Highlights for 2009

I will be convening the staff this coming Tuesday for our annual PIR. It is a conference where each barangay midwife reports to the group her unit's achievements. At the same time, it is a conference where we consolidate our data and come up with the municipal-wide data of our achievements for 2008. It is also an opportunity for us to compare our 2008's achievements to the previous year's achievements. The objective is not to pinpoint the weak link, but rather to devise ways on how to strengthen the strong points and modify the weak areas.

For this year, which officially marks my last year as a Doctor to the Barrio, is ladened with activities already scheduled since last year, with the objective of further achieving our standards and goals.

For January: it is all about Review Month, consolidating reports and attending conferences reporting our data for 2008. January is also pre-Heart Month planning and Bloodletting Month. In one year, we have scheduled one bloodletting activity for evey quarter. Each month as well, we have scheduled a local health board meeting with the Mayor as Chairman and I as Vice-Chairman.

For February: Heart Month activities which include our 2nd Mountain Marathon and Interbarangay and Interschool Hataw Dance Showdown. I am also planning to launch a new advocacy club called the "Sugar Free Club" which aims to promote awareness about Diabetes and provide support to diabetic patients in Candoni. During the town fiesta, we will also be announcing the winners of Candoni's Best.

For March: We will be launching our Alkansiyang Pampamilya, sort of a microfinancing scheme which aims to support poor pregnant women, teaching them how to manage their savings in preparation for their delivery dates. Of course, March is also Rabies Awareness Month. We are also planning to launch our Newborn Screening Program.

For April: Garantisadong Pambata Round One a la children's party, just like last year but this time we will be involving schools and church organizations, promoting support for Immunization. During the last week of April, I will also be attending the annual AMHOP convention in Palawan.

For May: It is going to be CME month for me as DTTB, although I have also scheduled this as circumcision month and Adolescent Health Month. I am planning to coordinate with the Sangguniang Kabataan in conducting a Fertility Awareness Seminar among the male and female adolescents of the town.

For June: We are planning to hold a Bantay Lamok Program as our Anti-Dengue Drive. We will be coordinating with the various schools and various barangays.

For July: I am planning to lobby for the declaration of July as Fertility Awareness Month, with focus on advocacy for prenatal and postnatal care.

For August: Lung Month celebrations, with focus on Pulmonary Tuberculosis and COPD, anti-smoking drive and breastfeeding activity.

For September: Consolidation of reports, as preparation for my departure as DTTB.

For October: Final CME and graduation from DTTB.