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GRACE

Forming Physicians, Transforming Communities

Welcome

We’re nine first-year medical students from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, sharing our experience from our community exposure in Goodyear, Kabasalan. Through this journey, we got to see firsthand the realities of healthcare at the grassroots level, learn from the community, and understand the challenges they face. Join us as we share our stories, insights, and reflections on this unforgettable experience!

ABOUT GOODYEAR

Barangay Goodyear, Municipality of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay is a vibrant and resilient community full of warm and hardworking individuals. It is a place where tradition and progress meet, and the strength of the people shines through in their daily lives.

 

As first-year medical students from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, our journey with Barangay Goodyear is more than an academic requirement-it is a commitment to learning, serving, and growing alongside the community. We want to learn the realities of healthcare at the grassroots level and contribute to sustainable solutions that empower the people.

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ABOUT TEAM GRACE

Get to Know Us

TEAM GRACE (Goodyear Response and Advocacy for Community Engagement) consists of nine first-year medical students. We are assigned to Barangay Goodyear, Municipality of Kabasalan as part of our community exposure. 

Together, we are committed to promoting health, self-sufficiency, and sustainable community engagement. We are a group of dedicated and passionate medical students whose work doesn’t end after a single visit, as we will be returning for one month after each semester, and in our fourth year, we will fully immerse ourselves in the community for ten months to deepen our understanding and strengthen our initiatives for more sustainable and self-sufficient Barangay Goodyear.

Our Mission

To immerse and collaborate with the health and governmental sectors of barangay Goodyear, and together actively engage in transforming the community through medical education, health advocacy, and sustainable development, fostering a self-sufficient and health-conscious community.

Empowerment

Resilience

Unity

Diversity

Hope

Our blog is a platform to amplify the voices of the unheard and to shed light on the remarkable individuals we meet. Join us in celebrating the beauty of diversity and the strength of community.

Vision

A thriving and empowered Barangay Goodyear where individuals have the knowledge and resources to take charge of their health and well-being.

GOALS

  1. ​Assess the health and socio-economic needs of the community.

  2. Implement sustainable and community-driven health initiatives.

  3. Promote health education and preventive care practices.

  4. Empower residents to take proactive roles in their health and development.

  5. Instill in future physicians the values of community engagement and service.

EMBRACE THE GRACE

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Community Journal

As part of our commitment to Barangay Goodyear, we will document our journey, share insights, and track the progress of our initiatives.

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First Visit (January 4, 2025) – The Beginning of Our Journey

Our first day in Barangay Goodyear began with warm smiles and open arms, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. Leading the way was our incredible Community Preceptor, Doc Eric T. Cabayacruz, whose passion and guidance became the cornerstone of our journey. With patience and enthusiasm, he walked us through everything we needed to do, ensuring we felt both capable and inspired. We were then introduced to the RHU health staff and the dedicated team at the Barangay Health Station—the unsung heroes working tirelessly to keep the community healthy. Among them were Ma’am Jing and Ma’am Judy, the Barangay Nutrition Scholars, who became our guides and companions as we conducted house-to-house surveys. Their knowledge and support provided us with crucial secondary data, forming the foundation of our community database—an essential step in shaping our future interventions. No matter the challenge, we were never alone. Whenever we ran into a problem—whether it was finding the right household, understanding health records, or navigating the community—all we had to do was send a quick text or call Ma’am Jing or Ma’am Cleofaith, the midwife, and they were ready to help. Their unwavering support made everything smoother, reminding us that teamwork extended far beyond our group—it included the entire community rallying behind us. Beyond the structured work, what truly made this first encounter special was the warmth of Barangay Goodyear itself. Everywhere we went, we were met with kind smiles, friendly waves, and a sense of belonging that quickly turned this unfamiliar place into a second home. It was more than just an introduction; it was a heartfelt welcome into a community that we would soon call our own.

Upcoming

Stories from the Community

This section is dedicated to sharing the voices of Barangay Goodyear—stories of resilience, hope, and transformation.

  • Testimonies from Community Members – How our initiatives have impacted their daily lives.

  • Memorable Encounters – Personal stories from our team about challenges and heartwarming moments.

  • Spotlight on Local Heroes – Featuring individuals who are making a difference in their own ways.

Upcoming

Resource Hub

To support the community beyond our visits, we will provide access to health information, educational materials, and practical guides.

💡 Health & Hygiene Guides – Basic hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention.
🥗 Nutrition & Wellness Tips – Promoting healthy eating habits.
🚑 Emergency First Aid & Response – How to handle medical emergencies.

Our Team.

What makes our team special? It’s our shared dedication to understanding public health beyond textbooks, our eagerness to connect with people, and our belief that medicine is more than just treatment—it’s about compassion, advocacy, and community. Each of us brings a unique perspective, but together, we work towards a common goal: becoming future physicians who serve with heart and purpose.

Follow Our Journey

Facebook Page: Embrace the Grace

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