Juan M. Flavier

Juan M. Flavier

Juan M. Flavier (Juan Martin Flavier) was born on June 23rd, 1935. Juan passed away October 30th, 2014 at 79 years old. Juan M. Flavier was born in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. Flavier attended the University of the Philippines Manila where he received an M.D. degree and Johns Hopkins University where he received an M.P.H. degree.

Juan M. Flavier was a Filipino doctor and politician. He served as Secretary of Health under President Fidel V. Ramos from 1992 to 1995 and later became a senator from 1995 to 2007.

He wrote the book Doctor to the Barrios in which shares his experiences working with the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement. The word “barrios” refers to what are now called “barangays” in the Philippines.

Juan’s book Back to the Barrios is a meaningful and vivid collection of stories based on his experiences working with people in the rural areas of the Philippines. It focuses on the daily lives, struggles, and wisdom of barrio residents.

He presents them as the real heroes of their communities. He shares their experiences without trying to preach or glorify himself and this allows the stories to speak on their own, giving readers a genuine glimpse into rural life.

The book captures the simple charm of life in the countryside and immerses readers in scenes of rice fields, plantations, and the local poso where villagers gather. It evokes the feeling of being among the barrio folks, learning their ways and understanding their perspective.

The book also reminds readers not to underestimate the intelligence and resourcefulness of rural Filipinos, who know how to grow food and live off the land, unlike city dwellers who might struggle without modern conveniences. One memorable lesson from the book teaches that the palay laid out along the road is not carelessly placed there but intentionally spread to be run over by cars, which helps separate the husks from the grains of rice.

Dr. Juan M. Flavier, though still a young man when he wrote this book, was already an internationally recognized authority on community development. He was the Vice President responsible for training and the health department of the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction located in Silang, Cavite. He also served as a consultant to one private and three government organizations including the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, the Presidential Arm on Community Development, the Department of Social Welfare, and the Technical Committee on Community Development of the Philippine Senate. Flavier had worked with the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement for eight years, and this book presents his personal account of his experiences in the barrios.

Flavier also explores the common problems such as low wages, lack of medical facilities, and shortage of medical supplies. He discusses practical ways to improve the health conditions of rural communities through the efforts of health workers and care providers. The book also explains how to address superstitious beliefs by using principles of simplicity and practicality to promote better health understanding among the people.

The term “doctors to the barrios” is widely recognized in the Philippines. When Dr. Flavier became Secretary of Health, he introduced a national program called the Doctor to the Barrios Program, which aimed to send physicians to remote rural communities to provide much-needed medical services. This initiative continued the mission and spirit of the experiences he shared in Back to the Barrios, a proof of his lifelong dedication to improving public health and empowering rural Filipinos.

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Fans of Juan M. Flavier also enjoy these authors:

1. Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
2. Michael Connelly, author of the Harry Bosch Series.
3. Charles Dickens, author of: A Christmas Carol.
4. C.J. Box, author of the Joe Pickett Series.
5. Carl Hiaasen, author of the Andrew Yancy Series.

Juan M. Flavier: F.A.Q