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Pagkalinga Paggunita Pagninilay

Second volume of the PGH Human Spirit Project

PAGGUNITA Mga Saloobin Ukol sa Paglilingkod at Pagkukusang-loob sa Panahon ng Pandemya

Felice Katrina T. Ranche Jose V. Tecson, III Johanna Patricia A. Cañal Jed Zachary A. Golez Tammy L. Dela Rosa Editors

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA Copyright © 2020 University of the Philippines Manila

First Edition December 2020

ISBN: 978-621-454-004-4

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or used without the permission of the individual authors, photographers and publisher.

Book Cover Design by Alfonso Rafael G. Abaya Book Design by Felice Katrina T. Ranche Cover Photo by Jose V. Tecson, III

Published by the University of the Philippines Manila “Finally, if any use or benefit... should accrue from my labours, it will, perhaps, be allowed that I have not lived idly.” -- William Harvey, On the Motion of the Heart and Blood in Animals

Table of Contents

Foreword i Carmencita D. Padilla I. Inspiration: Pamukaw-Sigla 1 How the PGH COVID Hotline Changed My Life 2 Regina P. Berba The Early Days 6 Ino Paul R. Villacastin Finally Awake 8 Alexa Tanchuling Hard Times 10 Ronneil S. Bilbao Our First Zoom SGD: A Discussion among Volunteer Interns (Part 1) 12 Justin Bryan D. Maranan With Windows Shut 14 Jhio Jan A, Navarro Finding a Higher Purpose to Volunteer 15 Leilanie A. Nicodemus II. Passion: Simbuyo ng Damdamin 17 The Ultimate Secret: The People 19 Carmencita D. Padilla Community-Based Measures in the Fight Against COVID-19 20 Anthony Geronimo H. Cordero Hope in a Number 22 Diana Tamondong-Lachica Buwis Buhay 23 Elvie Victonette B. Razon Gonzalez Our First Zoom SGD: A Discussion among Volunteer Interns (Part 2) 24 Justin Bryan D. Maranan “Hi, Ma’am!” - Taking Care of Volunteers 26 Joanna V. Toralba To Be Afraid is Human 28 Lance Catedral Topple Down Fear 31 Eunice Angus Alvior Hall in the Time of COVID 32 Anthony Perez III. Belonging: Pag-anib 35 13 Reasons Why I Joined BNOC (and don’t regret it) 36 Agnes Grace Y. Angeles Joining the Volunteers 38 Jay-V James G. Barit An Opportunity to Serve 41 Maria Concepcion “Connie” Sison To Comfort Always 42 Michelle Ann B. Eala Making Sense of this Pandemic 43 Scarlett Mia S. Tabuñar Mga Tauhan sa Social Media 44 Eric Abalajon Where were you, and what did you do, when COVID came? 46 Ivy E. Reside IV. Realization: Pagtanto 49 Our First Zoom SGD: A Discussion among Volunteer Interns (Part 3) 50 Justin Bryan D. Maranan Ang Pamilya Ngayong Pandemya 52 Sydney M. Madlangsakay, Geremiah Edison Daniel C. Llanes, Hazel S. Lapitan & Paul Kenny L. Ko Rewriting 54 Johanna Patricia A. Cañal Rediscovering Purpose 56 Robyn Rae M. Nepomuceno Systems Make What Systems Break 57 Keisha Rae S. Dela Cerna There is no task too big nor too small 58 Kristine Rachelle Pacete-Estrera Wake-up Call 59 Korynne Amber C. Garcia Sunset 60 Lourdes Dominique R. Panganiban Share 62 Roi Solomon B. Labay Changing the World 63 Erica Gabrielle A. Delos Reyes V. Hope: Pag-asa 65 Bayanihan Spirit 66 Geraldine Bernadete C.S. Lim Ang Lunas 67 Laureen Theresa Lioanag Disquiet 68 Johanna Patricia A. Cañal Esperance 69 Nathaniel Toriano dela Cruz Operative Word: OK 71 Hannah Melizza A. Paguila Empleyado 72 Genevieve Joyce Saludez The Light 73 Abigail Marie O. Lim When You See a Swan 74 Marc Gregory Y. Yu

Contributors 76 Editors 80 Acknowledgments 81

Foreword

The past several months have been difficult and challenging as the university was tossed into a burst of activities and tumultuous situations all directed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. But with the inspired leadership of UP officials and the incredible support of our constituents, partners, and others within and outside the country, we are proud and grateful to have put in place a swift, integrated, science-based, and sustained response and movement. A major turning point in this movement was the designation of the Philippine General Hospital as a COVID-19 referral center, a development aligned with our mandate as the national university hospital. The huge task that awaited PGH in managing COVID-19 cases; great need for supplies, equipment, manpower, and myriad logistical support; and our community’s outpouring of willingness to share time, talents, and efforts necessitated the creation of an epicenter that would orchestrate these multifaceted activities for this crusade against the menace to succeed. These were the reasons why the UP-PGH Bayanihan Na! Operations Center was born. From its establishment to its smooth running for nine months now, volunteers have been the Center’s main force. The Bayanihan Center has grown in scope and function from having started as a small spark of a few that intensified into a swelling of a multitude’s earnest desire to aid those in need at such a crucial time. The support for this endeavor has been overwhelming and untiring and became an effective and beneficial channel for voluntarism! I have conducted debriefing sessions with the volunteers, and their feelings and reflections are deeply inspiring, and these have to be documented for future readers to appreciate the colorful

i journey we all went through. Our grateful acknowledgement goes to the Mu Sigma Phi for their efforts and assistance in the publication of this book of reflections. Within these pages, the reader will delve into the deep fear and actual risks faced by authors. Despite these however, the acquired new skills and lessons learned by each one will also be documented. UP Manila hopes that these sentiments and musings will embolden more in our midst to harness their enthusiasm and commitment, and offer themselves especially during times of crises. May the voices in this volume resonate deeply; may the stories of inspiration, passion, belonging, realization, and hope ignite and rekindle in every human being a sincere and burning desire to be a VOLUNTEER.

Carmencita D. Padilla Chancellor, University of the Philippines Manila December 2020

ii

Inspiration

Pamukaw-sigla Jose V. Tecson, III

Ang ating hinaharap ay hindi madali Kalaban ay mabangis at walang pinipili Sa ating sama-samang pagtunggali Ang pagtangis ay mapapawi

Mahaba pa ang ating tatahakin Ngunit ang ating laging alalahanin: Ang hirap at pagsubok ay lilipas din At muli tayo ay pagsasamahin

1 How the PGH COVID Hotline Changed My Life Regina P. Berba

It all started with a line from that PGH poster: My response: “Opo! Paano ko po kayo matutulungan?” I was very excited to receive the first call. Tumawag muna sa PGH COVID HOTLINE 09*****1534 The caller asked, “Parang nilalagnat po ako kanina. Pero sa thermometer po ay 37.5 po ako. Lagnat na po ba ito? It was a Saturday night, March 14, 2020. President Duterte Ano po ba ang lagnat sa COVID-19?” had ordered a community quarantine for the entire 17 districts of Metro Manila, which was to begin the next That was not difficult at all. “Ang lagnat po ay 37.8 day. Our lives were bound to change drastically. I was part or higher. Kunin nyo po nang paulit-ulit ang inyong of a small group tasked with the creation of Information, temperature kada apat na oras.” Education and Communication (IEC) materials to The next caller asked, “Magkano po ang COVID test sa instruct our PGH healthcare workers about COVID-19. PGH?” Somebody said, “We need a telephone number our staff can call in case they have questions.” “Wala pong bayad ang swab test na RT-PCR sa PGH. Ngunit kailangan pong tingnan muna kayo ng mga I answered, “Oh, I can do that!” doktor sa PGH Triage para po ma-check up muna kayo.” “Are you sure?” Piece of cake! Siguro naman, I could answer most questions that might beleaguer our staff in PGH! We had I had the answers to their questions. been preparing the hospital and the staff since January. Kayang-kaya ko ito! Among the members of our team, I was probably the most capable of answering a COVID hotline. On Sunday, March 15, I stopped by a convenience store On March 16, President Duterte expanded the on my way to hospital rounds. I bought a new SIM card community quarantine restrictions to the entire island of to put in my phone, just so the hotline wouldn’t mix with Luzon, an event now ingrained in our memory as the my usual life. Then, it started. That night, I received 5 ECQ. That day, calls to the COVID hotline started to calls -- but they weren’t from PGH staff. come more frequently during daytime. Then, they came almost every hour… then, almost every 15 minutes! They “PGH COVID hotline po ba ‘to?”

2 started coming in endlessly, night and day! Wait, it’s 8PM. After probing into their history, I would often say, “You There’s curfew already. Shouldn’t they stop calling? One night, sound like you have a mild illness. Ang payo po ng DOH I tried to pretend that I was asleep, but the phone didn’t kung mild ay maaaring sa bahay po magpahinga sa ilalim stop ringing until I picked it up. The calls came from ng isolation. Maaari pong COVID-19 ang sintomas everywhere: Bulacan, Pasay, Caloocan, Cebu, Iloilo. ninyo, ngunit maaari din pong ibang viral infection. Some even came from the US! Hmmm… how did they get Magpahinga po sa bahay nang 14 na araw. Hindi na po this number? kailangang magpa-test.” The PGH COVID hotline was starting to affect my life. Sometimes, after this initial advice, another call would I wasn’t allowed to sleep straight anymore. During the come in after a few minutes. “Dok, ako po yung tumawag day, I could not even carry a conversation with someone kanina. Paano po mag-isolate yung kapatid ko? Nasa without getting a hotline call. My phone would get apartment po kami na maliit. Walang space para sa physically hot, and my battery would get exhausted very isolation.” quickly. I thought about just removing the SIM card I tried to reassure everyone and help them make the from my phone. Nobody actually seemed to care whom most of their situation. “Oo nga po minsan mahirap they were talking to. And nobody outside our small IEC talaga. Una po ay bigyan ninyo po siya ng face mask. group knew that I was the person manning the hotline. Tapos ay baka maaari pong bigyan ninyo siya ng isang Out of hundreds of calls, I was asked who I was less than takdang lugar sa bahay ninyo na tatawagin ninyong space five times. But I did not dare turn off my phone after niya. Doon po siya magpapahinga. Doon din dadalhan making some important observations. ng pagkain. Kung gagamit siya ng banyo ay lilinisin ang banyo kaagad pagkagamit niya.” First, the people were really afraid. Most of these calls would come in while I was doing my usual hospital work and rounds. Sometimes, I knew my The fear and anxiety was palpable. People didn’t text; they phone was ringing, but I couldn’t pick up right away as I called! They wanted answers right away. Doktora, meron was “trapped” in my personal protective equipment. akong sore throat -- may COVID na ba ako? Sometimes it was, Meron akong lagnat. Mamamatay na po ba ako? Ano pong During those weeks, the COVID admissions were gagawin ko? It had just been over a week since the first cases coming in large numbers! They all needed to be seen in Greenhills. We advised those with mild symptoms urgently. We were all also grappling with the tidal wave to stay at home, self-isolate and observe. About two- of new information. The public was being bombarded thirds of callers were like these, asking about COVID with horrifying stories about COVID, which led to alarm symptoms and checking if what they were experiencing and panic. I didn’t know if I was able to give the answers could be COVID. the hotline callers wanted to hear. Occasionally though,

3 I would get a thank you. Salamat po at God bless po. she was frantic. “Nasa ospital na po kami doktora. Nasa ER na po kami. Pero hindi daw nila kami matatanggap We needed a better way to disseminate information. kasi baka daw po may COVID ang nanay ko. Doktora, tulungan ninyo po kami. Baka kung ano po ang mangyari sa nanay ko.” Second, some people really needed immediate medical help, but did not know where to go. I could not find the right words. “Sandali lang po. Masasabi ninyo po ba exactly nasaan kayo ngayon? “Hello? Is this the COVID hotline? I am a doctor. I have Tatawagan ko kayo in a few minutes. May doktor bang a clinic in Marikina. I have been having chills for the tumitingin sa nanay mo?” . past two days but just a slight dry cough. I am feeling short of breath now when I walk to the bathroom from “Opo, Doktora. Puede ninyo po ba sila kausapin?” She my bed. Do you think I should go to the hospital? Will I started to cry. “Doktora, tulungan po ninyo ang nanay get COVID if I go to the ER?” ko.” This hotline work required me to listen to the news on “Tawagan kita ulit. Aayusin ko po ang ambulance pero my way to and from work. I also needed to know more kailangan ko lang po kausapin ang mga tao sa ER namin.” about what the government was doing. I needed to know I hung up and called the ER triage, where they arranged how to answer more than just health-related COVID for an ambulance to get the patient. I was able to return questions. the call in about two minutes. “Standby po kayo ma’am. Sagutin ninyo po ang telepono ninyo kapag nag-ring. In the frenzy of answering COVID hotline phone calls, Tatawagan po kayo ng ER namin. Susunduin po ang I missed some calls to my own phone. Some were from nanay ninyo ng PGH ambulance. Hang on lang po.” colleagues needing medical care themselves. Our usual practices for consultations and admissions were not Good job! I thought to myself. It was good that the enough anymore. numbers were already in my directory; that saved a lot of time. We had already put a system in place to respond to We needed a system that would make it easier for these kinds of calls. Another patient saved! I forgot about people to access the COVID care they needed. that case later that day. There were so many other calls. I got a text three days later. “Salamat po, Doktora. Hindi Third, some people would get very sick. na po kami naabutan ng ambulance. Namatay na po si Nanay. Kinailangan niya po ng tubo. Tapos nawala na po “Hello? PGH COVID hotline po ba ito? Kailangan po siya. Napakabilis po. Salamat po sa tulong ninyo.” namin ng tulong! Hindi na po makahinga nanay ko!” The caller was woman, probably in her twenties, and So many patients were dying at that time. We had heard

4 about hospitals unable to cope with sudden surge of very ill patients. Our own ER was full of sick patients waiting for their COVID test results. To save lives, we had to respond more efficiently.

