Project Davao

OCIP Davao, an initiative that serves underprivileged communities in Davao City, Philippines alongside their partner NGO, Sowing the Master’s Seed Ministry, embarked on the seventh of its bi-annual trips on 14-20 July 2019. The team comprised six Year 1s, five Year 2s, four Year 3s and two house officers and was headed by A/Prof Eric Yap. The team reached out to the villages of Magtuod and Talaingod, conducting health screening and health education for the locals. The team also conducted engaging science and career lessons for Langub High School.

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Firstly, at the villages, the team went door-to-door to conduct health education. Villagers were informed about prevalent diseases they faced, including hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Visual methods were used to allow villagers to understand their recommended daily salt and sugar intake, while translated pamphlets were distributed to augment their understanding. 

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Additionally, while visiting villagers, students also collected data for OCIP Davao’s novel Geographic Information System. This system was set up a year ago in an effort to create a virtual map of the rural villages, to enhance the ease and accuracy of future follow-ups for residents with chronic conditions. Currently, most of the households in Magtuod have been mapped out and the team hopes to use the system to follow-up identified cases with more targeted health education and observe health trends over a longitudinal period.

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On 18 July, a health screening was conducted for Magtuod. Stations included modalities such as height and weight, blood glucose, blood pressure, urinalysis and doctors’ consultations. Additionally, villagers found to have chronic diseases were highlighted for health education, and their data was logged into the OCIP’s database for long-term follow-up. 

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Furthermore, an exciting breakthrough for OCIP Davao occured when the team managed to visit the Magtuod health centre. The team hopes to continue building meaningful connections with the nurses for future collaborations, and establish sustainable self-management plans for the village.

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At Langub High School, the team prepared engaging lessons for students. For Science education, students were taught about DNA replication and osmosis as “secret agents” through a hands-on session following a detective storyline. For Career education, students were exposed to many scenarios and team activities, where they learnt concepts of financial literacy and prudent money management. 

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This July trip was undoubtedly meaningful for OCIP Davao, and the team hopes to continue their work in serving the communities of Davao by creating sustainable impact.