Stories on the Baseline

On a warm Saturday, at 4:00 PM, Jenny is sitting on a white plastic chair, holding a paper with a number 7 on it. It’s her number on the queue of people waiting to be attended by medical doctors. But Jenny doesn’t mind waiting amidst the heat of the summer, in fact, she is grateful because there are snacks and refreshments served, a short puppet show to entertain her two daughters and they will be receiving medical checkup and medicines ---all for free.

For Jenny and the rest of the mothers waiting, receiving medical check-ups, vitamins and medicines were made possible by the village’s handmade soap livelihood. Majority of the profits are divided to church-related programs and buying medicines for the community. The doctors volunteer their services for free as well.

For Jenny, a stay-home mother to Janine-5 and Regine- 10 months, having free medical
check-up is such an enormous relief. In Filipino she says, “ay, napakalaking bagay talaga.”

Though her husband is working in Saudi Arabia as an OFW, she admits that that the family is still living within limited means. The money his husband is sending, is just enough for everyday expenses. Budget priorities are of course food and schooling which means pushing health as the least. She is not successful saving for the rainy days. According to Jenny, many times did she experience those rainy days. Regine, who was then 8 months suffered from flu and she just didn’t know what to do and where to run to. She noticed that Regine’s cough is getting worst and loud for a baby. She knew she had to take Regine to the doctor, but her empty pocket stopped her. Upon hearing that the community’s health center will again open and render free medical check-ups, she immediately lined up and brought Regine. Jenny was told by the doctor that Regine was so close to acquiring bronchitis. Hadn’t Jenny brought Regine for a check-up in the community’s health center, Regine could have been a baby with a serious lung complication and she would have the aching heart of a mother because she can’t help her baby get well.

Two months later –that is today, Regine, is up and about, and very much relieved just like Jenny. They are cheerfully waiting for their vitamins and supplements to strengthen baby Regine’s little body.