On March 31, my phone died. Nobody could diagnose what happened. Around 10AM, it just stopped. I was texting a response and the screen just went blank. People tried to resuscitate it, but were unsuccessful. As if by providence, another more organized UP group stepped in to take over the COVID hotline task. I passed on the SIM card and my endorsements. Looking back, those two weeks holding the COVID hotline phone defined my response to COVID-19 and how I now deal with patients reaching out to us as a health workforce. In every sense of the word, we represent their lifeline, their hope of getting the right care. We have since then transformed our PGH system into a COVID Referral Hospital to address the needs of the community and the country. I, along with several groups and professional organizations I am part of, am committed to disseminate as much correct information as possible — through online lectures and webinars, educational videos, Zoom meetings, articles, interviews -- whatever works. We are all responding to this COVID-19 pandemic in the best way we can. In the words of the original poster- to-blame: Talunin natin ang COVID-19!

5 The Early Days Ino Paul R. Villacastin

What inspired me to be a volunteer was just thinking of our residents, fellows, consultants and other healthcare workers still going to the hospital despite the many dangers and uncertainty they faced with the pandemic. My co-interns and I just wanted to help out as much as we could so that their burden would be lessened. I think that the UP College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital had instilled that passion for service in every one of us. How could I say no to the challenge given to us? And I’m glad that many of us answered the call. It started out when we were allowed to help in the non-COVID wards. But when we weren’t allowed there anymore, we still wanted to help out somehow. And I was grateful enough to be a part of the core intern volunteers who helped start the BNOC hotline center. I was inspired by our mentors--Chancellor Padilla, Dr. Anthony Perez, Dr. Michael Tee, Dr. Armand Crisostomo, and Dr. Diana Lachica. They were the ones who thought of setting up the hotline center, and I was privileged enough to see them work behind the scenes. I saw how brilliant they were. I was also inspired by, and thankful for, Dr. Lanie Nicodemus, Dr. Melfred Hernandez, and Dr. Rodney Dofitas. We were able to coordinate with the volunteers and donations. Dr. Juliet Sio-Aguilar and Dr. Stella Jose also looked after the welfare of the intern volunteers and sent us inspirational messages in our Viber thread. For me, I’m just really happy to help out in any way I could at that time. As a core intern volunteer, I had many challenges throughout the early weeks of the pandemic, especially when figuring out how to start the hotline center. My co- volunteers were nervous in the lead up to the launch. But in the end, we prevailed and I think the hotline center was a success. Of course there were some challenges, like the technical difficulties, the fact that we weren’t really trained to be call center agents or how to do telemedicine. But I would like to think everyone did a good job and we were able to help our frontliners focus on their jobs. I was just thinking that every contribution matters. And it gave me a great sense of pride and belonging to be able to help out during this difficult time. The pandemic showed us the problems within our health system. But I think it also showed us that people are willing to work together for the greater good. Just like the bayanihan spirit. It gives me hope that we will learn from this pandemic, and we will help each other improve our health system and rebuild our country after all of this is done. I hope that the future generations will look back on this and be inspired by the efforts of the healthcare workers at UPCM and PGH. I have faith that, by the next pandemic, we will have learned our mistakes and become much more prepared.

6 7 Finally Awake Alexa Tanchuling

How sweet it is to live a comfortable life How novel it is to know no hunger, thirst, nor danger But such is not the life for us Not now, not even before.

Year after year we sought for change Day after day we see our suffering Not a second passes by Thinking we’ve lost, thinking there’s no hope.

This year we’ve been thrown for another loop A pandemic has come No cure is yet found Mind and bodies bound by fear and terror.

But one cannot just hide at home When there are mouths to feed And needs to meet Oh how I wish it wasn’t so.

At first, I was paralyzed with uncertainties Of what tomorrow will be Learning that there was no one to save us Knowing that we were thrown in the dark.

8 I thought I could sleep through this recurring nightmare Just like any other day, but could I really? Tossing and turning, I racked my brain for answers Ding! A call for volunteers!

Bayanihan!

With a shaky “Hello” I started to wake up To the reality we’ve been thrust into A worried “Can you help me?” followed Raw and vulnerable, I answered “Yes po.”

With each ring comes clarity Stories unheard coming from every corner How can you not have compassion for them? “Thank you, Bayanihan!”

The calls that wake us up to the truth are endless Yet only a few have answered that call. If the phone rings for you, Will you pick up?

I AM FINALLY AWAKE.

9 Hard Times Ronneil S. Bilbao

A year before, nobody expected people to care so much about seemingly mundane things. In the hospital, handwashing and ubiquitous mask use had always been standard practice, but not exceptionally enforced outside controlled settings. Social distancing seemed like a nonexistent concept, and interpersonal contact was unavoidable. Until the pandemic hit the country. News of previously healthy patients suddenly showing severe symptoms alarmed every nation as the virus spread fast. The fear of the invisible enemy caused administrations to rethink their plans – in hospitals, policy-making, and everyday interactions. Every move was evaluated, lest people incur the risk of infection. I was not immune to the fear. As someone who worked inside the hospital, my fear was palpable. Suddenly, I felt surrounded by figures and tables tallying cases and deaths. We were pulled out of hospital duties, certain protocols were implemented, and systemic changes were done to accommodate the patients. It really seemed like a dystopian movie.

10 Instead of being paralyzed, I had to act. As a student, I I heard these questions during my hospital appointments, was not yet bound by any obligation to serve the hospital when I was tested for coronavirus. or university, but I stepped up because of several reasons. An opportunity came in the form of a call for volunteers First, I was unable to return to my hometown because of to supervise the donations, and I immediately signed up. stringent community quarantine measures. Despite this My main task was accounting for all donations using a limitation, to do nothing and wait out the storm would centralized database. have been in conflict with the values inculcated in me. The experience struck me with the realization that we, My first attempts were unsuccessful. The Philippine as a country and society, were utterly unprepared. Our General Hospital strictly enforced new rules that did health system was never inclusive even at best, and not allow clerks inside the grounds. I contacted two the crisis only exposed that gap. Preexisting crises also residents from my earlier rotations, but they told me that worsened. But for what it was worth, the best of the the College of Medicine also firmly forbade the clinical Filipinos shone through. The concept of bayanihan was departments from allowing students to continue hospital the very embodiment of Filipino solidarity, infused with work. prayers for deliverance and trust in the frontliners. What were the remaining options? I volunteered at the Office of the Vice President’s Shuttle Service for Health Care Workers program. It felt like being in the frontlines, I was extremely grateful to have been involved in ensuring stringent screening and contact tracing while the efforts of my fellowmen. Keeping track of goods, providing mobility. While on duty, I was struck by the personal protective equipment, sustenance, and other reality that this pandemic immobilized our systems, donations helped me appreciate the generosity and with the health sector being the most piteous. With the difficulties in mobilization and attending work, one would resilience of Filipinos. Several initiatives to pool our be hard-pressed to find more dedicated workers than our resources resulted in a steady stream of supplies and healthcare professionals and frontliners. Transportation equipment for our healthcare workers. was not their only pressing issue. Lack of protection, inadequate compensation, and uncertainty about what they faced compounded their fears. Moving on to what will be a unique internship experience, Down to its every physician, nurse, and staff, PGH was I will be among the frontliners. I cannot help but be full of that fear. Exacerbating this were logistical issues affected by fears and insecurities in this time of crisis. and duty adjustments. How could they be protected? However, my volunteer experience reassures me that I How could they be reassured, and their concerns allayed? will never be alone.

11 Our First Zoom SGD: A Discussion among Volunteer Interns (Part 1) Justin Bryan D. Maranan

Inspired by this new “normal”, a group of PGH Interns held a Zoom SGD on their experiences as volunteers during the pandemic.

Justin: With the conversion of PGH into a COVID referral hospital, we were pulled out indefinitely for our own safety. What was going through your minds then? Fed: I was frustrated. We were building something nice. More interns were volunteering, and we were gaining traction. Props to Admin for prioritizing our safety. I just wish we could have done more. Ven: I was worried, especially for IM. On top of old patients, they prepared for the incoming COVID patients. Na-doble workload nila, tapos nabawasan pa yung manpower. Ino: I appreciated Admin stepping in at the right time to say, “Thanks, pero you’ve done enough. Time to prioritize your safety.” It would have been a bigger problem if an intern got sick, or nag-spread yung COVID-19 due to our involvement. Justin: As we were pulled out from PGH for the last time, the PGH Hotline was being established. Mitch and Ino, you helped set this project up with Admin. What happened during this transition? Mitch: It started with Ma’am Diana Lachica, who couldn’t volunteer since breastfeeding siya - she really took the job of developing this system. Meanwhile, Ma’am Mia Tabuñar was a one-woman show, handling donations during the first two weeks. When I talked to her, she would say things like, I’ve been glued to my phone all day or Di pa ko kumakain ngayong araw. It was too much work for one person. We met with Chancellor Padilla, tapos dinistribute niya kami. Kami ni Nick helped Ma’am Mia develop the Donations Arm. Tapos si Ino, assigned to make the manual.

12 Ino: Yung buong PGH Hotline, consultants talaga nag-conceptualize. Sila Sir Mike Tee, Sir Tony Perez, along with Ma’am Diana and Ma’am Mia - we just put their plans into motion. Pero ang daming nangyari along the way.

Mitch: We figured out what to do as we went along. ‘Di naman tayo call-center experts. This was our first time doing something like this.

Ino: We only had one week for dry-runs before start of operations! Impossible i-train lahat ng volunteers by then, so we made instructional videos to orient them on their first duty. Responsive yung consultants to our needs. Leading up to the launch, Sir Mike Tee told me, Ako troubleshooter mo. ‘Pag meron kang problema, daan mo sa’kin, ako bahala. Sir Mike would then take our feedback to the developers. ‘Di lang ‘to project ng UP Manila or PGH; it was a project of the whole UP System. Without our contributors outside UPM, none of this would have worked. Mitch: When Chancy Padilla told us, Launch tayo on this date, we were thinking, Hala, ‘di pa yata tayo ready. Pero syempre, no one’s gonna tell Chancy we’re not ready. After the launching ceremony, I looked at the interns and thought, Ok, tayo na talaga ‘to.

13 With Windows Shut Jhio Jan A. Navarro

Branches turned to gallows And nylon-threads tangled to noose As I stared from my bed out to the kites Hanging on to the Mahogany. For a time, I saw them shake as if Asphyxiated, struggling for air then To and fro they swung With May’s cold breath. One might think them dead, yet I have climbed many a time Through the window before Only to find most merely need An unravelling of a knot; A couple of broomsticks; A few calendar dates. Yet, today Whether the Hummingbird about to perch Shall sing a requiem or a lullaby, With windows shut, I can’t tell.

