Gawad Kalusugan -- the health program of Gawad Kalinga

GKal Towerville + SJDM CHO Undergo CHITS Training

2008-03-19T09:37:00.001+08:00

The Gawad Kalusugan team leed by Dr. Joy Mangubat, together with the San Jose del Monte City Health Office, underwent basic training on the Community Health Information Tracking system (chits.miu.ph). The training was given by Dr. Alex Gavino and team from the UP Manila National Telehealth Center Central Operations Team.

GKal Towerville is gearing up for the installation and use of CHITS and would be the fist such implementation of CHITS in a non-governmental setup.

2008-03-19T01:01:00.001+08:00

My first blog using the Blogger widget for the Mac...

a joyful experience in Bicol - 3 March 2008

2008-03-05T09:54:00.002+08:00

..another sharing of Doc Joen

Good morning everyone,

May you have a spirit-filled journey for the rest of the week.

I just want to share about my Bicol trip. It was indeed very fruitful and exciting, and, of course affirming. We left saturday morning and arrived straight at Libmannan at around 4pm. It was a great day after the long days of raining (flooding the ricefield and some streets). I would like to think I brought sunshine there.(naks). And so my short but real happy visit took place.

Among the fruits of my visit are the ff:
> reevaluated the children for possible ppd. Dr Ed Palima the RHU has pointed out 4 kids for ppd. Those not yet seen and the others with exposure & some symptoms were reevaluated.
> immersed through the house to house visit of the kids' family (FUN with the HCVs, and action-pact--the pathway were muddy and slippery, on and off rain, HCVs very careful that I dont slip.)
>conducted HCV training, 11 promising HCVs, very interested and happy with new roles, responsibilities and training
>conducted consultations (andami nila...and the need for medications were impressed upon me...this I think can be a part of our program. One mother had an asthmatic child with moderate dyspnea, and had no funds to bring child to the far clinics for nebulization)
>planned with Dr Enojado their provincial health coordinator...He promoted our health program in their MCG and asked the community to help fill up their health structure by Mar 15.
>was oriented on caretaker team and KB management and even given many advises on life issues with the kind and hospitable PDs Tito Agoy and tita Cecille
>got to know more the caretaker team...who are very much dedicated...usually they are there weekly, some daily...they also conduct household meetings for the beneficiaries, and they themselves are very active in their pastoral formation and church activities...definitely not veering away
>talked to representative of RHU2, Nurse Jun, sent by MHO Dr. Ed Palima, who is very active and does monthly consultation and training of HCVs
>visited Iriga's health manager, Dr. Gina Ampongan, pediatrician and businesswoman, very bubbly, high-spirited, dedicated, makuwento talaga. she has read the articles given on training HCVs and outlines on our programs, has assigned network of nonCFC doctors for the training. She was apologetic that she has not formed the HCV team yet because of weekly activities...Disciples weekend, etc. She explained their site structure...Shes really excited and willing .

Exciting as it is, I have found a lot of opportunities
>Tita Weehlee, wife of Tito Hayee, GK provincial coordinator is a nurse who can be part of the regional training team
>Tita Mentoy, the Libmannan Gkal Manager, non-health professional has already some topics for training hcvs, Tita Des a teacher, part of caretaker team, assigned to CYD, also to help in training..herbal medicines in particular
>RHU's valuable participation
>son of Tito Agoy with his friends, all nurses, will also help in training...monitor vital signs, and will participate in Manila also when they are around
>Have a list of 10 Gkal Mgrs for Camarines Sur, to do training provincial-wide for gkal managers, and coordinators upon my return
>ppd to be done soonest, then tb treatment hopefully soon, conduct training for thier tasks for tb implementation
>Tita Gina also amenable to join training team for the province.
>structure for health to be filled up soon c/o Dr. Enojado. they're looking also for sector coordinators.
>Regional Coordinator Jay and wifey Eena very supportive, wants to orient other proviinces and help set up health across the region. hopefully once their training team is set and made strong, they can do it on their own. and we go to other regions.

