Sigay Kauyagan has conducted multiple community-wide health surveys from which we tailor our health education programs and clinical outreach projects.  One house-to-house survey in South Cotabato in an 80% cultural community barangay revealed that only 1 out of 8 homes have a restroom inside the home or a refrigerator they can share with others to keep food fresh.  Water was seen pooled in areas, accounting for the highest reported dengue fever incidence nationally in July 2016.  Access to a variety of high-protein and nutritious foods was minimal so it is no wonder that families suffer from numerous illnesses, and even die from preventable infections.

This survey revealed unusually high deaths among children in the infant to five-year-old age range, so programs that help mothers keep their babies and children healthy are essential.  But what if the mothers cannot read or write? Half of the women had not finished elementary school which makes it hard to teach mothers about child-health when they cannot take notes or read materials.  Illiteracy also leads to women feeling inadequate and ashamed.