14 Finding a Higher Purpose to Volunteer Leilanie A. Nicodemus “Para kanino ka bumabangon?” The volunteers often expressed that the BNOC experience fulfilled their desire to respond to the call for help to heal the country from widespread This is the tagline of one advertisement on television COVID-19 infection, especially among the which pertains to a deeper inquiry into the purpose vulnerable sectors of the society. They became part of one’s life. This might as well have been the tagline of a bigger movement that was above and beyond of the story behind each member of the volunteer themselves. This experience brought smiles to their corps of the “Bayanihan Na! Operations Center” faces and fulfillment to their hearts. They thought (BNOC). This group was composed of medical it would be a small but significant part of the efforts interns, students, faculty, consultants, administrative of the university and hospital. A stranger at the end staff, REPS and alumni of each unit of the UP system, of the line relieved of anxiety, a confused person who continued to serve despite the odds, because guided on the process of COVID medical care, and they saw a higher purpose for waking up daily. They an appreciative caller grateful for sharing personal woke up knowing that they would be able to help resources -- these little things created a big impact. someone who was in dire need of advice, facilitate This simple task of receiving such calls brought new the donation of much needed PPE and food for the experiences that opened their minds to the true frontliners, or just simply talk to someone in need of meaning of service, something which is founded on reassurance and relief from anxiety. compassion and kindness. Whereas in the past, people volunteered with a clear The new learnings from the meaningful service expectation of what to do and what risks were involved, rendered at BNOC will go beyond this crisis. Each the COVID-19 medical crisis posed uncertainties of the BNOC volunteers shall have a story of hope and risks. Yet these brave souls still chose to share and courage to tell the generations to come. These their time for a greater cause. This indescribable are the wonderful stories that drove them to wake up passion was the personification of volunteerism that and go to the center despite the odds, because they sustained the spirit of the volunteers as they reported found a higher purpose of being – the selfless service for their daily BNOC duties for several months. for the good of others!

15 16 Passion

Simbuyo ng Damdamin Felice Katrina T. Ranche

Paano mag-aruga Sa layo ng isang dipa May gulod na di makita May pilapil sa gitna

Lagnat na may basisig Pinasok ang kamalayan Pagkandili sa hatinig Ang ginhawa ko’t kanlungan

17 18 The Ultimate Secret: The People Carmencita D. Padilla

In the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown, UP President Danilo Concepcion (PDLC as we fondly call him) requested PLDT Chair and CEO Manuel Pangilinan for a donation of 20 PLDT lines. On March 17, PDLC posed the challenge to UP Manila to set up a call center, initially to handle donations but eventually expanding to patient queries with the closure of the PGH Out-Patient Department. I viewed it as an opportunity to deliver service in another medium, and we just needed to work on the ‘how’. In my decades in the university, I know that the secret to a successful program is primarily in the people. Days before my meeting with PDLC, I met PGH intern batch leaders (Nicholas “Nick” Tan, Michelle “Mitch” Eala and Romano Agustin “RA” Pangan) to discuss ways to serve despite the APMC (Association of Philippine Medical Colleges) stoppage of ward rotations. When the challenge came, I had a ready team! Ino Villacastin also joined us. The interns assisted in planning the call center, which was now named UP-PGH Bayanihan Na! COVID-19 Operations Center (BNOC), launched to the public on March 30. Nick, Mitch, RA and Ino are my BNOC Pioneers who helped set up, pilot the system, and serve as supervisors at the BNOC, the Call Center. Faculty from the PGH, College of Medicine and College of Pharmacy helped with the operations of the BNOC. Dr. Mia Tabuñar (Emergency Medicine) represented PGH and served as Overall Head. Dr. Diana Lachica (Internal Medicine) prepared and updated scripts for both patient queries and donations. Dr. Tony Perez (Surgery) handled donation tracking. Volunteer recruitment and engagement were handled by Dr. Lanie Nicodemus (Family and Community Medicine) and Asst Prof Joanna Toralba (College of Pharmacy). Volunteers from other UP units, universities and private offices were handled by Dr. Ants Cordero (Family and Community Medicine). We had daily 7pm meetings to discuss trouble-shooting measures for the call agents, algorithms for donations and patient queries, PLDT hiccups, duties of remote consultants, food, lodging and transportation of volunteers. We all had experience in managing donations but no one had operated a Call Center before. However, anything is possible if one is willing to learn. I had a passionate new team willing to face the unknown. And those debriefing sessions with the volunteers, I considered most fulfilling. That singular act of volunteer work at the BNOC led to a deeper appreciation of one’s blessings.

19 Community-Based Measures in the Fight Against COVID-19 Anthony Geronimo H. Cordero

Since April, we have heard of hospitals being overwhelmed. We have read about doctors telling people to sit down at the slightest hint of ordinary people raising a few questions and clarifications. But our reflections will lead us to the simple fact that a war against any disease cannot be won by hospitals and doctors alone!

Hospitals and doctors are very important. But they need to be part of a bigger system that involves communities, government institutions, non-government organizations, people’s organizations and smaller facilities. The aim of managing patients in hospitals so that they can be sent home in a much better state of health is equally important as the objective of promoting health and preventing disease by addressing the social determinants of health, with the genuine participation of the people in the barangays, municipalities, cities and provinces.

Hospitals and doctors are very important. But they need to be part of a bigger team of interprofessional personnel collaborating as partners. The interdisciplinary team must work with the people because the people’s voices need to be heard. People cannot simply be passive recipients of services! We need this collaboration because all ailments have social determinants that need to be analyzed and addressed by everyone who is affected!

20 Hospitals and doctors are very important. They can be likened to the goalkeepers, defensive backs, and defensive midfielders of a football team! If these players play well, then your opponent cannot score a goal even if they mount an impressive attack. But with no attack of their own, the best that these players can show for will be a draw. In the fight against COVID-19, this is similar to managing and sending home an unending stream of patients who are admitted to the hospitals. COVID-19 is not beaten, but the people that do get sick do not die. Final score: 0-0. Nil-nil.

Local government units, non-government organizations, and people’s organizations are the holding midfielders, attacking midfielders, and strikers. These players will attack the goal. Their objective is to score, to win the match. In the fight against COVID-19, this can be likened to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of community-based health, social and development measures to prevent disease. COVID-19 is defeated, the people remain healthy, and they do not get sick. Final score: 6-0! Health wins! Health wins big because everyone, from the striker to the goalkeeper, played a beautiful game!

21 Hope in a Number Diana Tamondong-Lachica

To date, thousands of people have called 155-200 I was about to provide instructions when she seeking answers to their questions. From the girl interrupted me to say that she knew it was GERD, in Palawan who did not know what to do with the because she had been treated for that before. She ectopic pregnancy result in her ultrasound, to the man was just scared because her young toddler and elderly from Cavite who asked if asthmatics were prone to mother were living with her. We spent the next few COVID, to the woman in Misamis Occidental who minutes discussing how she could best handle her was unsure if she should still take her blood pressure anxiety from the pandemic. Before hanging up, she medications, and the young man from Isabela who profusely thanked me for allaying her fears and for wondered if his sore throat was something he should basically just talking to her. I felt a sudden sense of be worried about. As I review the hotline statistics familiarity when she said that. for the day, I’m amazed at how many and how far we Often, patients come to us asking for some sort have reached, but I also worry about those we have of treatment, but a lot of them just want to have a not. There were duties when I struggled, because the conversation. Having a familiar feeling was something hotline could only do so much and we didn’t have all I had never experienced during the pandemic, when the answers. When it became difficult, I reminisced everything had been new, until then. on a particular encounter from months before. I distinctly remember this caller on a night duty at the hotline – there was a little tremble in her voice which I guess hope struck both ways – almost made me think that she was about to cry. She to the caller who needed someone to tell her requested to speak to me, despite being instructed that she was okay, and to the doctor who needed already by our call agent about what to do for her someone to tell her that some things had not symptoms. I agreed. changed – and both had better tomorrows She narrated her symptoms again, then asked if she to look forward to. had COVID-19. I gently explained that it was most likely gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

22 Buwis Buhay Elvie Victonette B. Razon-Gonzalez

Kung ang aking paglabas sa bahay ay buwis buhay paglunok ng apoy, katumbas ay tilamsik ng laway,

Kung ang pagtatrabaho ay pagsabak sa digmaang dala-dala ang kaisa-isang sandata: labing hubo, sagad sa kulob na kataga,

Kung sa aking panayam bakas ang alinlangan, may karakas ng agam-agam bitag ng takot ng isang nilalang,

Tandaan mong di ko hangad ang alay nilang kabayanihan. Sapat na ambag kong dasal: Ibigay na lahat, mabuhay ka lang.

23 Our First Zoom SGD: A Discussion among Volunteer Interns (Part 2) Justin Bryan D. Maranan

Inspired by this new “normal”, a group of PGH Interns held a Zoom SGD on their experiences as volunteers during the pandemic. (continued)

Justin: For our call center interns, how was the work compared to our actual training as clinical interns?

Mon: The Hotline, in general, provided reassurance to people. To tell them, Di niyo pa po kailangan ng testing; you don’t need to go to the hospital -- it matters, especially from someone they considered a “professional.” But at the same time, it’s harder reassuring patients over the phone, since di nila nakikita yung mukha mo.

Fed: One time may tumawag na lolo – no caregivers, he couldn’t really take care of himself. He had difficulty breathing for a while. Sabi niya sa ’kin masyado na siyang hirap huminga to make another call, so I made the calls for him. Luckily, his LGU, Pasig, was quick to respond, and paramedics arrived shortly after. I don’t think that would have been possible without the Bayanihan Hotline.

24 Mitch: I had to adjust to the simplified patient interview. Usually, you have your own way to ask the patient, to elicit symptoms. Here, it was structured in a way na chief complaint, tapos review of symptoms na agad. Since they couldn’t see you, they had to rely on your tone for reassurance. Dun ko naappreciate yung “Comfort Always” role of doctors. As Dr. Tee said, one of the reasons for this hotline was panicked yung mga tao. People needed to hear a human voice, and this was the chance to provide that. For us, it was good practice. Matetest yung talking skills mo, making sure your voice remains calm and reassuring. I’m sure it will help when we have our own patients in the future.

Justin: My very first call was from an asymptomatic caller at midnight. Sabi ng mga katabi ko, parang nag Public Health Lecture daw ako over the phone – lumagpas 30 minutes sa dami niyang tanong. Initially, naiinis rin ako, until I realized this was a just an anxious person lost in this pandemic. He got these questions online. Just because information is out there, doesn’t mean typical laypersons will understand. Having us “translate” it for them ay malaking bagay para sa kanila.

Justin: Do you have any notable stories or personal anecdotes from the PGH Hotline that you want to share?

Mitch: There was difficulty teaching the hotline to non-med and “older volunteers” who weren’t as tech-savvy. It was so funny; some of them were already professors, tapos nahihiya ako kasi mina-Ma’am nila ako haha. I was like, “Wait lang, please don’t call me Ma’am or Doc; it’s just Michelle.”

25 “Hi, Ma’am!” Taking Care of Volunteers Joanna V. Toralba

6:30 A.M. “Hi Ma’am! Mag-stay po pala ako sa UP Dorm tonight. Thanks!” 3:00 P.M. “Hi Ma’am! Is there a van service for next week?” 5:00 P.M. “Ma’am, not feeling well po. Is it ok if I can’t come in tomorrow?” 10:00 P.M. “Hi Ma’am! Hindi pa po nabigay ang authorization pass ko. 7AM po duty ko.”

These were some of the messages I received from the volunteers of the Bayanihan Na! Operations Center. These conversations would take place in a text message or in an email -- a not-so-usual way of communication for me. Before the COVID-19 pandemic happened, I talked to students, faculty members, and research and administrative staff in person. Then everything changed, and all I wanted was to go back to what I had done before. Fortunately, I found the opportunity to serve again when I volunteered in an email to Chancellor Padilla.

Together with my fellow faculty members from the College of Pharmacy, Vince Lambert H. Padilla, Ethel Andrea C. Ladignon, and Czarina Dominique R. Rodriguez, we set up a system of engaging people and managing the needs of the hundreds of volunteers of the BNOC. Our group wanted the volunteers to feel that someone was taking care of their needs, that someone was there to listen at almost any time of the day, and that someone understood them when they could not make it to the BNOC. And the challenge was to listen and answer each concern on a personal level, without missing out on a single volunteer. Thanks to technology and free online platforms, we were able to take care of our volunteers. Thanks to technology, I knew who needed an authorization pass, shuttle service, parking space, or accommodation, and on which day and which shift. The volunteers ran to me with requests for electric fans and even anti-mosquito lotion. Imagine when they were able to claim their official BNOC shirts -- priceless!

26 6:45 A.M. “Alright Tamara! Your name was given by Dr. Bles to the UP Dorm guard already.” 3:30 P.M. “Hi po! Yes. Si Kuya Danny po ang susundo sa inyo sa Monday.” 5:45 P.M. “Oh no. That’s ok Bryan, no worries. Rest ka muna. If you need to talk to a doctor, let us know. Kumustahin ka ulit namin bukas.” 10:05 P.M. “Hi Arlene! Ms. Joy will send this in a while. Apologies for the delay.”

My heart is happy. I can sleep.