Finally, it was an affirming experience. After all the warmth, the hospitality,the abundant food (hehe) ,the wisdom I gained from my encounter with them, the inspiration I also got from their passion and dedication, I had one more affirmation. I went to sunday mass with tito Agoy and tita Cecile not understanding much because it is in Bicolano...I felt God's loving presence and embrace...especially when I received Jesus in the sacrament while walking back to my seat and the radiant rays of the sun shining on my face...He said this is my mission...to be a health missionary.
In so much gratefulness: Thank you Lord, indeed for everything and for sending me.

Hoping your lives will also be touched everyday in the work God has called us to pursue to spread His love and healing.

with love, Joen

Happy Bicol Trip - 7 Feb 2008

2008-03-05T09:51:00.002+08:00

...posting Doc Joen's sharing of her GKal experience in Bicol

Hello everyone,

Joanne and I are here in Bicol after our 2 day visit in Libmannan village. This is a real wonderful village, with the spirited caretaker team very much into community empowerment. The project directors are very hospitable, so nice!!! and have great experiences in their community development. They also have their own CO who is taking a 3year certifcate course in Ateneo on Community development. This is the village previously handled by heather. 75 beneficiaries, with on going build. Ten+ HCVs. We have convinced the GK Health representative to be the GKal Manager but are in need of our assistance and training. Also the parish priest and the RHU are very active in the community, the latter conducting training for the HCVs 2x a month. Another good thing, the HCVs go on duty at the Health center once a week as training for the clinic they are about to open. I also sense behavioral changes from the people with much hope for their future. Indeed the care-taker team instills in them that they have to believe they are capable because in the future they will have to stand on their own...something I dont see and I am looking for in other communities. So this is a promising community and a promising region...hope we can have this region as one template in our strategies in spreading our GKAl work.

Praise God for all the blessings we had from this trip and the coming more weenjoy for our last day. our agenda now is to go to Iriga to see their village and to talk to UNEP and to another school. Happy!

God bless.
Joen

GK San Isidro Medical Mission -- June 17th, 2007

2007-06-17T14:55:00.001+08:00

Mom and I went to lend support to the GK-led Medical Mission at Barangay 33 Pasay (covered by the San Isidro Health Center). Marvin and Sheila Portillo (Central C) headed the mission team together with the help of the Singles for Christ Central C.

A model that is becoming apparent is the partnership of the CFC (couples) and the singles in delivering the mission of Gawad Kalusugan.

Blogged with Flock

GKal Launched in Towerville

2007-06-11T17:44:00.000+08:00

With bated breath, Gawad Kalusugan launches in Towerville, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Dr. Eric Cayabayab, national program coordinator of GKal, was witness to the event.

GKal Orientation A Success in Pampanga

2006-07-24T19:21:00.000+08:00

Drs. Joe Yamamoto, Ian Gomez, Portia Fernandez-Marcelo and Eloy Marcelo gave an orientation to CFC members in Pampanga. The event was held at 71.3 Restaurant, run and managed by Coops for Christ. This event was facilitated through the request of GKare Provincial Coordinator Dr. Rey Espiritu.

Gawad Kalusugan-Gawad Kalinga Clinches Faith-based Slot in the CCM

2006-04-15T08:48:00.000+08:00

The GKare Foundation (formerly Couples for Christ - Medical Missions Foundation, Inc) got the faith-based slot in the Country Coordinating Mechanism for the Global Fund Against Tuberculosis. The CCM is a group of public and private institutions who are waging a fight against TB in the country.

From the Global Fund website:

"Country Coordinating Mechanisms are central to the Global Fund's commitment to local ownership and participatory decision-making. These country-level partnerships develop and submit grant proposals to the Global Fund based on priority needs at the national level. After grant approval, they oversee progress during implementation.

CCM meeting in HondurasCountry Coordinating Mechanisms include representatives from both the public and private sectors, including governments, multilateral or bilateral agencies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, private businesses and people living with the diseases.

For each grant, the Country Coordinating Mechanism nominates one or a few public or private organizations to serve as Principal Recipient."

The election for the faith-based slot was made at the Philippine International Convention Center during the March 24, 2006 STOP TB celebrations. Dr. Jose Yamamoto, executive director of Gawad Kalusugan, will represent Couples for Christ- Gawad Kalinga in the CCM.

