In full force, the Embassy of the Philippines headed by Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor, spearheaded a one-day ‘Health Awareness Campaign’ yesterday, June 26, at Al Taj International School here in Riyadh, which is part of the chain of activities and events vis-à-vis their observance of the one-month-long celebration of 111^th Independence Day.

The Health Awareness Project, which was perfectly coordinated by Welfare Officer Dr. Jose Tomas Octavio, aims to educate overseas Filipinos on lifestyle-disease-prevention such as diabetes, obesity, stroke, and communication-disease-prevention such as H1N1, H5N1, SARS, as well as an overview presentation on HIV. Free medical and dental consultation was made available concurrently during the symposium. Medical practitioners and professional, who took part as speakers and lecturers are: Dr. Joyce Donesa, Ms. Hera Gonzales, Ms. Rosalie Nanos, Ms. Ruhaina, Ladja and Ms. Charito Monasterial. Other members of the organizing committee include: Labor Attaché Rustico SM dela Fuente, Mr. Noel Chaves, Ms. Lita Tongio, Ms. Mimah Mangotara, Mr. Jerome F. Frias, Ms. Faridah B. Altao.

The event kicked-off with a simple stage ceremony starting with the invocation and singing of the Philippine National Anthem; welcome remarks from Mrs. Perlita F. Ponciano, Principal of Al Taj International School; a brief message from Ambassador Villamor; and the introduction of lecturers and opening of the medical consultation presented and announced by Dr. Joyce Donesa.

The event was supported by various community groups and donors like: Alpha Phi Omega Riyadh Alumni Association (APORAA), Al Taj International School, Bulakenyo Abroad Global Organization (BAGO), Filipino Expatriates, Health, Education and Livelihood Program (FEHELP), Filipino Nurses Association Society in Saudi Arabia (FILNASA), Kapatiran sa Kasaganaan Service and Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Philippines Guardians Brotherhood, Sagig-Buhay (SB), Sangunian ng Masang Pilipino International Inc. (SMPII), Mr. Mutlaq Al-Rashed, Enjaz (Mr. Rafael Delariate), Western Union (Nomer Cuartero/Rodelon del Mundo), Pinoy Supermarket Mr. Joseph Magdalena/Omar AlMalki), Euromarche (Mr. Salah Rashwan), Prince Muhammad Bin Naif Medical Center, Social Security System, Pag-ibig, Spimaco, Al Marai, Mr. Danilo & Emily Naval, Yara Future Printing Press, AFTTA, Saudi Berkefeld Filter Co., Madja Federation. (J. Nava Cruz, an OFW, is a writer-documentarist. E-mail at bashamel007@yahoo.com)

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