27 To Be Afraid is Human Lance Catedral

Doctors must die, too; all their knowledge of Digitalis, adrenalin, henbane, Matters little if death raps again— Once he may be forestalled, but their great love Or little love of life is merely human: Doctors must die like other men and women. —Merrill Moore, Les Savants Ne Sont Pas Curieux

I have been a licensed doctor for six years, but it was only in March 2020 that I feared for my life in the light of my profession. On the night before the 28th, I stuffed white shirts and pairs of trousers in my heavy-duty backpack. They were enough to last me seven days. After my 24-hour shift in the hospital, I would be quarantining in a hotel room nearby. I saved some movies in my laptop, loaded my Kindle with books, and refilled my fountain pen with ink. My phone charger was in place. What else would I do for a week? Prolonged isolation and extended boredom inside an air-conditioned hotel room were the least of my concerns. I was more preoccupied with the question of whether I would still be alive after my hospital stint. Because screening tests were limited, there was a chance that I could interact with patients infected with COVID-19, and I could catch the virus myself. Because I lived with my older brother in a small apartment, I could pass the virus to him. In a sense, I also feared for his life. Anyone with fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms, no matter how mild, would be labeled as suspects— as if it were a crime to be ill. For the first time in my life as a doctor, I thought of patients, not just

28 as people I needed to care for, but also as potential threats I needed to protect myself from. This redefinition of the doctor-patient dynamic confused me. Self-preservation seemed to me both selfish and reasonable. “Do you really have to go?” my brother asked. I could not not go. I told him being a doctor came with risks. I reassured him, the older sibling who had to put up with my carelessness, that I would take all the necessary precautions. Over dinner that he cooked himself, I masked my fears with nonchalance. “If the Lord wants to take me home, then it’s probably my time to go,” I said. I may have quoted King Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 3:2.

I thought of all things, even the minutiae of every day life, in the context of finality. John Updike, in his novel Gertrude and Claudius wrote, “All mortals are counting the gallows steps, but how near we have come only God knows.” James wrote, “You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). I relished what could turn out to be my last glass of water, my last shower, my last bowel movement. I thought of prisoners on the eve of execution, of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane, of martyrs and saints before they were burned at the stake, of my late father before he breathed his last. What were they thinking?

I was, of course, being overly dramatic. I felt silly when I woke up at 3 a.m. What was the big deal, anyway? I was still four hours away from the morning endorsement; after which, my team and I would take over. I prayed for protection. I comforted myself with the sure promises of God in the Bible. I talked myself out of my fears by reminding myself that as an intern, I had no qualms entering the isolation room where a patient with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis was admitted. As a medical resident, I extracted blood from people with HIV. I gladly took these risks and many more that came with the job, because it was my calling. To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always. And there I was—still alive.

29 Much of my fear came from uncertainty. I did not completely understand how the virus behaved. There was no cure for it yet. And there was the nearness of death. I could recite the names of my professors, mentors, colleagues, and friends who had succumbed to it. If it could happen to them, it could happen to me, too. One particular death hit close to home: the cardiology fellow who was about my age.

But things will always be uncertain. Not everything can be known. Death will always be a reality for the living in this mortal coil. We will, at some point, die; we just don’t know when and how.

Even King David, a man of courage, feared for his life when King Saul set out to kill him. He wrote, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). First, he acknowledged his fears; next; he looked to God. I held on to this verse. I often ask my friends and colleagues if they share this same fear. “Sure, all the time,” they say. But they’re more concerned for their families they will be leaving behind. They are among the bravest, most selfless doctors I know. They see firsthand what the virus can do to the body. Yet they openly acknowledge these fears and go to work anyway.

30 Topple Down Fear Eunice Angus “It would be like sending you to war,” my mom said. “But your determination is what is keeping me comforted,” my dad said. As a first year student, there were a lot of things that I needed to consider before going out to fight against an enemy that I could not see. All volunteers felt the same. But we still did it. We did it because we had a duty to the nation. We went where we were called. March 15, 2020 -- the date when the lockdown was declared. The first 2 weeks of being at home, watching the news, praying, and giving hope felt unreal. I was blessed to be able to stay home and be with my family. Indeed I was happy being an aunt to my niece and nephew, a daughter to my parents, and a younger sibling. However, I thought that I could do more. There was this strong feeling, an urge, a need to be out there serving. Not long after, I saw the call for volunteers for the Bayanihan Na! Operations Center (BNOC). This was a big leap for me. I had to prepare. There were apprehensions at first, but finally, my whole family approved. April 7 was my first day at the center. I felt both pain and excitement. I remember the look my mom gave me before I left – the first challenge I had to overcome. But receiving the first call and hearing a good heart on the other end of the line made me forget all the worry and fear. Listening to how donors made face shields for the frontliners, receiving messages of encouragement, being a witness to how amazing doctors from different fields, professors, interns, and alumni came together to set up this center despite the risks and dangers -- all of these ignited the heart of a servant. Experience gives you the confidence to give more of yourself. It makes you believe that you can pass it on. Shortly after my stint at the BNOC, I became part of a youth-run initiative called Project Agapay. We launched a donation drive and fed over 250 street vendors. We provided homeless families with facemasks, vitamins, and water. One event after the other was made possible because of the experience gained at the BNOC. We can and we will make changes. It starts with toppling down fear.

31 Alvior Hall in the Time of COVID Anthony Perez

Alvior Hall, the faculty center of the UP College of Medicine, was inaugurated in December 2007 during the homecoming celebrations of the UP Medical Alumni Society. It was envisioned as a place where faculty members could congregate for meetings and social gatherings. The project was born out of the generosity of the late Dr. Greg Alvior, a distinguished alumnus from UPCM Class 1962, who left an illustrious medical career abroad to focus on philanthropy here in the Philippines. Dr Alvior was an untiring benefactor of the UPCM and the Philippine General Hospital, and he also served as the chair of the PGH Medical Foundation. Thirteen years after it was opened, in February of 2020, I entered Alvior Hall for the first time as a moderator for a UPCM activity. In my capacity as the head of the Department of Surgery’s Minimally Invasive Surgery Program, I was there to introduce a fellow alumnus six years my junior, who was delivering a lecture on robotic surgery. He had been my intern when I was the Surgery Chief Resident. After training and honing his craft abroad, he was back in the UP College of Medicine as a Visiting Associate Professor, and was proposing a student exchange program with the University of Pennsylvania. I ended the activity by quoting the last lines from UP Naming Mahal - Malayong lupain Amin mang marating, Di rin magbabago ang damdamin

He chided me for rendering him teary- eyed at the sentiment. I promised him that upon his return after a few months, Alvior Hall would be packed with students, residents and faculty ready to learn from him once again.

32 transparent, reproducible, and accessible to decision makers. It would likewise require a dedicated manpower Three months have passed, and I now find myself in complement fully invested in UP’s role in this battle of front of a computer inside the very room where we held our generation. that robotic surgery lecture. I have five interns with me, not to listen to a lecture, but sorting through surgical BNOC showed me what volunteers from all units of the masks, coveralls, goggles, medications, and a ton of other UP system can achieve when they come together for the supplies. university, the hospital, and the nation. A group from UP Diliman developed a dashboard that allowed real-time When the country came under the threat of COVID, updates of cash, goods, and food pledged for PGH and the our university readily accepted the challenge. The UP rest of the university. Another group from UP Industrial President and the Chancellor of UP Manila had a vision of Engineering came up with an inventory system which establishing a command center that would accommodate documented donations as they arrived, logging them at patient queries and donations. This has come to fruition the drop off points, and generating reports; they also as the Bayanihan Na Operations Center (BNOC), and I made the process flows for the actual donation drop-off have been designated as the head of the Donations Arm. sites, even giving estimates of manpower requirements. I expected the appointment to be ministerial at best, These allowed us to allocate donations more efficiently, functioning as a back-up for those physically manning and streamlined the process of matching donors with the call center, directing deliveries, listing them down in a beneficiaries. The storage area at the Nurses’ Home was logbook, and sending donors letters of gratitude on behalf quickly filled up with donations within the first two days of the UP-PGH community. The system looked simple of operations, but the BNOC Donations Arm was well- -- direct cash donations to PGH Medical Foundation, in- equipped to match the enthusiasm of the donors. kind donations to the storage room, and food donations to PGH personnel-on-duty. The complexity of the task assumed clarity when cash donations breached a hundred The response of the public to our call for support was million, donations came in trucks, and unscheduled food overwhelming. The PGH Medical Foundation came deliveries enough for the whole hospital filled the dietary under a deluge of pledges ranging from 200 pesos to a hall. million dollars. In less than a month, Alvior Hall and classrooms at the Paz Mendoza Building were filled wall to A more in-depth look into what we were trying to wall with donations. People from all walks of life reached accomplish made us realize that we needed a system out to the BNOC call center, and brought all kinds of which would effectively direct donor support to the goods to Alvior Hall -- makeshift masks and homemade intended beneficiaries - our patients and our frontliners. PPEs, industrial masks, disinfectants, electric repellents, We needed electronic and physical processes that were bicycles and bike lights, cots and mattresses, hepa filters,

33 electric fans, clogs, misting tents, x-ray machines, washing machines, raincoats, aprons, vegetables and fruits, sacks of rice, milk, instant arroz caldo. I felt humbled as a first- hand witness to the generosity of the Filipino. It opened my eyes to the courage of those in the medical frontlines, treating patients as their own family, emboldened by the groundswell of support from strangers likewise caring for them as kin. Equally impressive was the selflessness displayed by the volunteers at the call center, manning the phones from early morning until late at night, patiently instructing donors and answering their questions. This batch was initially composed of interns pulled out from hospital duty, but they were eventually joined by faculty, by administrative staff, by volunteers from all over UP, including security guards and utility workers -- all helping donors navigate the system so that their donations could safely reach their destinations.

During the past months, Alvior Hall has ceased to be a faculty center for leisure and academic meetings. It has instead become one of the beacons of volunteerism regarded by PGH frontliners as symbols of hope. For now, it is the gate through which the rest of the country expresses gratitude and support. Dr. Greg Alvior may not have imagined it serving this purpose, but upon seeing what it has become, he would have beamed with pride along with the rest of the UP community.

34 Belonging

Pag-anib Felice Katrina T. Ranche

Samu’t saring pagkatao Pinagtagpo ng daluyong Pinagsanib ng layunin Ng taimtim na pagtulong

Samu’t saring kawani Kung mula sa ulap dungawin Ay pare-parehong alikabok Galing sa mga bituin

35 13 Reasons Why I Joined BNOC (and don’t regret it) Agnes Grace Y. Angeles I wanted to list only 11 to celebrate the 11 days I spent at BNOC between April 28 and May 14. But 11 reasons weren’t enough, so I wrote 13. 1. I was restless to do something during the pandemic. I was already connecting some friends with donors of PPEs, financial aid, food, etc. But what else could I personally do? I knew that my fellow healthcare workers were exhausted and dying... and the crisis was far from over. Could I just give them a breather, even through a small or simple contribution? 2. Life was getting too comfortable for me. During the two months of the lockdown, I was grateful for the food served at the table, the closeness with family members, and a flexible schedule. But going beyond the twomonths, I began to feel uneasy inside my comfort zone. 3. I didn’t want fear to decide for me. I was scared at the thought of getting infected and infecting the people around me. People tried to dissuade me. But if I stayed within the confines of my home, then fear would have won. 4. It was a decision I took on my knees. Holy Week 2020 was special for us Catholics and Christians because COVID shut down our churches. We turned our homes and rooms into chapels and churches. It was during one of my conversations with God that I decided to volunteer. 5. To win over fear, one had to be physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to fight. I studied. I asked. I read. I got myself informed. Weeks and days before I volunteered, I took extra care of my sleep, diet, and exercise. I stocked up on medicines and made sure I practiced the protocols strictly. 6. I lost my fear the first time I stepped out of the house since the lockdown. That was April 28 -- my first day of duty at BNOC. Every day that I would walk to PGH, I was edified and strengthened by the bravery and generosity of the security guards, janitors, health care workers, shuttle drivers, and hospital staff. Going home, I saw them pass in trickles to pray briefly at the PGH Chapel, to ask for physical and spiritual strength.