MOA Signing with Philippine Heart Association

2006-03-09T11:14:00.000+08:00

Phil. International Trading Corp

2006-03-09T10:55:00.000+08:00

PITC-CFCMMFI MOA Signing
Club Filipino, Sept 29, 2005
w/ Sec. Roberto Pagdanganan & Cito Lorenzo

GAWAD KALUSUGAN LAUNCH

2006-03-03T15:06:00.000+08:00

Sept 30, 2005
Valle Verde Country C lub

GKAL PROGRAM HEAD IS 2005 TOYM AWARDEE

2006-01-25T15:04:00.000+08:00

Dr. Alvin B. Marcelo is an awardee of the THE OUTSTANDING YOUNG MEN (TOYM) for 2005. He was awarded for excellence in the field of Medical Informatics. Amongst his co-awardees are Rep. Chiz Escudero, Iliac Diaz and Beethoven del Valle Bunagan (Michael V.)

Family Health Fair at North B

2005-07-13T02:20:00.000+08:00

- Noe Babilonia, MD

The Medical Ministry coordinator of North B5 organized a very successful Family Health Fair last May 22, 2005 at the UP Village Barangay Complex. Members of the cluster came in droves to participate in health education activities that included Health Booths featuring the Six-point Priority Program of the Medical Mission Foundation: TB, Water-borne illnesses, immunization, nutrition, RP-NFP (Gawad Kaginhawaan) and Philhealth coverage. Highlight of the affair was the cluster’s ongoing Blood Donation Program that featured its “Search for Tanging BIDA” through which the chapters gathered blood donors that voted in the contest. A total of 71 blood donors chose by balloting the winning muse, the Tanging BIDA. (The Medical Ministry has introduced the BIDA to mean Blood Donor Ako.

The usual blood pressure and osteoporosis screening was also performed. Basic Life Support – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation was also taught thru demo arranged by the Philippine Heart Association. Anti-smoking Poster Contest was held with YFC Groups. Circumcision and Pap Smear Exam were performed as well as Chest X-ray Examination.

UP Manila Students Gives Bath to GK Kids

2005-04-05T20:31:00.000+08:00

Consistent with the Gawad Kalusugan program on personal hygiene, students from UP Manila Biology Majors Association taught kids in GK Baseco tips on how to care for themeselves last March 17, 2005. Professor (and bro) Jay Dalet lent his full support.

Gawad Kalusugan in CHICAGO...

2005-03-18T09:21:00.000+08:00

PINOY The Filipino American Newsmonthly

VOLUNTEERISM:GAWAD KALINGA'S BANDWAGON
By Manny Hermano Couples For Christ
National Council Member

...

AND NOW GAWAD KALUSUGAN

Until now all focus have been on GK777, but only until Joe Yamamoto, International Director for ANCOP and Medical Missions walked into town last month. He came with a message: that in talking about GK777, we should also not forget Gawad Kalusugan (Give Health), one of the 5 components of GK. Together these 5 components form the acronym C SHEL for Community empowerment and mobilization, Shelter, Health, Education and Livelihood. Joe who was here only for 2 nights gave a presentation on both nights with emphasis on Gawad Kalusugan. Certainly the explanation of Gawad Kalusugan was both enlightening and fruitful.

Enlightening because to many of us it was a shocker to know that roughly 50% of children in the Sibol (“to grow”) age group of 3-6 years old and the Sagip (“to save a life”) group aged 7-13 years old in a GK community surveyed by Joe's team have incipient Tuberculosis.

Joe’s presentation on Gawad Kalusugan was fruitful because Joe was able to communicate this problem to the Illinois Couples for Christ leaders and the UST doctors (alumni association). Some doctors from Indiana even drove to listen to Joe. With Joe's presentation, I felt that all of us who were present now better understand the scope of the GK work and I know that it has made our group even more committed to be GK partners.

Gawad Kalusugan will make Filipinos even feel more the urgency in supporting the work with the poor and give all of us more impetus to help. On one hand, GK777 will improve the quality of life of the poor, but Gawad Kalusugan will save lives - and for the kids, it will prevent the TB bacilli from eating away at their brain cells and other organs that contributes to their stunted growth, learning disabilities and sub-par intelligence - which really perpetuate their being just slum-dwelling people.

