When dreams become reality

In episode 17 of the popular Korean series Reply 1988, one of the main characters Deok Sun (played by Lee Hyeri) found herself wondering why her classmates were sure of the path they wanted to take after high school. In one scene, an emotional Deok Sun told her father, “I don’t have a dream, dad. Pretty sad, right?”

People have unique journeys in life. Some people wait a lifetime to finally realize their purpose.

For others, their dreams are as clear as day. That is the case of Dr. Joyce Ann Arandia-Viar, current Nutrition Portfolio Director of the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF).

“Noong bata ako, gustong gusto ko yung laro na nagpe-pretend kang doktor,” Dr. Joyce recalled the famous ‘doktor-doktoran’ game among kids. She also smiled while recalling that at one point in her childhood, she and her nanny would watch the television public service program Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko every afternoon. “Gusto kong napapanood iyong mga rural physicians na nagke-kwento na itlog lang ang ibinabayad sa kanila ng mga pasyente nila. Sabi ko talaga, someday I want to be like them. Nakakatawa sa iba, pero ‘yun talaga ang gusto ko.”

Setting things in motion

Dr. Joyce shared that she blossomed in her college years, largely because she was already starting to fulfill her dream. “I had the best times during my college years. Feeling ko ito talaga yung time na nag-bloom ako as a person,” Dr. Joyce remarked about her pre-med years in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

It was uneasy but she did not back down. “Doon ko na-realize na ang hirap din pala talaga maging doktor. Pero sabi ko nga, if this is what it takes to be a physician, go na.” While she was certain about becoming a doctor, Dr. Joyce had not the slightest idea on how she can become a public health doctor like the ones she used to see in Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko.

It was common for her to hear her classmates discussing the specialization they would take. Pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology were among the most popular choices. “Tapos ako wala akong ma-share kasi hindi ko alam ang career path ng community doctor,” Dr. Joyce added.

During a community immersion in medical school, Dr. Joyce remembered seeing a long line of patients waiting for their turn. She later found out that there was only one doctor to attend to them. “Minsan may nakita rin akong isang buong pamilya, lahat sila inuubo. Galing sila sa medyo malayong bukid kaya talagang hihintayin na nila ang results. Hahapunin na sila doon. Makikita mo talaga yung struggles ng tao to seek consultation. May iba talagang malalayo pa ang pinanggagalingan.” It was heartbreaking for Dr. Joyce, and it made her realize that the scenes in Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko are not fictional at all.

Despite the harsh realities in the health center, Dr. Joyce felt a certain kind of excitement which stems from the opportunity to share the workload of the municipal health officer and make a difference in her community. It was her first exposure on how public health worked. “Though toxic, parang every day is significant kasi may napapagaling ka.”

Why public health?

This is a question people often ask her. Through the years, her response remains the same: “Sa public health, ang intervention ko is not for one person only who can pay me. Marami akong natutulungan sa community.”

After earning her medical license in 2009, Dr. Joyce considered specializing pediatrics. “Lahat in-offer na sa akin. Madali na ang application process. Talagang pupunta na lang ako. Pero noong papunta na ako sa hospital for orientation, parang ang heavy ng feeling. Ending, hindi ako dumiretso. Sabi ko, hindi ito ang gusto ko.”

After making that crucial decision, Dr. Joyce devoted her time doing medical missions, which later led her to a job in Treceño Medical Pavillion. “Sabi ko, parang exciting,” Dr. Joyce remarked about her first job in the public sector.

Working in the infirmary further showed her the present health system inequities. “Nanghihinayang ako. Ang daming cases na dinadala sa ospital hindi naman kailangan i-admit. There were cases in the hospital that could have been prevented if maayos ang city health office o barangay health station. Sabi ko, parang there’s something wrong in the system. People are mismanaged at the community level.” There were also instances when politics came into play. These frustrations reignited her dedication to learn more about community development and public health. She knew she could do more.

A destined meeting

In 2012, Dr. Joyce started her Masters degree in University of the Philippines – College of Public Health where she met Jenny Macaraan, a ZFF staff member. In one of their conversations, Dr. Joyce recalled asking Jen what she does for a living.

“Nahirapan pa siyang i-kwento ang leadership and governance kasi I had little knowledge about governance. Abstract siya sa akin,” Dr. Joyce said about how Jen introduced her to the work of ZFF.

As she learned more about public health, Dr. Joyce realized that it was time for her to leave Trece Martires. “I wanted to do more. Pareho ang ginagawa ko everyday, pero parang walang changes na nangyayari.”

In the same year, Dr. Joyce joined ZFF carrying only her experience in the government hospital and her optimism that she can contribute to a better health system.

Fulfilling a lifelong dream

For her first assignment in ZFF, Dr. Joyce engaged with the Local Government Units (LGU) of Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and Compostela Valley for a partnership project with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Here, Dr. Joyce found the excitement and fulfillment she yearned for. “Sabi ko ito ‘yung hinahanap ko. Tuwan-tuwa ako noon.”

In her stay in the Foundation, Dr. Joyce had already handled several projects, but she admitted that her experience in Region 12 project really had a huge impact on her. “Nakita ko ‘yung sobrang appreciation ng LGU for the work that we’re doing. It inspires me. Also, when I met Governor Steve Solon [of Sarangani], vice governor pa lang siya noon. Through the years, I witnessed how the partnership between ZFF and the LGU really deepened.” But more than the partnership of the LGU and the Foundation, Dr. Joyce regards it a great privilege to see how leaders such as Gov. Solon improved over time. “Nasundan ko siya. Nakita ko ‘yung growth niya as a leader.”

Dr. Joyce understands there is still a lot to do in order to address health inequities in the country, but she’s confident that this goal is within reach. Like Deok Sun, it is never too late for every Filipino to dream and work towards achieving transformed leaders, more engaged communities, and a better health system.