36 7. Our dental clinics were closed. Practice was limited to emergency procedures. As a dentist and a future public health professional, to practice means to care. Being at the Patient Query arm of BNOC, I continued my practice and enhanced it via teleconferencing with medical specialists. It was a concerted problem-solving effort amongst us in BNOC, so that the people who were calling us for help could feel how much we cared for them. 8. At BNOC, everyone was just willing to help. I am grateful to all the supervisors who tutored me, did some troubleshooting, and answered my questions. I gained a new skill. Dentistry is a high-risk profession for COVID contamination. Should I consider a change of profession, why not the call center? 9. I met new friends at BNOC. The social distancing and short meal breaks were not barriers to creating relationships. I would not have crossed paths with them had I not volunteered. We still keep in touch even after our stints at BNOC. We look forward to our reunion. 10. Contact with people who were suffering kept me grounded. When I encounter new difficulties, I recall the phone conversations at BNOC and the anguish in the callers’ voices. I also remember the beggars I met along the streets leading to PGH, and I tell myself that I’m in no position to complain. And I say a little prayer for them. 11. I improved my conversational Filipino. I’m not an “inglesera” but I do run out of the right words. “Good evening. Thank you for calling the Bayanihan Na Operations Center. This is Agnes, how can I help you?” Silence. Four prank calls in a row. So I experimented. “Magandang gabi po. Salamat sa inyong pagtawag sa Bayanihan Na Operations Center. Anong maipaglililingkod ko?” And it worked. People at the other end of the line felt relaxed enough to express themselves better in Filipino. I exerted effort at the start until the words came out of me more fluidly. 12. All agents looked forward to the food. Yes, we too were beneficiaries of food donations that were pre-packed or prepared by the Dietary Service of PGH. This spirit of bayanihan was so contagious that we volunteers also started to bring and share whatever we could from our homes: chips, gummy bears, wafers, chocolate drinks. 13. I would receive messages from family members and friends: How are you? Ingat. Oh, cool. I’m praying for your safety. Wow, that’s nice. I’m happy that you can volunteer. Wow, ang galing!

37 Joining the Volunteers Jay-V James G. Barit

I am a doctor. But I am no longer in the frontlines. The early days of the pandemic were a mess — a rapidly increasing number of cases, a rushed quarantine protocol, the hospital in full capacity, declining patients, a confusing influx of emerging information regarding COVID-19, precarious supply issues, and an obviously disorganized government response. A lot was happening in those early weeks. The medical community, at the forefront, called for additional hands as the healthcare system became overwhelmed. Sometimes, people were willing to help but they were under certain circumstances that precluded them from doing so. My friend and I had talked about the idea of volunteering in the hospital. We were both freshly discharged from dermatology residency, and essentially jobless during the quarantine. We should have been studying for a moved diplomate examination. Thus, the thought of volunteering at the frontlines crossed our minds. However, we paused at the idea because we were currently living with our parents who were senior citizens. Additionally, the initial provisions were too meager, and it seemed like a suicide mission at the time. Going full-gear into the frontlines posed a risk for our families. We decided to hold back from the idea altogether. However, it felt a bit unsettling being just there, waiting for something to happen. Good thing there was such as thing as a “back-line”, and the Bayanihan Na! Operations Center was one of its beautiful examples. Evolving day-by-day in response to the issues the pandemic posed, the BNOC served a lot of functions. It started as a hotline whose sole function was to help people screen themselves for COVID-19. Then, it became a telemedicine center, alongside coordinating donations and so on. It was a truly laudable set-up led by the university; its organization and leadership, especially with the student managers, amazed me so much. The BNOC offered a “safer” but equally vital opportunity to help. My friend and I would eventually do a short stint with the BNOC: initially by informally helping out in the donations center (together with our previous co-resident) and then eventually getting added to the roster of hotline representatives going on shifts. During those times, we answered medical inquiries as best we could over the phone. Although we eventually had to leave the volunteer corps for personal reasons, it was nonetheless a fulfilling experience to be on the other end of the line.

38 39 40 An Opportunity to Serve Maria Concepcion “Connie” Sison

It was a no-brainer. If I couldn’t be in the frontlines, then I had to be in the “hotline”.

I joined the UP-PGH Bayanihan Na! Operations Center as a remote consultant during this pandemic. I got my first call, on my first tour of duty, just a few minutes after 7:00 AM -- the start of my phone duty! I remember thinking, this hotline meant business! And I’m happy I was attentive enough, not to mention awake enough, to pick up the call. My phone, notepads, pen and prescription pad were arranged neatly on my work table every shift during my initial duties. But I must admit I became more relaxed in the later duties with fewer, sometimes no calls coming in. And there came my most memorable hotline experience. During one shift, I remember putting my guard down, and in a “moment of weakness”, I forgot to bring the phone with me to the restroom. I checked my phone when I got back, and there it was. I could not believe my eyes. A MISSED CALL. From the hotline. I felt so guilty that I called the hotline and informed those on duty that I was still, and hopefully will always be, available for calls. There is an opportunity to help wherever we are -- regardless of our personality, fears, limitations, or what we are willing to give. Big or small, we can all help. We can do little things with a lot of heart, and give it our all -- at least to the best of our ability, or memory. I am happy I was given this privilege and opportunity to help the way I can. I am proud to be in a community of people with a desire and passion to serve the country in dire times. A lot still has to be done, and there are non-COVID patients also to be served, but I am hopeful that as long as there are people who are willing to be used by God to serve others, all will be well.

41 To Comfort Always Michelle Ann B. Eala

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is a microcosm sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always.” The task of the Philippine healthcare system. When you work of grading a patient’s symptoms as mild, moderate, or there, you learn about the many cracks in the system: from severe, could have easily been delegated to a computer the shortage of hospital supplies, medical equipment, algorithm and translated to a chatbot or a voice recording. and manpower, to the lack of local health units outside Answering a query about the transmission and signs and city centers, to the poverty that prevents Filipinos from symptoms of COVID could have been directed to a seeking and receiving healthcare. As a PGH intern, it Google search. But would that comfort the patients who becomes your job to fill in those cracks. When given a were calling? Would a robot truly allay their fear and choice, it’s easier to simply walk away out of exhaustion panic amidst this health crisis? and frustration. But when a health crisis strikes, you take it upon yourself to fill in those cracks to the best of your abilities. We tend to forget how powerful the act of During the COVID-19 pandemic, my role shifted from listening can be. Sometimes it’s all another working in the wards and assisting in the operating room, person needs – a kind and patient ear to helping organize a hospital donations system, training to listen to them. volunteers from my class to be call agents, and acting as one of the supervisors at the Bayanihan Na! Operations Center (BNOC). Being a BNOC volunteer made me realize that at the As much as I wanted to continue volunteering in the end of the day, the ability to prescribe medicines and use wards where I could assist the PGH residents and help medical technologies is not the be-all and end-all of what cure patients, I understood the hospital restrictions placed it means to be a physician. With every call we received, on the interns for our safety. Volunteering at the BNOC we, the PGH interns, fulfilled the most fundamental role was the best alternative use of my skills and capabilities of every physician: to comfort always. And it was in this as a student doctor during the quarantine. role that we banded together to fill a crack in the system. With compassionate hearts and listening ears, this was The tasks seemed mundane, but being on the phone with our little way of responding to the call of the times to people who were worried about contracting COVID serve the Filipino people. made me realize the truth behind the adage, “To cure

42 Making Sense of this Pandemic Scarlett Mia S. Tabuñar

The deadly Corona virus practically forced all nonessential establishments to shut down and lie low. The healthcare system, being a vital facility, had to respond in a timely and efficient manner to be able to perform its formidable role of being frontliners. The decision was difficult for the Philippine General Hospital to be one of the referral centers for COVID-19, because it implied momentarily setting aside the needs of non-COVID patients who flocked to its doors on a day-to-day basis. As the clinical aspects of how the hospital would respond came to fruition, the logistical adjustments at the backend also took shape. For PGH to function seamlessly, help was needed not just from within, but also from outside benefactors. The realization that various sectors, however unrelated they may be, needed to be harnessed in the protracted war against COVID came on the very day this all started. A generous nation was already waiting, more than willing to lend a hand even before the donations lines were opened. When the infographic was launched to direct donors where and how to send donations, the enquiries and calls kept coming on my mobile phone. I was tasked to take the calls, give information, and direct donors to proper channels, whether for PPEs, equipment, food, services, or cash. Streamlining the process of donation had to be done as a lynchpin for the whole hospital to benefit. Different offices, units, departments, and personnel were requested to provide assistance in the strategic distribution of all donations; these included the Executive Offices, Property and Supply Division, Dietary Department, UP Health Services, Department of Emergency Medicine, PGH Medical Foundation, and utility workers. The enlistment of the Bayanihan Na! Operations Center in handling all enquiries on donations made all efforts centralized and sustainable. In a way, this gave birth to a more organized back end, making sense of everything despite the uncertainties.

43 Mga Tauhan sa Social Media Eric Abalajon

Ang mga nagagalit sa bawat balita Ang mga natutuwa sa bahay Ang mga nagtatrabaho sa paglalako sa social media Ang mga puro kalokohan ang palipas oras Ang mga lalong kumapit sa dasal Ang mga nababahala sa datos Ang mga nawawalan ng pag-asa sa estado, sa bansa Ang mga muling binabalikan ang mga nakaraang bakasyon Ang mga kinukunsumo ang sining, tulad ng pelikula, dula, tula, kanta Ang mga pinangungunahan ang mga paparating na bakasyon Ang mga nababagot sa bahay Ang mga nagpapaalala sa iba ng kanilang mukha, sakaling may makalimot Ang mga tahimik lamang Ang mga natutuwa sa datos ng gumagaling pero binabalewala ang mga nahahawa Ang mga hindi hahayaan ang bagong normal Ang mga matagal nang nawalan ng pag-asa sa estado, sa bansa Ang mga inaming hinahanap ang routine sa trabaho Ang mga nagtatrabaho pa rin Ang mga natutong magluto Ang mga tahimik na nagluluksa Ang mga gustong bumalik sa dati Ang mga nawalan ng trabaho Ang mga nalulungkot sa bawat balita Ang mga sinusubukang lumikha ng sining, tulad ng pelikula, dula, tula, kanta Ang mga natutong nag-eehersisyo Ang mga umalis, para sa sanidad Ang mga inaalala ang mga hindi nakikita, para sa dignidad ng lahat

44 45 Where were you, and what did you do, when COVID came? Ivy E. Reside

Many years from now, this generation will look back and remember this pandemic as a milestone in life, much like the time stamp of the declaration of Martial Law and the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo have been etched in the memory of Filipinos.

“Where were you when….?” Many will remember that in the middle of a pandemic, doing nothing at all was everything: stay at home, don’t report to work, no errands, no celebrations. Sleeping in and lazing around were considered modern-day heroic acts. Working from home became the norm for many. Shops closed and businesses plummeted. Schools stopped. Unfortunately, for some, life also stopped. Flashback to eerily empty streets around Metro Manila in sharp contrast to the furious activity within hospitals hardest-hit with patients. Memories come to mind of alien-looking creatures in full body suits, breathing through gas masks; these were scenes we thought could be only from the movies, and yet there they were: moving around and about, from patient to patient. They looked as frightening as the virus they were fighting, and yet their eyes betrayed the same fear and anxiety as one forced into battle against an unknown enemy. History books will claim that the tragedy that was COVID-19 claimed many lives, and for those left behind, they were left exclaiming, “…but oh, what a life!”. What life, indeed? We could not come together as family. We could not travel and see the world. We could not seek comfort in Church. A step outside our homes could spell the difference between life and death. For there it was: COVID-19, an invisible enemy thrust onto a healthcare force already ravaged by outbreaks of measles and dengue, and continually suffering from inadequate supplies and manpower. It posed an extraordinary challenge to a health system already stretched to its limits.

“…and what did you do when COVID came?” Looking back, many years from now, perhaps history will not highlight the small miracles in the time of COVID. How

46 neighborhoods bonded over barter trade and community markets. How people simply gave away face masks to those who had none. How couriers became essential workers. How eager people were to be of help. And so entered seven ladies: seven friends, all Iskas from different generations, all bound together by that burning and urgent desire to make a difference, and all armed with an impatience to return to the “old normal” that was so painfully cut short by COVID-19. Together, and with many others who answered the call to contribute, the small miracle of Salamat PH Healthcare Heroes was born. For these seven friends, life with COVID-19 became more meaningful. As the pandemic progressed, a simple plan to help, hatched in the middle of the night, blossomed into a large-scale fundraising drive to provide meals for frontliners and to clothe them in PPEs which were in short supply everywhere. Seven ladies, all separated by necessity but digitally connected 24/7, armed with good hearts, an excellent cause, and bottomless energy, were able to reach almost all corners of the Philippines with a grateful Salamat PH Healthcare Heroes! emblazoned on donation boxes bound for Benguet, all the way to Marawi, and many other places in between. As the rest of Metro Manila worked from home, these remarkable ladies Worked Furiously at Home, making calls, coordinating, sending messages, singing, sewing, chopping, slicing and cooking their way to more than fifty thousand meals, hundreds of PPE sets, and other essential items for healthcare workers, hospital facilities and others affected by the pandemic. They touched the lives of hundreds of healthcare workers, patients and other less fortunate victims of the pandemic, and yet those they helped and gave hope to never saw any of their faces nor knew any of their names. And so before history closes the chapter on this pandemic, allow me, as the seventh, to leave this here:

Waya. Joy. Francine. Maedel. May. Rina.

The mission is far from over, but so far it’s been a wonderful ride for the soul.