And so all Filipinos need to know the urgency of this work of Gawad Kalusugan. As a program, it needs to follow the GK sites - so as a GK site is about to be finished, the Gawad Kalusugan team should right away start the identification and medication of the infected children and perhaps the adults as well. The goal should be for the GK site not only to be
completed but also that the residents there are TB-free and healthy (other components of Gawad Kalusugan such as prevention/treatment of water-borne diseases, immunization, nutrition, also need to be in operation.)

For complete article visit..
http://www.pinoymonthly.net/12-2004/comm02Gawad.htm

UP Manila Students Get GKAL Orientation

2005-03-13T05:15:00.000+08:00

Students from the UP Manila Biology Majors Association (BioMaS) and Alliance of Leaders for the Youth (ALLY), participated in a GKAL orientation held at the Gusaling Andres Bonifacio Rm 102 last March 12, 2005. Ten young leaders underwent the GKAL Orientation for Partners together with the Singles for Christ members of the Medical Mission Foundation. Professor Jay Dalet, faculty adviser of the UP Manila students provided much needed support for the event. The students will be hosting a session on Personal Hygiene and Cleanliness with the SIBOL kids of Baseco on March 16, 2005.

Gawad Kalusugan Orientation Begins

2005-03-11T14:58:00.000+08:00

The much-awaited Gawad Kalusugan Orientation commenced at the Therapharma Conference Room at Bonaventure Plaza, Ortigas, San Juan. Over fifty Medical Mission Foundation Coordinators attended the event. Members of the Gawad Kalusugan DevTeam facilitated the event which culminated in the distribution of CDs containing instructional materials on Gawad Kalusugan. The full content of the CD is also available at gkal.linuxforhealth.org

Gawad Kalusugan North B Timeline as of February 28, 2005

2005-02-27T19:46:00.000+08:00

Feb 13: Blood Letting at North B Philippine Heart Center

Feb 20: Fight TB Program launched at the Philippine Heart Center

Feb 26-27: Mantoux testing of all school age children in North B GK sites.

Currently, there are 7 clusters in NB with one MMF Corrdinator each.

Gawad Kalusugan Baseco Timeline as of Feb 28, 2005

2005-02-27T19:44:00.000+08:00

Gawad Kalusugan Goes to Baseco

Feb 2: West-A MMF Coordinator couple, Ike and Grace Orlina, together with their MMF Core Group met
with Bro Raul Dizon of GK National and GK Baseco Peroject Director Jun Valbuena.

Feb 7: GKAL Launching in Baseco

Feb 10: Ocular inspection in BAseco with emphasis on water drainage, drinking water, environmental
sanitation, waste and garbage disposal. Courtesy call with the Baseco HealthCenter Dr. Jesse Bermejo to talkabout the health needs of Baseco.

Feb 13: Orientation with West A MMF Core Group and cluster coordinators. Fifteen persons attended.
Kuwento ni Rosario was discussed and proposed programfor Baseco was presented by Sis Ellen Solis.

Feb 18: Meeting with UP College of Public Health

Feb 19: Meeting with Kapitbahayan leaders in baseco. KNR given to 15 persons

Feb 25: Freedom day

DOH Health Events for March 2005

2005-02-27T19:37:00.000+08:00

These are the DOH activities for the month of March. MMF Core Groups and Bayanihan Action Teams are encouraged to coordinate with the local health center officer to assist in the success of these activities in the GK sites.

Women's Health day (March 8)
World TB Day (March 24)
Women's Health Month
Burn Injury Prevention Month
Rabies Awareness Month
Colonand Rectal Cancer Awareness Month
(from DOH calendar of activities)

Gawad Kalusugan: Reaching Out to Local Partners

2005-02-27T19:35:00.000+08:00

Fr. Rolando Fernandez, a St Camillus priest, renovated their facilities near GK San Andres. They
will provide two rooms for out patient services as well as a dental room, a pharmacy, and a
laboratory. A kitchen for nutrition activities will also be provided. Fr. Fernandez is eager to
coordinate with the GK San Andress MMF Core Group to consolidate efforts and avoid duplication of services.

Gawad Kalusugan Updates in Hapay-na-Mangga

2005-02-27T19:32:00.000+08:00

In Taytay, MHO Dr. Gerardo Camba made an ocular inspection of GK Hapay-na-Mangga together with members of the MMF Core Group last February 22. The Fight TB and Nutrition program were identified as priority areas of concern and will be the first ones to be implemented.

