26/01/2026
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐. ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
The spirit of unity in Barangay Upper Atok, Flora, Apayao was clearly shown as residents and local officials worked together to overcome the challenge of damaged roads that made patient transport extremely difficult.
On January 24, 2026, at around 5:30 PM, Maโam Jemarose L. Roque, a teacher of Upper Atok Elementary School, unexpectedly gave birth to a healthy baby boy at the school. During the delivery, the calm and immediate assistance of Maโam Manette T. Viernes, Midwife, Maโam Hilda G. Calimag, BHW, Hon. Maneth Bareng, Barangay Kagawad, and resident Myrna V. Castillo, who first extended her helping hands, and the teachers of Upper Atok Elementary School were instrumental in ensuring the safety of both mother and child. Their dedication, calm presence, and compassion made this critical moment safe and successful.
On January 25, 2026, the community once again came together to safely transport Maโam Jemarose to the hospital. Despite the damaged and difficult road conditions, residents, barangay officials, and the Flora Municipal Police practiced the traditional method locally known as โASSIW,โ carrying the patient using bamboo and a makeshift cradle (hammock) until reaching an area accessible to vehicles. Through this collective effort, both mother and newborn were brought to the hospital and given proper medical care.
Upper Atok Elementary School, under the leadership of Mr. Danilo Evangelista, Teacher-in-Charge, expresses heartfelt appreciation to everyone who extended their helping hands during this life-saving event. This incident underscores that the tradition of ASSIW and the spirit of unity, compassion, and shared responsibility remain alive and strong in the community of Upper Atok. ๐
๐ธ First photo credits to Flora mps
UAES