47 48 Realization

Pagtanto Felice Katrina T. Ranche

Papasok sa bulwagan May nililok na pamana Bukas-bisig sa kalangitan Nakatindig, nakatingala

Sa loob ng bulwagan Kinupkop ang iyong isipan Diwa mo’y inalagaan At pinagyaman ng lipunan

Paglabas ng bulwagan May tahimik na habilin Bawat isa’y aasahan Upang bayan ay lingapin

49 Our First Zoom SGD: A Discussion among Volunteer Interns (Part 3) Justin Bryan D. Maranan

Inspired by this new “normal”, a group of PGH Interns held a Zoom SGD on their experiences as volunteers during the pandemic. (continued)

Justin: To wrap this up, meron ba kayong mga newfound insights or realizations from volunteering that you might want to share to future generations of PGH Interns?

Mitch: Recognize the power you have as an intern. Besides theoretical knowledge, we already have clinical skills to look after our patients; with these in your hands, it’s your responsibility to use them, especially in times like this. We know PGH is far from perfect, and PGH is just a microcosm of our public health system. I hope that we don’t stop caring about either after this pandemic is over.

Ven: There were a lot of things we should have done beforehand. We saw this pandemic coming, pero I don’t think our government and even PGH adequately prepared for it. We had to go through a lot of growing pains as a result. I hope we learn our lesson and become better equipped for any public health crisis that may come. I’m also proud of the response from our Intern Batch, kasi we really stepped up and gave our support to PGH.

50 Fed: We’ve talked about failures in the health care system since our first year in med school. Before the outbreak blew up, some interns were raising how “the healthcare system shouldn’t be relying on volunteers to function”. As interns, we’re pushed into situations (such as this crisis) where we ask ourselves, “Are we competent enough to handle this?” I hope that conversations like these continue after the pandemic. We should keep pushing for accountability and demanding our leaders in healthcare to produce their promises and deliverables.

Mon: The secret is to fall in love, not necessarily with a person, pero with what you do. If you really love what you do, everything becomes easier, and it allows you to give more. Always use our patients as inspiration. Pag mag-aaral ka, isipin mo may buhay kang gustong sagipin.

Ino: Trust what you’re doing, and trust PGH will mold you into the doctor you want to become. Your experiences here will guide you to do the right thing when the time comes. We weren’t ready when this pandemic started; at the same time, we knew what we had to do, and I think the same will hold true for future PGH interns. Just don’t forget the Mission-Vision of our College.

51 52 53 Rewriting Johanna Patricia A. Cañal

It’s been a little more than a hundred days of this would not go hungry. No one was sure if there would quarantine. I write this now because I feel I can do it be continuous supplies of food in the metro. Besides, objectively now…something I couldn’t do a hundred how long would those last? The NCR is the center of days ago. the Philippines, but it does not produce its own food. It was late March when I found myself stubbornly We were discussing the points for and against staying rewriting my last will and testament. I am an in Batangas but we kind of looked at each other oncologist and have had a last will and testament for guiltily and knew. We both worked in health care. quite a while. I’m nothing if not practical. But that We both worked in hospitals. If this got big, it would particular afternoon, I was editing a document I had require all hands on deck. We had sworn to this lofty written years ago. The stress had been building for ideal of health care for Filipinos. We couldn’t NOT weeks. It had finally come to a head that summer report for work. day. 2020 was going to be a great year. My husband and But, reporting for work would expose us to COVID I would celebrate 25 years of marriage, my daughter and that was not a little thing. I am atopic and have and I would go on a girls-only trip to Japan, and my asthma, chronic rhinitis and persistent dermatitis. I class would be the silver jubilarians of the College of am on steroid pulse therapy. My blood sugar levels Medicine (Yay, Class 1995!). I’d just been promoted are embarrassingly close to diabetic. My blood and was excited about the possibility of multiple pressure hasn’t been normal in years. My husband publications. By all indications, 2020 would be good. has diabetes and hypertension too. We were exactly the people that COVID would thrive in. The weekend before quarantine, my husband and I Reporting for work could mean that we would infect were in Batangas (where we have a house), deciding each other, not to mention our children. This hit me where we should reside during the Metro Manila hard. I could die from this and other people could lockdown. I wanted to stay in Batangas because at die because of me. least there, there would always be food. My family

54 There were tears, raised voices and quiet whispers, then there was the rewriting of the will and the firm decision to report for work on Monday. How could I Should we live apart from the kids? Where not? Iska ako. I may have been scared but I was not would they live? Where would we live? blind, and certainly not insensitive. Should we ourselves live apart? Could I stand There has been much introspection over these living apart from my family? Would PPEs hundred days; probably more than I am entitled to in be enough? People were dying! Our friends a year. Countless hours thinking about this situation were getting sick! We were in the direct line didn’t change it but brought us to acceptance faster. of fire. So, we plod on, doing the best we can, keeping ourselves safe... and hoping that the just-rewritten will won’t be opened soon.

55 Rediscovering Purpose Robyn Rae M. Nepomuceno

With the pandemic changing most of what we were used to in our daily lives, moving forward by simply trusting our “resilience” was not enough. All that was happening was beyond anyone’s comfort zone. There were roles we had always played that we could not play anymore. In my case, it was going to school and gearing up for my career. I missed the chance to go home before the lockdown, too. I was alone and stuck in Manila, and it was difficult to not know when I could leave to see my loved ones or if my savings would last for groceries. My usual coping mechanisms became ineffective as well. On some days, I became restless. On others, a little helpless. All I could do was stay home and watch as frontliners continued to give their all in the fight. Joining the Bayanihan Na! Operations Center gave me the chance to cope. It was volunteer work that allowed me to help people over the phones. The calls ranged from COVID and non- COVID medical concerns to donations and non-medical inquiries. Although I found it a bit daunting at first, as an undergraduate student with limited medical knowledge, it was a different kind of fulfillment to do all I could for a patient and receive a “thank you” before the end of the call. Hearing the change in their voices, from panic to relief, made all the effort worth it. Before I noticed, I was not only educating people but also learning from them. It made me realize that what we do, no matter how small, is still a contribution to the future we hope for. Volunteer work showed me that I am not going through these challenging times on my own. I was surrounded by amazing people, from different ages and backgrounds, who chose to serve despite the risks present beyond their homes. What started as a needed distraction from the things that scared me became the perfect opportunity to realign my perspective and remind me of the motivations I had forgotten.

56 Systems Make What Systems Break Keisha Rae S. Dela Cerna

Today marks the 105th day since the Community Quarantine began -- when life as we had known it drastically changed. There is this dreadful and deep-seated disbelief among us Filipinos that we are suddenly yet systematically being robbed of our lives. We have been continuously bombarded with unforgiving news of a failing government. We are faced with a health concern sweeping across all sectors of society. We realize that there can be no sound systems of health, education, transportation, agriculture and economics when the very foundations of our ideals begin to crumble beneath our feet. We are stung by sharp and humbling lessons about our interdependence and our reliance on sound core beliefs. It forces us to contemplate how we have suddenly found ourselves in such a situation -- hoping that in understanding the mechanisms of cruelty, we may find the tools to break its chains. There is value in contrasting how we as individuals are products of our culture, versus how we as individuals shape that same culture. The former is an inevitable part of our personal growth while the latter is our duty for collective, societal growth. The BNOC is one example of such duty. Through it, we learn that in a proactive and engaging system, people will participate. And it is through participation that we feel empowered to ask if we can do anything more. We are a small but hopeful community of volunteers who found each other in the midst of a dilapidated system that is scandalously revealing itself. There is both comfort and unrest in our midst, and through our renewed sense of collectiveness, we continue to serve. Denial of fear does not starve it of its power; on the contrary, this paralysis robs us of our own. It is therefore our solemn duty to realize that we as people shape the systems we belong to, as much as those systems shape us. It is through this realization that we can begin to undo the oppression caused by inhumanities we are subjected to. It is through this realization that we can begin to free ourselves from our chains.

57 There is no task too big nor too small Kristine Rachelle Pacete-Estrera

Going home from BNOC, I always felt that the experience had been something easy or light, at least on most days. I have always been a service-oriented person. I enjoy doing things for others, I love volunteer work, and I feel very fulfilled engaging in activities that I know can help others. My love language is also doing acts of service to my loved ones. Sometimes I would wonder if this was all that I could do during the pandemic. But each time I got to observe the lady guard and staff assigned at BNOC making sure that we had meals round the clock, refilling our stations with alcohol and preparing our room and bathroom at the beginning of the day... And the driver of the van who would patiently wait for the volunteers after every shift, and make sure everyone was brought to work and also brought home safely... And the unknown food donors who painstakingly wrote personal messages on each food pack delivered... And most especially the people taking care of the volunteer team, who went beyond their line of work just to organize us and make sure we were taken care of day in and day out... I would realize that tasks did not need to be big to be able to contribute significantly. It was doing what you were supposed to do with all your heart and soul to help the cause. It did not matter if I was only able to receive three to four calls a day because when these callers would send even the simplest ‘Thank you’ and “Appreciate your volunteer work” in their viber replies, I knew that I was doing what my heart was telling me to do -- to continue on with the best of my abilities, and always with a sincere and caring heart. Then I would go home more fulfilled and full of hope.

58 Wake-up Call Korynne Amber C. Garcia

go to PGH yet, and that they had to do consultations online. Most of the patients I encountered had little Sign in the log book, disinfect your work station, to no internet connection where they were. Some of open the needed documents, log in your call agent them didn’t even have phones and they had to borrow account, and wait for a call. That was usually the flow one just to make a call. of things in the BNOC. More than the physical tiredness of having consecutive calls, it was emotionally tiring for me to feel like I During my first few days of duty, there weren’t that couldn’t do much about their situation. many calls, so you could watch a few episodes of K-Drama or, if you’re feeling productive, review for This wasn’t just a wake-up call to our country’s school while waiting. It felt as though you were going predicament; it was also a reminder of why I want through a normal day. But then a loud ringing from to be a medical professional in the first place. I want your headset would snap you back into reality. On to, first and foremost, serve the people, as well as the other end of the line would be a distressed caller help in making healthcare accessible, affordable, and asking for help, wondering if they had COVID-19. inclusive to as many Filipinos as possible. I want to Right -- we were in the middle of a pandemic. be a part of the reform in our healthcare system by providing more healthcare services at the community As we entered GCQ, the fact that we were in a health level, especially in the far flung areas. I believe that crisis grew more apparent. More calls started coming the fight for health must start in the community in, even regarding non-COVID cases. The moment while tertiary hospitals such as PGH should be our I would put down a phone call, another one would last frontier in battling diseases. While PGH is truly come in. The OPD was still closed so hundreds a blessing to thousands of Filipinos, we want a future of patients couldn’t get the treatment they needed. wherein other healthcare facilities will be at par with They couldn’t afford to go anywhere else since PGH PGH and at the same time accessible and affordable was the most reliable and cheapest option for most for everyone. Filipinos. It was heartbreaking to hear their cries over the phone after finding out that they couldn’t

59 Sunset Lourdes Dominique R. Panganiban

Death’s arrival has always been likened to a sunset — how light leaves a person’s eyes to make way for a lasting night. If so, every new pair aglow is a sunrise, every heartbeat is a minute, and every body is a day. It’s fascinating how everyone receives the same one thousand, four hundred and thirty- six minutes, and spends it like they have one thousand, four hundred and forty; how my best days can be another’s worst; how my day of firsts can be another’s last. It’s heartbreaking how we used to spend our days sleeping past dusk to stay up all night; how I wanted to watch the sunset for the first time upon hearing that it’s yours; how I’m imprisoned in this windowless room, wishing for once that I could go out, hoping it’s just cloudy and the sun is still up.

60 61 Share Roi Solomon B. Labay Being a worker and a student during the COVID-19 our clients. It really felt heartwarming when I got to pandemic was extremely challenging for me. There resolve their difficulties. I have always kept in mind were blurs in the boundaries of work, school and what my Alma Mater taught me -- serve the people. leisure as I tried to juggle all those tasks at home. As a graduate student, keeping my sanity while Not to mention the scorching heat every afternoon complying with school requirements became a top -- being in quarantine in the middle of this pandemic priority. I had seen hashtags such as #MassPromotion, was a punishment that I had to endure until all things #EndSemNow, and #WalangIwanan, which became settled down. Here I share slice of my life as a worker- trendy in social media. The student body was wary student during this pandemic. about the challenges faced by the students. Major As a worker, it became extremely important to concerns involved the transition to online classes due take care of my clients’ needs, while still protecting to suspension of face-to-face meetings. In my case, it myself from the risk of contracting the disease in was difficult to juggle work demands while working the workplace. There was one time when I got a on class projects. I believe that it is important to call from a client who sounded so helpless while prioritize students’ well-being so that they can reporting that he was not able to retrieve the 200 continue the search for knowledge, and apply that pesos that he had withdrawn. The cash got retracted knowledge for the betterment of the current situation. by the machine while he was attending to a call from a family member. Working in a bank, I would often receive reports like that. During better times, It begs repeating -- being a worker and a student in the that would have been nothing special. But with the midst of the pandemic was really challenging. It was ongoing community quarantine, that call could have challenging in the sense that it brought out the best been critical; it was possible that the 200 pesos was in us after all the struggles that we had to go through. his only remaining money, greatly needed so that he The situation called us to learn new things in new could buy basic necessities for his family. That could ways, to be proactive, and to evolve as better human also have been the only time he could go outside beings. As we face the new normal in our homes, given the strict policies on quarantine measures. It school, or even at workplaces, we must learn from was important for us to keep the peace of mind of the mistakes of the past and keep moving forward.