Progress in GK San Andress and Jansennville

2005-02-27T19:23:00.000+08:00

One of the principal objectives of Gawad Kalusugan is the strengthening of linkages with partners. And one
of the most important partner in any GK site is the local government unit. Last Feb 21, Dr Petty
Dio (National MMF) and other members of the Community Pediatric Society of the Philippines (CPSP) explained to
Cainta Municipal Health Officer Dr. Olga Abellanosa the Gawad Kalusugan Program. Dr. Abellanosa
agreed to provide vaccines and syringes for one to twelve month old children in San Andres and
Janssenville GKs. The enhanced immunization program will comemnce in March. Likewise, anti-TB drugs
from the health center will be made vailable for boith children and adult patients.

GKAL Taytay Updates

2005-02-23T00:54:00.000+08:00

Dr Petty Dio met with the Taytay municipal health officer Dr. Gerry Camba to present a possible partnership between the local government and the Community Pediatric Society of the Philippines (CPSP) Rizal Chapter. The partnership will focus initially on enhancing the immunization and anti-TB programs in GK Hapay-na-Mangga. Program orientation will be on February 22, 2005.

North B Commences Fight TB Program

2005-02-20T09:32:00.000+08:00

Please note the following dates:

Feb 20 (Sunday) (Venue- Phil Heart center) - The National GKal TB task force will orient and train all North B doctors, dentists,nurses and other paramedical CFC members including all our HCVs (Health Care Volunteers from the Kapitbahayan) how to screen for TB among the SIBOL and SAGIP age group using PPD skin tests injections. All those positive for PPD reaction will be included in the Anti-TB program.

Feb 27 (Sunday) - All SIBOL-SAGIP kids in all North B GKs will be screened for TB (PPD skin test injection + standard clinical parameters). Reading of any skin reaction will be done 2-3 days later. Those identified for TB will be registered for treatment. Their parents and kasambahay will be assisted in consulting the local health center for sputum testing.

We enjoin other MMF Core Groups to join this activity to observe the process by which North B implemented this program. Please contact Bro Ting Villafuerte cvillafuertemd(at)yahoo.com for details.

Heartwarming Moves: Resounding Success

2005-02-17T01:27:00.000+08:00

Heartwarming Moves, the Valentine's Day fund-raiser of the CFC-Medical Missions Foundation, was attended by a record group of supporters at the Valle Verde Country Club last February 14, 2005. The Meister Singers led by Bro. Dan Francia served as the front act while the Moonstrucks engaged the crowd with lively dance music that lasted till midnight.

Bro. Nonong Igancio and wife Letty together with their household initiated this fund-raiser event. Proceeds will go to the support of the Medical Mission Foundation's activities for 2005.

North B Rolls Out Fight TB Program

2005-02-09T09:25:00.000+08:00

The North B MMF Core Groups will be rolling out their salvo for 2005 through the Fight TB Program (the T in TWIN-RP 6 point program of Gawad Kalusugan). Please note the following dates:

Feb 20 (Sunday) (Venue- Phil Heart center) - The National GKal TB task force will orient and train all North B doctors, dentists,nurses and other paramedical CFC members including all our HCVs (Health Care Volunteers from the Kapitbahayan) how to screen for TB among the SIBOL and SAGIP age group using PPD skin tests injections. All those positive for PPD reaction will be included in the Anti-TB program.

Feb 27 (Sunday) - All SIBOL-SAGIP kids in all North B GKs will be screened for TB (PPD skin test injection + standard clinical parameters). Reading of any skin reaction will be done 2-3 days later. Those identified for TB will be registered for treatment. Their parents and kasambahay will be assisted in consulting the local health center for sputum testing.

In all, the Gawad Kalusugan aims to effect empowerment of our GK beneficiaries by involving them in the Fight TB Program. The healthcare volunteers (who are residents of the GK sites) will be very much involved in the 'tutok-gamutan' as treatment partners, a requirement of long-term treatment of tuberculosis. Gawad Kalusugan complements the government adult DOTS program by focusing on the children. However, by identifying the children affected, it is, in effect, already active case finding for the adults -- a task difficult for the local health center to perform given their limited manpower. Common sense dictates that the most common source of TB infection in children are their parents. Therefore, to completely cure the child, we need to make sure the affected parents are cured themselves. The Fight TB Program therefore is integrated and complementary with available public health services.

