Certificates signed by gov’t health authorities
Through the leadership of Central Luzon Conference (CLC) Health Director Richard G. Mendoza, health certification training was held at the Cucueco Hall on March 7-8, producing 62 certified health lecturers.
The certificates where signed by national health authorities to make it more valid. Signatories included Dr. Marco Antonio Valeros, medical specialist II, Department of Health-National Capital Region (DOH-NCR) and Kristine Heizel M. Ballad, the public information officer (PIO) of the Dangerous Drug Board of the Philippines (DDB).
Lalaine Alfanoso, North Philippine Union Mission health director, gave an overview of the seminar and the opportunities they entail, by sharing how the Adventist lifestyle has gained respect all over the world as it was recognized by the National Geographic.
The write up of Dan Buettner entitled, “The Secrets of Living Longer” published on November 2005 told how residents of Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy) and Loma Linda (California) live longer, healthier lives than just about anyone else on earth.
By far the most surprising fact is that Seventh-day Adventists are the only culture that is not losing longevity. It appears that their positive healthy behavior is playing a major part. Seventh-day Adventists re-enforce positive thinking by following a vegetarian lifestyle. They do not have habits of smoking or drinking, and exercise is an important part of their lifestyle. As a people they have one day of rest each week in which they totally unplug and that is called the Sabbath. These factors seem to play a significant role in their longevity.
Alfanoso, in her paraphrased version of Buettner’s conclusion, said, “It is hard to go to Okinawa and Sardinia and learn their culture, a Seventh-day Adventist maybe seated next to you.” This she interpreted as a great challenge to all Adventists.
Other speakers trained the attendees to become more effective and credentialed as health lecturers.
DDB PIO Ballad spoke about drug prevention initiatives and interfaith action plan for drug prevention programs.
Dr. Elizabeth Marcelo, medical officer VI and coordinator of the cardiovascular disease program and healthy lifestyle for Malabon health office talked about the DOH’s initiative and programs and MagHL (Mag-Healthy Lifestyle to the Max) components.
Evelyn Cesar, a health educator from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) shared her experience in initiating anti-smoking programs in the community.
Mendoza shared Seventh-day Adventist health advocacies, 2009 health programs and smoking cessation program which was strengthened by Pastor Ronnie Genebago’s, CLC communication director, talk on SADFREE (Smoking, Alcohol, Drugs Free) initiative.
CLC President Carmelito U. Galang, Jr. led the commitment service.
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