62 Changing the World Erica Gabrielle A. Delos Reyes

There have been many times in life when my heart burned society. My heart would rejoice whenever I would see our with so much passion because I wanted to change the frontliners use the donations we received on their behalf. world. But because of lack of opportunities and means, I Also, as a UP employee, I promised myself that I would would often wallow within the four walls of my bedroom, continue being of service, not only to the university but and pray that the world would turn around on its own. also to my country. I could fulfill this by listening to our callers’ stories, helping them rise by showing compassion. It was a Sunday morning when I woke up and saw an Someday, when things get better, I would want someone email in my inbox, asking me if I was willing to volunteer to listen to me while I share my story, then smile at me for the UP-PGH COVID-19 response team. During that and say that they also would want to help people even in moment, I was unsure if I really wanted to do it because the simplest way. of the risks involved. But when I realized that I had the means to help our frontliners in the simplest way possible, I am thankful for the opportunity to help because I I immediately said YES. realized the importance of compassion and humanity. I realized that not everyone is as privileged as I am. I As the famous television series Grey’s Anatomy says, realized the importance of the simplest things such as The COVID-19 pandemic It’s a beautiful day to save lives. food, water and shelter. I realized that I have the ability opened my eyes to many things that I could and could not to work at home with a laptop in front of me, the means change. Being able to be a volunteer with the UP-PGH to acquire my everyday necessities, and my family who Bayanihan! Na Operations Center gave me a glimpse are safe inside our home. I realized that the little things of how I could change the world in the eyes of other that make up our everyday life are the things that help us people and not just from my own perspective. Working continue despite the hardships and trials. with different kinds of people such as doctors, security guards, and hospital staff helped me realize that I should Being of service during this crisis gave me so many strive to make the world better for the unsung heroes learnings that I will keep for the rest of my life. It is my during this pandemic so that they could live better lives hope that this will all end soon so that we may live our once this crisis ends. lives normally and apply what we have learned from this to become better individuals and citizens. I was happy to do my part in saving lives by helping our frontliners receive donations from different sectors of Palaging Para sa Bayan!

63 64 Hope

Pag-asa Jose V. Tecson, III

Sa paglubog ng araw sa dapithapon Nababalot ang kalangitan ng kadiliman Ang gabing tutuusin ay pasimula pa lamang Inaantabayanan ang hudyat sa silangan Ang umaga ay parating na Hudyat ng isang bagong bukas

65 Bayanihan Spirit Geraldine Bernadete C.S. Lim

We look to gain more than to give, to accumulate These individuals answered the call for help and more than to surrender. In a dog-eat-dog society, continue to do so as the going gets tougher in these certainly, the fastest way to succeed financially is to times. Activists, donors and frontliners alike share in take advantage of the less fortunate, those who live the mission that no Filipino be left behind, no plight out Nick Joaquin’s ‘A Heritage of Smallness’. This is be left unnoticed, and no challenge left unanswered. apparent in our politics and in the microcosms of our As much as this pandemic has turned our heads from society. our many plans and visions, it has revealed that even with our individual differences and aspirations, we And yet, unlike Nick Joaquin’s statement in his will heal as one and heed the call to service in our controversial essay that we Filipinos are ‘small own ways. In itself, it is comforting to know that we minded’ and do not dare to tackle the complex, we are capable still of the impossible together, if we all are here now, enacting a cause as a product of the realize that capacity within us, no matter how little or crisis at hand, and utilizing our talents and hearts in how weak we perceive ourselves to be. service of the Filipino people. In these times, and in the months and years to come, In this new age of modern technology, despite the we, as Filipinos, must take heart, have confidence and toxicity that accompanies its use, social media has pride, that we survived not only the worst, but also served its purpose in uniting the generous hearts moved as one so that others in dire situations were of private individuals and organizations, and not left behind. Hopefully, we will carve these times reawakening the bayanihan spirit. in our hearts, minds and memories, and have faith in our individual capabilities coming together, that we are capable of greater things than we have ever Simple or grand, the donations in total empower the imagined once we decide we can and act accordingly. bayanihan spirit, and the collective efforts of the men Now, more than ever, this is a time for a unified social and women serving at the frontlines. action, so that we may collectively, finally, put an end to the notion of a ‘heritage of smallness’.

66 67 Disquiet Johanna Patricia A. Cañal No. This can’t be real. It, in fact, feels surreal. This can’t be the UP Manila that I know…and dare I say, love. I’ve been walking around this campus for more than 30 years. This is the first time I’ve seen it so… empty. Where did everybody go? Even during the summers, when the university was on break, there were always people around. Always. Because of the huge lumbering presence of the Philippine General Hospital, there was always someone there. 24/7 and 365. There has always been human presence in the campus…until now.

How can I be the only one walking from the College of Medicine to PGH? For that matter, how was parking so easy? There was one guard at the Pedro Gil gate and no other signs of humanity. One cannot help but notice how eerily quiet it was. No birds, no city sounds, no construction sounds. Strange. Even the usually bustling PGH is nearly silent. No Dunkin Donuts person. No lines at the ATM. No food concessioners. It was quiet. Well, maybe the better word is disquiet.

I suspect that if more things were the same, that if fewer things changed, it wouldn’t be so bad. But, as everyone can feel and see, EVERYTHING has changed. My routines are no longer routine. I haven’t shaken anyone’s hand in months. I haven’t seen a student face-to-face in the same amount of time. I avoid the elevator like the plague. My hands are dry from the alcohol that I generously lather on. My face perennially has pimples from the mask I wear every day. It was all so very somber. Thank goodness that didn’t last forever. Things got better after six months. There is more noise in the hospital now. The construction workers are back all over the campus. There are food deliveries. There are more people. Things feel a little more normal. Who would have thought that the noise would bring comfort? I don’t usually like noise but didn’t quite realize that the silence could freak me out as much as it did. My prayer now: I hope it never happens again.

68 Esperance Nathaniel Toriano dela Cruz

Someday soon, not too long from today When this is all over, and we are set free We’ll have the chance for a proper mourning For the dead, now ash, we never had to bury

Someday soon, not too long from today We’ll reclaim spaces abandoned in haste Wondering why there are so few of us now We’ll tell ourselves some went to a different place

And while we take stock of what’s left of the world Some will remember the day they were told – Someday soon, not too long from today Is the day you’ll be interred in your very own tomb

And yes, someday soon, not too long from today Morning will come with the gift of hope renewed With tears to wash the stains of fear and forlorn So that those who are not dead are now reborn

- March 27, 2020 -

69 70 Operative Word: OK Hannah Melizza A. Paguila

We do not wait for things to go back to normal. What thrives on ignorance, complacency, and disregard We wait for things to be “OK.” for the downtrodden man is not normal. OK is safe; OK has tinges of hope. Not too optimistic, just the right amount of warmth. Thieves come to steal, kill, and destroy. In the lull of the night, OK is the midground. It is not only they that thrive. Far from over yet beyond what was. Those that are unquenchable too. A starting point of what will be. Flames that simmer, lick, and flicker. OK is the wick that will light our homes, Zero comma zero. That will ignite our hope.

A new consciousness. It too steals, kills, and destroys… what reeks of death, of greed, of corrupt dreams. When what was can never be, Hope tramples fear. And what is should never have been OK is the green light to what has been brewing. Darkness flees at the touch of the smallest ember.

We wait for “OK.” OK is the eve OK is the dawn Not “ol korrect” for nothing has been correct. OK is our call to “carry on.” What was all was just some. What was correct was just wrong. We pray for OK.

Ok is for the undoing, the unlearning. Until then, listen well. The dismantling The rising rhythm will not be quelled. Of what was thought as “normal.”

71 Empleyado Genevieve Joyce Saludez

Ako ay empleyadong minsan nang nangamba, Magka Covid Malayo sa pamilya Mawalan ng trabaho, oh no.. Paano na?

Ako ay empleyadong sumubok ng lahat, Mag tiktok, isa lang nag-like Magluto, nadoble ang appetite Nagtanim, pero may kulang pa rin.

Ako ay empleyadong tumigil at nakinig sa tinig, Bayanihan Na! Sigaw ng wari mo’y Alpha kid “She thinks fast and takes the lead.”

Ano pa nga at akong empleyado ay nag volunteer! Nakatagpo ng kabuluhan Sa gitna ng walang kasiguraduhan; Lakas loob na sumunod Para tumulong at maglingkod.

Sa lider na huwaran, Mabuhay ka! Patuloy ako na empleyadong natututo, Nagpapasalamat at buong pusong nagtitiwala Sa iyong kahanga-hangang kakayahan.

72 The Light Abigail Marie O. Lim In the darkest hours, we must be the light.

Volunteering at the Bayanihan Center has given me so many great experiences. I have had the privilege of realizing we are not in this fight alone, of being inspired by so many different people, and of finding hope that better days are coming. We are not in this fight alone. On my first day of volunteering, I was, honestly, a little nervous. I had watched the tutorial video, read the flow, and simulated several calls in my head. Even with all this preparation, my palms started to sweat when my first call came. I answered the call but could not organize my thoughts -- “What’s your number? I mean name, what’s your name?” “Sorry, how many will you be donating again?” I was terrified the person on the other line would get so irritated they would just decide against donating. Instead of getting angry, the person laughed! That loosened the tension in my shoulders a little bit. She proceeded to ask me whether it was my first call. How did she know? Turns out, she was a call center agent donating on behalf of her co-workers. They wanted to inspire other call center agents to take action and donate whatever they could to help out in the COVID effort too. We can help regardless of our status in life. Aside from organizing donation pledges, I also had the privilege of helping out in the donations hub. I met so many interesting people there: doctors, med students, teachers, and other support staff. It was so interesting for me to hear each and every one of their stories. From having to study years and years, to having had to work from a very young age, these were people from all walks of life! No matter what stage of life they were in, they volunteered with smiles behind their masks -- to make a difference any little way they could.

If we all find a way to be light during these dark times, then we can also hope that better days are coming. So in these dark hours, choose to be light.

73 When You See a Swan Marc Gregory Y. Yu

When you see a swan, you see a marvel of nature: Slender out to arm myself with as much COVID-19 knowledge as neck and pouted beak, gliding across the water with possible, and even joined the Harvard COVID-19 Health sleek elegance. For a second, you are lost in the idyll of Literacy Project – an information dissemination campaign a postcard-perfect New England scene, squinting at the where I helped translate materials into Filipino/Tagalog and sunlight, spring breeze nipping at your clothes. And for my native Ilonggo/Hiligaynon. But as the weeks stretched, a second, too, you forget the weight of that now-familiar the creeping weariness soon became inevitable. One longed churn of dread in your stomach, laced with the prospect of to recover any semblance of erstwhile normalcy, at the a changed world and an uncertain future. same time being unable to shrug off the perpetual anxiety Although swans are not exactly a rarity in the US East hovering over the state of family and friends back home. Coast, one is hard-pressed to spot these strapping birds within the concrete layers of Boston. I arrived two years ago as a newly-minted research fellow at the Joslin Diabetes It was on one of those days that I saw the swans. Center in Harvard, fresh on the heels of my endocrinology training at UP-PGH. Those rosy, roaring pre-pandemic days painted a different picture of promise: I remember To clear my mind, I had made my way one weekend afternoon diving headlong, full throttle, into the thick of cutting- down Boston’s Emerald Necklace, a popular swath of edge science – writing grants, generating new and exciting verdant respite slicing through the city, aimlessly trudging data, coordinating patient visits as the seasons blended into past blossom-laden trees and carpets of dewy grass, past the each other. And then, just as suddenly, everything ground ubiquitous ducks and geese, and the occasional wild turkey. to a halt. Labs were shuttered, offices were boarded, and After almost half an hour of gingerly dodging people (social people were advised to stay home. The world was on the distancing, thank you very much) in fogged-up glasses and cusp of an unprecedented era. a breath-dampened mask, I eventually stopped at the edge of a small lake: There, preening themselves in full view, The first few weeks spent in lockdown went by in a blur. I was a flock of swans, completely oblivious to the chaos that was tucked away in a house in the suburbs, venturing out lay beyond their pristine territory. only as a squirrel might forage to prepare for hibernation. A typical day consisted of rolling over from bed to chair, When you see a swan, the old geezers say, you’re in luck. blearily hunched over a laptop screen for hours on end, Hard to imagine, I suppose, when one initially considers eyes a little bloodshot from one too many Zoom meetings. the current situation: the inability to hop on a random Fueled by a messianic fire to combat a global enemy, I set plane in peace; or safely attend an arts performance; or dine