MMF Joins Integrated Area Development in BASECO

2005-02-08T14:07:00.000+08:00

Several MMF members joined the launch of the health, education, and livelihood pillars of Gawad Kalinga at the GK BASECO. Joe Yamamoto together with Jojo Solis, Manny Patayon, Grace Allana, and Jeff Yap formed the MMF contingent. On hand also were the MMF Core Group leaders for BASECO, Dr and Mrs. Ike and Grace Orlina.

Eloy Marcelo followed later joined by the UP College of Public Health faculty headed by Prof. Marilyn Lorenzo. The group interviewed a BASECO GK site resident, the local health center physician, and the GK BASECO caretaker team led by Bro. Jun Valbuena.

Immediate plans are to assist the local health center in performing its health profile (most of the records of the BHWs were burned down). Dr Ellen Solis, together with Eloy and Portia Marcelo will provide technical assistance to the MMF Core Group to be formed by the Orlinas.

GlobeXTM Message

2005-02-08T09:44:00.000+08:00

Contributions to the Gawad Kalusugan newsletter are welcome. Please feel free to send your activities to alvinbmarcelo(at)yahoo.com

GlobeXTM Message

2005-02-08T09:32:00.000+08:00

HEARTWARMING MOVES- an after-dinner Valentines party at Valle Verde Country Club, Feb 14, 2005. Pls get your tickets at the gate or contact nong_ignacio@yahoo.com. This event is a fundraiser for the Gawad Kalusugan Program of the CFC Medical Mission Foundation.

Workshop on Basic Life Support for Health Care Volunteers

2005-02-07T13:07:00.000+08:00

A workshop on basic life support will be offered by the Philippine Heart Center on February 11 and 12, 2005. In line with Gawad Kalusugan's plan to empower health care volunteers in GK sites, this workshop serves as the initial salvo of the Medical Mission Foundation for 2005. Registration is free but pre-registration is required. Please contact Dr. Noe Babilonia (PHC trunkline) or Dr. Ting Villafuerte (North B sector) for more details.

Health Program to be Launched in BASECO

2005-02-07T12:59:00.000+08:00

On February 7, 2005, the education and health pillars of Gawad Kalinga will be launched in BASECO. We enjoin those who have the time to participate in the launch and witness how GK is transforming BASECO from a land of ruins to one of hope.

Gawad Kalusugan Resource Website Now Up

2005-02-07T10:00:00.000+08:00

We have set up a website for Gawad Kalusugan resources. If you are looking for methods on how to implement a health program for your GK site, this is the place to get them.

The technology behind the website is the wiki ---- a method which allows users to post their own resources as well.

Gawad Kalusugan Newsletter Launched

2005-02-06T14:44:00.000+08:00

The first issue of the Gawad Kalusugan newsletter was launched today at the ECG (Feb 6, 2005). Scheduled to come out at every ECG meeting, the GKal Newsletter is meant to inform the CFC community of how the Medical Mission Foundation and other ministries are implementing the health programs in the different GK sites around the country.

Contributions are most welcome! If you know of a forthcoming activity in a GK site, or would like to share your experiences, please feel free to send email to alvinbmarcelo(at)yahoo.com. More reporting methods will be made available soon (eg, cellphone). Please bookmark this page as this will be where all activities will be reported.

Thank you.

The first issue is available here in PDF.

eloy marcelo, managing editor

UP College of Public Health Extends Helping Hand

2005-02-04T15:27:00.000+08:00

Some faculty members of the UP College of Public Health met with the board of the Medical Mission Foundation at the Theraparma conference room last February 3, 2005. Prof. Marilyn Lorenzo of the Health Policy and Administration Department (HPAD) led a team of faculty members to formally extend their willingness to help with the Gawad Kalinga sites especially in the health pillar.

Prof Lorenzo and this team had been holding regular prayer meetings as part of their purpose driven life prayer group. They have been to Baseco and Payatas 13 and are impressed with the holistic approach of GK.

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2005-02-02T08:00:00.000+08:00

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