Health Teachings for 4Ps

by: Peter James Vitug

It was just our second day in Mirangan and I didn't expect that this would be the day that we would accomplish quite a number of things on our to-do lists. Monday is considered to be the busiest day of the week. It is officially the schedule for the barangay council to be conducted. While three of our group mates went to the Regional Health Unit in Siay to perform their duties, the rest of us attended the barangay council meeting and we listened to each of the officials’ reports, concerns and opinions. One of the council’s agenda was about the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and its requirements. For a 4Ps member to receive money for his family, there are conditions that he must comply to, such as a complete attendance in seminars and health teachings which are conducted by a social worker. The council informed us that there is a scheduled health teaching in the afternoon about the benefits and methods of family planning and we were invited to help out. This surprised us a bit since it would be our first time to conduct this activity on such short notice. Despite our apprehensions, we agreed to participate. At that time, we were all trying to remember our lessons in Maternal and Child Health Module regarding Family Planning.

After we left the council, our 12 noon break was spent by eating our lunch in a hurry while trying to review the important points on Family Planning. Time flies so quickly that I felt that the hour turned to minutes, the minutes turned to seconds. Before we knew it, “Oops, it’s time to go.” We made our way to the chosen venue, the chapel. Upon arrival, we were again surprised by the number of people present. This added to the pressure that we were all feeling as this is considered as Team Mauswagong Mirangan first public appearance. Not only were we there to become visible in the community, but we also had the heavy responsibility of imparting knowledge to the people. With the guidance of Mrs. Letty Cabactulan, the social worker responsible for these health seminars, we were able to give out lectures on the different family planning methods. Her warm encouragements gave us the boost of confidence that we all needed.

Student Medical Doctors with Maam Letty Cabactulan, 4P's coordinator for the Province of Siay

Aside from the different methods of family planning, the importance of both partners in strengthening the foundations of their marriage was also discussed. I was personally amazed by the participation of the members during the discussion. I was able to witness their inquisitiveness and at the same time, their willingness to try on the methods. My nervousness disappeared as I saw their enthusiasm to participate in the open forum. Some of the misconceptions were clarified too, like the famous vasectomy and tubal ligation and its effects on their “behavior,” the usage of pills and IUD and the efficacy and challenges of natural family planning methods. The issue of their religious beliefs and traditions in relation to family planning was also discussed to gain an idea of their understanding of the whole concept of family planning. In the end, some may practice family planning or some may not. What is important is that you gave them the opportunity to make an informed decision.

Doc Maj and I discussing the different family planning methods.

At the end of the lecture, I took a deep breath and smiled with my group mates for a job well done. Not only were we able to impart knowledge, but we also gained ideas in improving our communication skills even further. This experience also provided us with the ideas for our future projects. It is definitely an initial step for the betterment of Mirangan. We believe that our own simple way of touching lives just like what we had done, we can move mountains. To render such service and help to others without expecting anything in return and doing things voluntarily give us happiness and satisfaction that no amount of money can provide.