Team Upper Inuman

Upper Inuman, and our purpose, in words

     At daylight, Upper Inuman is impressive. One could clearly see that this barangay had a little bit of everything in the world, with its borders bounded by the seas of Sindangan Bay on one side and the mountains that house the boundaries of barangay Caluan and Maras on the other, and lush verdant ricefields sandwiched in between. The residents, like the usual weather in the area, were warm and welcoming.

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     Previously named talayong by its founder Rufino Tuanda in 1928, the barangay also prides itself of its abundant water sources. Eventually, as it became more and more of a drinking source for the indigenous groups that settled in the area, it was then aptly named Inuman and later, through a resolution, renamed Upper Inuman. Indeed, in the daytime, Upper Inuman is impressive.

     And at night, it is enchanting. For nights in Upper Inuman boasts of skies filled with stars that contrasted brightly against velvety black skies and of air that is cool and fresh, free of any irritants that the city life has to offer.

     Simple as it is, it is clear from our first night in that Barangay Upper Inuman had many things to offer. In the same vein, we medical students also have something to offer back as part of our endeavors to become socially accountable physicians: a dedication to service and a promise to deliver proper health care to the people. For as beautiful as the place of Upper Inuman was, its residents were not immune from the inconsistencies and pitfalls of the health care delivery system in this country.

     Of course, it is a truth universally acknowledged that no health care delivery system is perfect. In fact, numerous residents of Upper Inuman, despite taking into account the two health facilities that operate within its borders, still find that health care is out of their reach, mostly because of other factors and social determinants that affect their pursuit, such as income, location, environment and culture.

      And that is where the essence of the Ateneo de Zamboanga - School of Medicine takes form. We exist to bring healthcare to those who need it the most, to bring healthcare to hidden corners of our country where it is scarce and wanting. We exist to help build communities that have fully realized its potential and are self-sustaining. We exist to help.

     We exist for others.

     That is the vision that the school, and our small, ambitious group of seven medical students, wish to bring to Upper Inuman. And it is our challenge today to bring that vision to life slowly, but surely, in the next four years and beyond.

     Upper Inuman, like any other barangay in the country, is a place worthy of quality health care services and empowerment. And we hope you can follow us in this journey to make that happen.

     Tungod sa Kalambuan!

     One for All and All for One with Upper Inuman!