BUILDING RAPPORT

Barangay Officials of Barangay Motibot

In every community, there is work to be done and there are problems to be solved. One cannot be a problem solver in the community without effectively working with the community. It would mean having mutual attentiveness, showing optimism, and getting in sync with them.

Barangay Health Workers of Motibot

In our first community exposure, we spent most of the days getting to know the people-the local officials, health workers, leaders of organizations, the youth, the families in Barangay Motibot. We presented our cause to the local residents and we were so glad to see their happy faces, full of excitement about what we can contribute to the community. In our conversations, we talked about their daily routines and their problems and successes in attaining better health. The people were very receptive, and not to forget the barangay officials who were very accommodating. Oh and who would forget our barangay health workers? These people never lost vigor since day 1. We simply enjoyed our conversations whether it were with the officials, the health workers, or local families. Laughter, shared, and new experiences were keys in establishing relationship with them.

Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Motibot

One challenge that we encountered was the language barrier. It was a challenge to some members of the team to communicate with the people because Bisaya is not their first language but perhaps, effort will always have a role in language learning. As it was said, “dili mi kaayo magaling pa pero maningkamot mi maka Bisaya”. Determination pays, it always does.

  

Teachers of Motibot Elementary School

In order to come up with solutions to health threats in the community, we have to see things in their perspective, connect and not create barriers, share information, and create opportunities together. The relationship we built with our local residents is one of the many success stories that we will share. To end, let me quote a line from Helen Keller- “ Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”.

Apple Rose B. Calud

ADZU SOM, Level 1