Dental Outreach Program
Datu Salumay, Marilog District










Thanks to the San Pedro College faculty and students, we were able to provide dental services to the people of Datu Salumay in Marilog District last October 24, 2008. Here are some of the photos:

Clean DFA ranks to improve services to OFWs: Zozobrado

DAVAO City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said the government must clean its ranks of foreign affairs personnel especially those in embassies abroad in order to improve its services to overseas Filpino workers.

This as reports of maltreatment and illegal activities of an ambassador recently surfaced.

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"[The government should] investigate those cases, impose strict sanctions on erring employees and officials and maybe stop appointing people who are not qualified for the position. Usahay man gud (Sometimes, political accommodations or by virtue of friendship ang (the) appointment," Zozobrado said Friday.

Re-orienting foreign affairs personnel, especially those assigned in embassies abroad on their functions, she added, is a way to go.

"Usahay man gud makalimot sila, imbes na maoy mutabang, sila na hinuo'y muduot (At times they forgot, instead of helping they aggravate things)," Zozobrado said.

Zozobrado, chair of the SP committee on international relations, however,
welcomed the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in Manila on October 29-30, 2008.

"Timely ug welcome move ni siya as it would provide needed information to protect those planning to migrate or work abroad from falling prey to illegal recruiters," Zozobrado said.

Councilor Peter Laviña, meanwhile, said, that it is the responsibility of the government of both sending and receiving countries to work together to ensure rights and safety of migrant workers are promoted and respected.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should focus its services to help OFWs especially those in distress and victims of human trafficking," Laviña said. (GLP)

It's really fun to be with kids who take delight in even the simplest things so I make sure that in my community visits I always interact with the children. Just last Wednesday, we went on a community outreach program together with the barangay captain of Baguio, Jolibee marketing manager Jay Madulara and the Jolibee mascot. It was a blast for the children of Baguio Proper in Baguio District who really enjoyed the show with no other than the star "red bee" otherwise known as the Jolibee mascot!

Dabawenyos warned to be wary of toys that may contain lead

The panic brought about by toxic China-made milk products may have mellowed down after the health department identified the milk products containing melamine. However, Dabawenyos should still be vigilant and be wary of the toys they are buying for their children especially now that the holiday season is fast approaching.

"While the public's concern about the melamine content of milk products from China seems to be waning down, they should not stop Dabawenyos from being vigilant especially when it comes to the toys they are buying for their children," councilor Rachel Zozobrado said.

Dabawenyos in particular should be wary of buying toys that may contain lead and other poisonous substances that can be harmful to children. Zozobrado said she is not just referring to cheap toys that Dabawenyos can easily buy from the sidewalks but also to other more expensive toys that can look harmless but can still contain harmful chemicals.

She cited that even toy giant Mattel recalled over 9 million China-made toys last year for fear that the toys may have contained lead and tiny magnets that can be swallowed by children. Among those recalled by Mattel are selected Barbie dolls and selected Batman action figures. Over 253,000 die cast models of "Sarge" which became popular in the Cars movie were also recalled during the same period.

The Department of Health has already reminded the public to make sure that the toys they are buying especially this Christmas season are safe for children and have passed the do's and don't of toy safety..

As per the DOH advisory, she said, consumers should always check instructions for use and precautions written on the labels of the toy packaging. They should also make sure that the toys they buy are suitable for the mental and physical age of the child.

"There are age-appropriate toys and parents should make sure not to give toys measuring 1.75 inches or less to children of very young age to avoid choking on them," she said.

Luv ko si Lolo at Lola Pahalipay para sa mga Senior Citizen
gikan kay Councilor Rachel Zozobrado

Senior Citizens of barangay Biao Escuela in Tugbok District were treated to an afternoon of singing, fun and surprises last September 26, 2008. The event was councilor Rachel Zozobrado's tribute to the senior citizens of the said barangay.

Senior Citizen president Mr. Menilio Narciso opened the program as Susan Lao delivered a message for the senior citizens who attended the afternoon's affair.

Davao’s sisterhood agreement with Keelung, Taiwan
strengthened with Lions Medical Mission-Zozobrado

The conduct of economic and medical missions between Davao City and other cities with which it has signed sisterhood agreements can help Dabawenyos who are living below poverty level.

“Last Sunday’s medical, dental and optical mission spearheaded by the Davao City Host Lions Club which was attended and facilitated by the Ambassador Donald C.T. Lee of the Republic of China-Taipei Economic and Cultural office has strengthened not only the economic but also the social ties between the two sister cities,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado, chair of the Council Committee on International Relations said.

Zozobrado said this only proves that sisterhood agreements are not solely for economic purposes but also for strengthening people linkages between the two cities. The best thing about this is that even the “common tao” are starting to feel the positive effects of Davao City’s sisterhood agreement with other cities like Nanning, China and Keelung, Taiwan.

“Most people feel that sisterhood agreements are only on paper and if ever there are positive results arising from the agreement it does not seep through the masses,” she said. The hundreds of residents of Bankerohan and nearby barangays who have benefited from the Medical Mission are living proof that the city can benefit from exploring sisterhood agreements with other cities whether located in the Philippines or in other countries.

Zozobrado also commended the efforts of the Lions Club and the doctors and nurses from the Davao Medical Center in making healthcare more accessible to the poor Dabawenyos. “Life is hard and the costs of basic commodities as well as healthcare has risen and most of our fellow Dabawenyos could not even afford the basic medical check-up as a result of lack of financial capability,” she added.

We are hoping that in partnership with the private sector and other private organizations like the Lions Club and the Taiwan Association there would be more free medical missions for the Dabawenyos, she said.