Checking the List

More than a year ago, before I was deployed in Candoni, I made a list of things that I am woried about, things that I look forward to and things that I will do in Candoni. I know I promised going back to this list on my second year as a DTTB, but since it is already half-time, and the last two quarters of the game are about to start, I think it would only be fair if I go back to this list and check.

According to my list of things that I am (was) worried about:
1. NPAs - peace and security. - So far, there had been no threats to life or limb during my first 12 months in Candoni. I was able to visit a far-flung area in Barangay Agboy a few months ago and it was rumored to be a hotbed (former) of NPA's but I never experienced any real threat. Of course, there will always be threats to life and limb, whether or not you are in the mountains. But hey, for as long as they don't bother me, I won't really bother them.

2. The modest board and lodging - how modest? Currently, I have a spacious room inside the newly renovated main health center. I used to stay in the Tourism Cottage behind the municipal hall. It wasn't bad either, except when it rains. Now, my room is okay and I like it.


3. the lonely nights away from family - So far, I have survived half of those lonely nights. At first, I really thought that I should worry about the loneliness. Later, I found out that it wasn't loneliness that I should be worried about.

4. dealing with the local government unit - how supportive are they? - Well, they are supportive enough to have the old health center renovated. But for 2009, I doubt whether or not they would give the Magna Carta benefits in full. If they won't give it, then I don't see myself staying in Candoni for the next 6 months after my contract ends.

5. water supply - Water supply can be scarce. There have been days when there was no water. And even if there was, the water appears to be unsafe for drinking.

6. transportation - Transportation is bad in Candoni. The bus would have irregular schedules and usually there would only be 3 or 4 trips (the most, 5) in a day, both in and out of the municipality. There are other modes of transportation but accidents do happen considering the bad roads leading to and out of Candoni.

7. electricity - how will i charge my "laptop"? - There is electricity and yes, I was able to purchase a personal laptop after 5 months in the job. It was a necessity anyway, and it became my only source of entertainment while I was in Candoni.

8. lack of supplies and equipments for my MHO - It wasn't as bare as I would have expected it. Yes, there were supplies that were lacking and so I had to purchase them during my first 6 months in the office. But the financial resources are not really enough to buy the rest of the medical supplies and equipments.

9. communication - There is a strong signal in Candoni, although there is still no internet.

10. food -A dttb never grows hungry while in his DTTB job.

I will try to blog about the other lists next time, or perhaps when I end my contract next year.