"I Love Kapangan"

Rochelle Leah F. Tomboc from the same group of student nurses of Saint Louis University,BSN III–Oxygen writes her sentiments.


Community immersion, various sentiments, diminutive nervousness, huge excitements and copious impressions, were the adjectives and feelings I felt and thought of on our way to Cayapes, Kapangan. I had mixed emotions. I really do not have the idea on how the place looks like aside from the endorsement of other group that the view and the place itself is really pleasing to the eyes.

I was brought up in an urban community. Moreover, I don’t have any thoughts on how it feels like to live in an area where you could only see trees, farms, domestic animals and community folks.

During our ocular survey, I did not expect to walk for five hours in contrast to our previous community duties in second year in which the places are just near each other. This time, it is different. We started from our staff house then we hiked going up to Lokot until we reached the highest peak and farthest home in the sitio. We took a few minutes of rest then we went down to Sadel.

The most exciting part was going through the bushes on our way down and halfway through, the rain started to pour! Yes, it was raining hard! Well, we had to go on because as a community health nurse there should be no hindrances, not even natural calamities, in rendering care to the community. Since it was our first time, our clinical instructor, Mr. Vincent Titus Sapaen, secretly directed us to a way that was slippery and muddy. (He confessed that he was making a new plan on what route they will take with the next group. Clever! Hehe. Peace Sir.)

Yes, the way was slippery and muddy! I experienced slipping on the ground and I will never forget it. My boots also got stuck in the mud. It was my first time and it was really funny! It was a great experience and I realized how hard it is to live in a rural place.

As a group, we have learned to help each other and to think not only of ourselves. We have learned to offer a helping hand when somebody is in need. (Thanks Sir for your modus operandi. It made our group stronger. We owe you one sir.)

At the end of the week, I have learned to love the place. I could not imagine that there is still such a place where you could relax, away from pollution and problems. It is where simple people live their simple lives. It is such a pleasure to live in Cayapes even for seven days only. I will not forget the green and clean place, the unforgettable experiences, the accommodating people and the simple life away from troubles.

I love Kapangan! I love Cayapes!