more about them. It is in the everyday surprises that we get our inspiration and drive to help our community. The passion that we have to genuinely help the people is greater than our desire to fulfill our school requirements. It is amazing how life changing this experience has become for us. The relationship that we built with the people, the love that we received from them is just so overwhelming, that even in the little acts that we do, we give it our all.

Posters were pinned in designated areas to announce our 1st community assembly.

April 8. 2012, it is not just Easter Sunday, that we celebrated, it was also a celebration of the unity in Mirangan. It was no ordinary Easter. After celebrating the Holy Eucharist, people would normally go to the beach and have picnic, or spend time with their loved ones, but instead of doing so, they celebrated it with us. In the humble grounds of the Barangay Hall, the community people gathered, and chose to spend time with us. For hours, they sat and listened. The program was a testament of the close relationship that we built with the people. They participated and gave us a hand in the preparation of the venue, down to the presentation of data. The medical students, together with their partners (members of the core group) delivered a great presentation of data. The interaction was dynamic. The people did not hesitate to share their thoughts and opinions. The suggestions they gave were also something to ponder on. The assembly ended with an inspiring message from our group leader, Moritz Soliven. She delivered a heartwarming speech that reflected our passion and desire to serve the community without expecting anything in return. After all, the love and acceptance that the community people showed us is more than enough.

Our banner.

Listening intently. 

Ma'am Rhadiza Silao, Barangay Nutrition Scholar, 

sharing her views on malnutrition during the community assembly.

Overall, the 1st Community Assembly was a success. The cooperation that the group members and the community people showed was remarkable. Indeed, we have proven that we never shake off the small stuff. We never take anything for granted, and in whatever success we have, we all offer it to God. For nothing is impossible in His hands. With passion, determination, love and faith in the Lord, Mauswagong Mirangan 2015 will not only be a dream, but a reality.