I am a VOLUNTEER

"What is my sense of purpose?"

That is one of the question that hovers individuals. To some, they are quite lucky enough to have that direction laid out in their paths, but to a few, they are still in search for the answer.

Being able to do something BIG is not really the main purpose. But it is of the little things we do that will create a difference to others. As they say, people in our lives has a purpose - they help connect each other so that good things will cross in each path and bring out the best of everyone.My name is Vida Ventanilla, a registered nurse in the Philippines. Nursing is not really my first choice but if my parents would have asked me again right now, what i would want to become - i will still not be able to provide them with one concrete answer. All i can tell myself is that i just want to make a difference and help other people.

This is where the IPDM Medical Nursing Volunteers story starts.

BRIDGES

The IPDM organization has long been existing. They have been very active in numerous relief operations and other trainings in partnership with other organizations. With this, Mrs. Saturnina Rodil paved the way for me to bridge and be part of the group. Together with Mrs. Malou Nanaman and Mrs. Rodil, there was once an instance that I was introduced to the Civil Military Operations officer or commonly known as S7's of the AFP in Mindanao. After getting to talk with them, i was offered to join one of their activities - medical missions.

This is where building of people to people bridge begins.

Brgy.Tingin2

Brgy. Tingin2, July 2009

It was with this medical mission that I brought the first team, together with the 104th brigade under Col.Benito de Leon. The first members were Ms. Murillo, Ms. Acuna and Mr. Elbamo. The medical dental program was a huge success. At the same time, it was eye opening for the group as we were able to witness the existing reality unfold right in front of us.

From the teaching itself of how the medications are to be taken, to the basic first aid, the use of the approved DOH herbal plants, to the teaching of how to observe proper hygiene -- all these needed attention. Here we realized we as nurses or even as just an individual, we can do a lot. There was only 4 of us that day. BUT with the help of the AFP, it was a homerun at the end of the day.

That day was an open door of opportunity.

Prof. Rudy Rodil and Mrs. Saturnina Rodil sat with me as we brainstormed and as I tried to point out what we can do - which is A LOT. Thankfully, the IPDM was very open enough to accept and allow us to be part of their organization.

The NETWORKING

FACEBOOK ACCOUNT
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58245529994&ref=ts

It was only through Facebook that I was able to gather all the volunteers. We made a group website (IPDM Medical Nursing Volunteers Group) and posted pictures of the recent medical mission in Tingin2x. The next thing I knew, within 1-2 weeks the number of volunteers swelled. These volunteers i have no acquaintance of, but they were just random individuals who just came across the group site and wanted to join and be part of the team. There were doctors, dentists, med-techs and nurses who were active and kept up with the updates and schedules. We post schedules of medical missions and they show up, and majority of the people I meet, are of FIRST acquaintance.

FIRST ORIENTATION

As part of the requisite before sending the volunteers to the field, they had to undergo the trainings given by the IPDM. Surprisingly, the first orientation wasn't the last. It kept going and going. From one orientation to the next. The number of volunteers were increasing. Numerous sectors came and bridged with the group.From the AFP (43IB, 104th, 15IB), the US military, other International NGO's and etc.

With this, we were able to meet Ms. Kerstin of the DED. In line with the IPDM, we worked hand in hand to provide the volunteers trainings and seminars regarding cultural senstivity, human rights, what conflict is and etc.

BRGY. DULAG

Medical Mission Brgy. Dulag

With the 43IB, under Col.Juvymax Uy, the team was brought to a far flung area wherein we helped the soldiers in providing the necessary health care services to the community members. 30 volunteers were brought to the area and the experience was life changing.

It was then followed by another medical mission at Brgy. San Miguel, iligan City wherein 35 volunteers- nurses and doctors came and helped, served hundreds of people. Still with the help and support of the 43IB, MCAT 110 and US MIST. The people behind such success were very hands on to help and very participative with all the activities prepared to help build the relationship amongst the community members.

Medical Mission Brgy. San Miguel

Brgy. Mainit together still with the 43IB, the group was able to give a solid number of serving 1,256 people.All in one day.

BRGY. MAINIT

The services we offer depends upon what the AFP has for us. Usually the group is divided into 4-5. Dental assistants, Nurses who performs circumcision, Minor Operations, Vital Signs taking, Medicine Distribution and the Extra curricular activities. It is more of a well rounded group of volunteers that come together, providing medical care and others will facilitate in the games and health teaching of the community. Eventually at present, the Volunteers group has served 7-8,000 people and the number is still rising.

ABOUT US

The Volunteers does not just focus with the medical missions alone. There are some instances that our presence will be needed in other activities such as programs, helping with the children in schools and etc. There are times we are sent to far flung areas such as Munai, Piagapo where we give out fruit seedling, doing health surveys and health teaching to the community. It doesn't require a huge number of volunteers to come but it is of the essence of bringing along what we are there for -- to HELP.

Big Hearts - Cardiomegaly was one of the projects of the Volunteers Group wherein they all pooled in contributions out of their pockets and raised money to conduct a one-day program at Gawad Kalinga, Dalipuga. 50 children representing 50 families got to experience a fun filled day of games and prizes. Food was served and the giveaways of rice, canned goods and personal hygiene were handed out to the 50 families.

The IPDM Medical Nursing Volunteers Group has been a success and along with it are numerous people who made these possible. From friends and from working colleagues, we all were a success in all undertakings.

The media - Merlyn Manos, Ronnie Enderes, Richiel Umel.

The AFP, Col. de Leon, Col. Juvymax Uy, Col. Hambala, Gen. Ferrer and the rest (43IB, 104bgde, 601bgde, 15IB, 35IB).

The US Maritime Civil Affairs Team (MCAT 110), The MIST, The US CAT 711.

The International NGO's.

The DED, Ms. Kerstin Proebstel.

The IPDM - Mrs. Malou Nanaman, Mrs. Saturnina Rodil, Mrs. Len-Len Doro and our adviser Mr. Rudy Rodil

The MYCoP.

The IPDM Workforce Committee - Ms. Murillo, Ms. Veloso and Ms. Acuna and to the very active members of the Volunteers Group. --- they are all the FOUNDATION of what the IPDM Medical Nursing Group is now.

In behalf of the group, It is a humbling feeling to be able to have this achievement. The sense of being able to help others will be engraved in each personal character of the volunteers.

The act of volunteerism is a very powerful tool. It is an independent choice that speaks volumes. When one takes a step in trying to make a difference and holding responsible for such, others will follow because the strength they see that if one can do it, they can also. With that, in volunteerism - all sectors are gathered together in one unified goal.

The things we do may be little for now, but one act of a person in helping and making a difference and touching the lives of others will have a boomerang effect and it will be a million times fold of greater outcome.

It is of little ripple effects but it is a long shot of being able to make a good change to have better future generations. It may not be clear for now what will transpire in the years to come, but it takes one heart, one soul, one life to touch and make a difference in. The people we do this to - makes them feel their sense of worth and it gives them hope. The world is not that cruel and it just starts with the inner self to take away the hatred and the anger and give out the best of one person instead.

Here with the IPDM Medical Nursing Volunteers Group, there is no room for failure and judgement. Here we stand to help each other, delegate, teach, learn and serve others. There is no criticsm but it is more on believing that the person standing next to you - can do great things.

There is not much of a "HISTORY" background of the Medical Nursing Volunteers Group ..

It is of finding the sense of purpose -- to make a difference.

And the search lies in the individual himself/herself -- the choice to start doing it.

This is our story.. The IPDM Medical Volunteers Group for Peace.. it will continue to live on...

I am a VOLUNTEER.