74 outdoors without undue risk of contracting disease. But catastrophe. Akin to the swans’ unseen, furious paddling tough times require a total turnaround in perspective: One underneath the placid surface, we have been relentless in now considers the roof over one’s head; the opportunity creating ripples of pioneering clinical care practices, in our to savor three meals a day; employment with a steady quest for the legendary holy grail of a vaccine. The past source of income. Despite the more than 50,000 cases that months have seen the incessant outpouring of mankind’s wrecked Massachusetts at the height of the surge (and the most redeeming qualities – stranger helping stranger, more than 20,000 that hit the Philippines in a similar time charity drives orchestrated everywhere, intangible walls frame), I and my loved ones were in relatively good health, broken down one by one. perhaps a bit jarred deep down with the state of things but also none the worse for wear. Standing by the lake, I quietly Some days, I still make that kilometer-long trek to the murmured a prayer of gratitude, and offered intentions for park, if only to catch a quick glimpse of the swans and their those who were not so fortunate. unabashed regality. The days have been getting kinder, with warmer weather settling in, establishments reopening, and case counts dwindling. The road ahead, however, remains arduous: Second waves have broken out in multiple corners The English word “swan” lends itself to an Indo-European of the globe, and the virus continues to ravage the most root, “swen”, meaning “to sound” or “to sing” – a peculiar vulnerable sectors of society. I, for my part, have been connotation as these majestic creatures appear to be cursed trying to support local supermarkets, grabbing takeout to a lifetime of silence. In the midst of this crisis, such from small-scale restaurants when I can, and attempting a sound, though beautiful, would have probably emerged to find that infinitesimal sliver of acceptance that things in the form of a metaphorical “swan song”, which the may not readily return to what they were for quite some ancients assumed was a swan’s final call before death. time. It’s tough, this process of easing yourself into what Death that is senseless, and just as equally difficult to think has been coined the “new normal”, and I owe it in part to of when tied to an eerie epidemic of loneliness. One never the swans for allowing me to preserve even just a moment’s really erases the grim picture of a patient dying alone in worth of precious sanity, to experience that transient an isolated ward, whose last, lingering view of kith and reprieve from pervasive helplessness when everything else kin was through the artificially-lit screen of a smartphone. has plummeted to the depths of sheer madness. One never forgets the faces of former professors who have succumbed to myriad complications, of classmates who could not properly mourn, and of frontliner colleagues who have chosen to live in separate homes for fear of infecting When you see a swan, you take a deep breath, and their elderly parents. you somehow believe that all in the world will be Yet I am also stirred to believe that much like the unstated right again. grace of a swan, the human spirit has always defied the odds and risen above each seemingly unsurmountable

75 Contributors

Eric Abalajon is a lecturer at the Division of Ronneil S. Bilbao is currently an intern of the Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences, UP Philippine General Hospital, who served as a Visayas - Miagao. His e-zine of short fiction,Mga volunteer at the BNOC Donations Arm during the Migranteng Sandali, is distributed by Kasingkasing COVID-19 pandemic. He believes in inclusive social Press. justice and is currently interested in health policy. Dr. Agnes Grace Y. Angeles is a dentist and a Dr. Lance Catedral finished his Internal Medicine volunteer ar the Bayanihan Na! Operations Center. and Medical Oncology training at the UP-Philippine She is also currently a student, completing her General Hospital in 2020. Some of his creative non- master’s degree at the UP College of Public Health. fiction pieces are published in theCotabato Literary Journal and in From the Eyes of a Healer: An Antholog y is a Speech-Language Pathology Eunice Angus of Medical Anecdotes. student at the University of the Philippines Manila. She served as a BNOC volunteer. Dr. Anthony Geronimo H. Cordero. Mu Sigma Phi Batch 1992. A member of UPCM Class 1992, is a graduate of the UP Dr. Jay-V James Barit he is the Director of the UP Manila Community College of Medicine and of the dermatology Health and Development Program. He is also the residency program of UP-PGH. Chair of the UPCM Return Service Obligation Dr. Regina P. Berba is an internist who Program. subspecializes in Infectious Diseases. She is a is an alumna of the UP tireless advocate of vaccination, and heads the Keisha Rae S. Dela Cerna College of Pharmacy, and a BNOC volunteer. Hospital Infection Control Unit of the Philippine General Hospital. Nathaniel Toriano Dela Cruz is a fellow of the 3rd Cavite Young Writers Workshop, whose interests lie in Philippine history and Philippine mythology.

76 Erica Gabrielle A. Delos Reyes is a registered Hazel S. Lapitan is currently a medical intern at psychometrician, with a Bachelor of Science degree PGH, Batch 2021. She is also an active member of in Psychology from the Polytechnic University the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority and UP MedRhythmics. of the Philippines. She is a University Research is a student who learned Associate at the UP Manila Center for Gender and Abigail Marie O. Lim the importance of giving back to society from her Women Studies. early exposure to PGH, involvement in outreach Dr. Michelle Ann B. Eala is President of UPCM programs, and development in UP and its womens’ Class 2020, and a track and field athlete, winning volleyball varsity. back-to-back championships in the Palarong is currently Medisina. She was recognized as one of the Ten Geraldine Bernadete C.S. Lim employed as a project manager, who hopes to earn Outstanding Medical Students by the APMC- a master’s degree in public health research and Student Network, and volunteered to stay in PGH development. She is a certified cat person. to help set up the UP Bayanihan Hotline. works at the University is a BS Physical Laureen Theresa Lioanag Korynne Amber C. Garcia of the Philippines Diliman, under the Office of the Therapy student from the UP Manila College of Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Allied Medical Professions. She volunteered at the BNOC to help during the pandemic. Geremiah Edison Daniel C. Llanes is currently a medical intern of the Philippine General Hospital, is currently an intern at PGH, Paul Kenny L. Ko Batch 2021. He is a graduate of the INTARMED Batch 2021. He dabbles in writing poems, and in program, and is also the current choirmaster of the digital and traditional art media. UP Medicine Choir. is a graduate student Roi Solomon B. Labay is currently a medical from the UP School of Statistics. He is also a Sydney M. Madlangsakay intern at PGH, Batch 2021. She likes writing poems Senior Information Analyst at the China Banking and playing the ukelele during her free time. Corporation.

77 Dr. Justin Bryan D. Maranan is a recent graduate Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla is a pediatrician, of the UP College of Medicine (Class 2020) who geneticist, researcher, administrator and the served as an intern of PGH at the onset of the indefatigable 3rd-term chancellor of UP Manila. COVID-19 pandemic. He is also a literary enthusiast The BNOC was her brainchild. who hopes to read more books (and perhaps even is a Program write one) in the future - if he ever finds the time. Hannah Melizza A. Paguila Producer/Anchor/Writer III at DZUP 1602. Jhio Jan A. Navarro is a BA Psychology student She finished BA Broadcast Communication at at the UP Visayas in Miag-ao. His poems have UP Diliman, and was a member of the editorial been published in Bulatlat, Revolt Magazine, the board of Tinig ng Plaridel, the UP College of Mass Hong-Kong based Voice and Verse Magazine, and the Communication’s student publication. Philippines Graphic. Lourdes Dominique R. Panganiban is a Robyn Rae M. Nepomuceno volunteered at freshman from the University of the Philippines the Bayanihan Na! Operations Center during the Los Baños. pandemic. She is a student of the UP Manila College is a UPCM Professor and of Allied Medical Professions. Dr. Anthony Perez a general surgeon specializing in Hepatobiliary Dr. Leilanie A. Nicodemus is the Director of the and Pancreatic Surgery, advanced laparoscopic UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies. and robotic surgery. He was part of the core team She led the volunteer engagement efforts at the designated by the UP President and the UPM Bayanihan Na! Operations Center. Chancellor to head the BNOC Donations Arm, and concurrently heads the Operating Room is a Dr. Kristine Rachelle Pacete-Estrera Management Team (ORMAT) and the Surgical graduate of UPCD Batch 1998, and has been Services Resumption Committee of the PGH teaching in for 7 years, under the UP Department COVID Crisis Management team. of Community Dentistry. She is a happy mother of 2 teenagers and is an active servant of God with her Dr. Elvie Victonette B. Razon-Gonzalez is a husband in their Catholic community. gastroenterologist and epidemiologist residing in Iloilo City. She is a wife and mother of four children, and loves to read books, write poetry and analyze statistical data to unwind.

78 Dr. Ivy E. Reside finished BS Zoology at UP Dr Diana Tamondong-Lachica is an Associate Diliman, and took her Internal Medicine residency Professor from the Division of Adult Medicine, UP and Pulmonary Medicine fellowship training at PGH Department of Medicine. She is currently the the UP-PGH. Her volunteer group, Salamat PH Patient Query Head of the UP-PGH Bayanihan Na! Healthcare Heroes, provided meals to healthcare Operations Center Hotline 155-200, Vice-Chair of workers and AFP troops during the pandemic. the PGH Telemedicine Committee, and a member of the UP Manila Telehealth Committee. Genevieve Joyce Saludez works as a teacher at the UP Manila Creche. She worked as a volunteer at the Alexa Tanchuling is a graduate of BS Physical Bayanihan Na! Operations Center. Therapy in UP Manila CAMP. She has a special interest in pediatrics and is an advocate of lifelong is a Dr. Maria Concepcion “Connie” Sison learning. pediatric cardiologist who continued to serve during the pandemic, initially as part of the UP- Joanna V. Toralba is an active faculty member PGH Bayanihan Hotliners, then as one of service of the UP College of Pharmacy. With most of her consultants for the division of Pediatric Cardiology. laboratory research work temporarily halted by the She also played an active role in redesigning pandemic, she has since rendered her time as the pharmacology courses (as part of the faculty of the assistant head of the volunteer engagement team of Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology), for BNOC. remote learning of UPCM students. Dr. Ino Paul R. Villacastin belongs to the UP Dr. Scarlett Mia S. Tabuñar is an Associate College of Medicine Class of 2020. He was one of Professor from the Department of Emergency the core intern volunteers for the Bayanihan Na! Medicine, and served as the Overall Head of the Operations Center. Bayanihan Na! Operations Center. Dr. Marc Gregory Y. Yu is currently an American Diabetes Association (ADA) Research Fellow at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Harvard Medical School. He received a Palanca Award for the Kabataan Essay in 2004 and a Philippines Graphic-Nick Joaquin Literary Award for Fiction in 2010.

79 Editors

Dr. Felice Katrina T. Ranche is an ophthalmologist and educator, who strives for a balance between the sciences and the humanities. During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as a volunteer at the Bayanihan Na! Operations Center. Dr. Jose V. Tecson, III is a member of UP College of Medicine Class of 1999. An ophthalmologist by training, he is currently an Associate Professor of the UPCM Department of Anatomy. Dr. Johanna Patricia A. Cañal: Full-time radiologist, radiation oncologist, professor, administrator and researcher. Part-time writer, calligrapher, photographer and crafts enthusiast. Jed Zachary A. Golez is currently a medical student at the UP College of Medicine. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was Co-Head of the Mu Relief COVID Operations. Dr. Tammy L. Dela Rosa is a member of UP College of Medicine Class of 1994. He is currently an Associate Professor at the UPCM Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and faculty of the Department of Orthopedics.

80 Acknowledgments

This volume was a joint project of the Bayanihan Na! Operations Center and the Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity and Sorority, in cooperation with Dr. Alvin Caballes and the team behind the PGH Human Spirit Project. The BNOC team recognizes the efforts of the four core interns who helped set up the call center operations -- Ino Paul Villacastin, Nick Tan, Michelle Ann Eala, and Romano Agustin Pangan. The Mu Sigma Phi team is grateful for the contributions of faculty and students alike, with particular thanks going to Joseph Ranche, Jen Montemayor, Yasmin Salces, Justine Uy, Fem dela Cruz, Roie Urgena, and all those who made this book possible. All photographs in this volume were courtesy of Drs. Anthony Perez, Nathalea De Leon, Mariale Yasmin Salces, John Ruben Valeza, and Ino Paul Villacastin. Baybayin consultations for all three volumes in this publication set were guided by Mr. Jotham Angelo Rodriguez and Mr. Howie Severino.

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