Alternative Medicine

With the soaring prices of medicine, people have turned to alternative medicine not only as an option to save money, but also the trendy and natural approach in therapy.

“Dok Alternatibo” Edgar Delibo, members of Philippine Society of Traditional & Alternative Medicine and members of the Davao Inventors Association were the guests of Mabel At Your Service.

Dr. Delibo said that with herbal medicine, we do not only treat illnesses, we can also prevent it simply with the plants commonly found in our backyards and immediate surroundings. He stressed that with the use of herbs, it does costs only a fraction in comparison to synthetic medicine. He cited a few common plants such as sweet potatoes, siling labuyo, guava leaves can be an effective cure of illnesses such as hypertension, ulcers, psoriasis among others.

Mr. Virgilio Sangutan of the PSTAMI and DIA said that the use of herbal medicines is being widely practiced and promoted even by rich and developed countries not only in Asia but in other parts of the world. Although the Philippines not far behind in harnessing its use, we do have the capacity in natural resources to be able to meet the needs of the people.

Mr. Manolo Tamparong also from PSTAMI and DIA added that the promotion of Alternative Medicine is not only a better choice but also a natural approach in treating a wide number of illnesses, not only that it is fast gaining popularity, the herbal option is increasingly being approved.

Ms. Romelyn Latonio of INTREX Philippines said that their herbal products symposium has increased not only in the local scene but also promoted and patronized abroad.

Mr. Edgar Banzon of HIDAK Exclusives added that Alternative Medicine before is looked upon as “old”, but with the current developments and effectiveness, the use of herbal medicine is getting better for the good of the common man.

Knowing Diabetes

In celebration of World Diabetes Day last November 14, 2009, Endocrinologist Dr. Jeff Francis Ho, was the invited guest at Mabel At Your Service.

Dr. Ho said that the risk of diabetes is high without proper health consciousness and lifestyle. The risk factors include: unhealthy eating habits, obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure and cholesterol, increased age, family history of diabetes and gestational diabetes.

There are two types of diabetes, diabetes 1 which is also known as juvenile diabetes is due to non-production of insulin of the pancreas. Diabetes 2 usually occurs gradually. Most people with this type of diabetes are usually overweight or elderly.Family history of diabetes and a sedentary lifestyles are also factors which heightens the risk of this disease.

However, Dr. Ho stressed that the risk of diabetes can be avoided or controlled through proper diet, exercise and medical check-up.

He added that in observance of the World Diabetes Day, he and a number of colleagues will be conducting a free diabetes screening at the People's Park on November 14, 2009.

UNDERSTANDING LTO RFID SYSTEM

Informing the public on the advantages and possible effects on the implementation of the Land Transportation Office's RFID system are: Transmision-Piston Secretary General Edil Gonzaga, LTO-XI Officer-in-charge Cocoy Zozobrado and LTO-STRADCOM Regional Operations Officer Pidong Pangilinan.

46th Annual Fish Consevation Week

Councilor Mabel with guests City Agriculturist's Office Fisheries Resource Management Services Chief, Benjo Umaguing and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director, George Campeo, takes a photo break while tackling the various concerns and issues on fish resources conservation with this year's theme, "Discovering New Horizons in Fisheries in the Face of the Challenges of Changing Times"

DAVAO CITY ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

With the recent disasters affecting the northern part of the country, concerned offices converged at “Mabel At Your Service” to inform the public regarding disaster prevention and discussed Davao City’s preparedness.

Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon, Disaster Coordinator from the City Health Office said, that though the PAGASA views Davao City to be “typhoon-free”, we do have floods affecting our city due to congested drainage systems, and prone to be affected are people residing in low lying areas or near riverbanks. He also warned the public of the dangers brought about by water-borne diseases which can be acquired through contact with floodwater, like leptospirosis, diarrhea and skin infections.

Team Leader Dr. Jun Magno of the Davao Volunteer Fire Brigade informed that for this year, fire related cases have escalated in comparison to previous years.
He expressed concern on fire-prone areas especially in squatter neighborhoods where fires are most likely to occur. He stressed that faulty electrical wiring, overloading of outlets and low-quality electrical devices, especially ones which has no D.T.I. approved seal, are contributing factors which can make a home become fire prone. Dr. Magno also shared tips on proper procedures if a fire occurs.

Ms. Mick-mick Villegas, Development Management Officer I of Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council said that though barangays are encouraged to give importance on disaster preparation through trainings conducted by their office, there are still other barangays which are either lacking in preparedness trainings or has few available life-saving equipment prepared in case of emergency situations.

Ms. Betty Cabazares of the KINAIYAHAN Foundation expressed sentiments over haphazard trash disposal and deforestation of our highlands to give way to subdivisions, farms, etc., which contributes to soil erosion and flooding in lowland areas.
She added that ecological awareness campaign to prevent possible disasters is continuously being promoted by their office as well as a study on drought resistant trees to counter soil erosion and promote watershed protection.

United Architects of the Philippines Mt.Apo Chapter officers were also present with President Arch. Celine Ting. Arch. Pol Sandoval updated that the city is keeping abreast with modern structural safety designs, provided insights on energy efficient designs and shared tips on practicing energy saving in our homes. Past-President, Arch. Nestor Ting added with the positive effects of proper garbage segregation, recycling and the benefits of composting.

The guests stressed that although natural calamities are part of the cycle of life which needs mitigation, it is better to practice disaster prevention and preparation.

CSSDO-Balay Dangupan on Womens Rights

Family Caseworker Maureen Bajenting with social workers from CSSDO-Balay Dangupan explains the mediation and forms of assistance their office provides to the needs and the rights of women.

University of the Philippines

Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta with U.P.-Mindanao Project Development Assistant for Public Affairs, Mr. Robby Alabado and U.P.-Alumni Association of Davao President Bobby Ramos.

What is PROBIOTICS?

MISFI

Happy Fathers Day

For a "Father's Day" Special Edition of "Mabel At Your Service",
Mrs. Fedelita R. Alforque Supervising House parent, Mr. Asistio Aranas and Mr. Alex Ty of Co Su Gian Center for the Elderly, were invited to share their stories about fatherhood and the history of how the celebration came to be as it is now.

PTCA

Philippine Eagle Week

Philippine Eagle Foundation Coordinator, Mr. Jay Ibañez discusses the Field Research Program with Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta.

Councilor Acosta with guest Dr. Concepcion D. Rayel- OB-Gyne and Oncologist of Davao Doctors Hospital


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BRIGADA ESKWELA 2009

with guests Ms. Maria Lolita V. Buqula- T3-English Coordinator of Magallanes Elem. School, Ms. Tersita F. Del Valle- Education Supervisor- DepEd, Davao City, and Mr. Arturo Esmeralda Jr.-Dabawegnu Executive Director

Mothers Day Special Program

Councilor Acosta with Ms. Ramona B. Barril- Agency Manager of Country Bankers Inc. Corp.

7th Year Anniversary Program

with guests Ms. Binky Leuterio- Directress of Vines and Branches Montessori School and Ms. Aida Reyes- Values School Directress

with Ms. Reyviminda Ostique- Job Search Coordinator and Ms. Arlene Ozoa- HR Director of 611 Global

with Atty. John Paul Devilleres- Register of Deeds III, Tagum City, Davao del Norte

Coun. Mabel Acosta with guest Ms. Norma C. Miranda - Philippine Veterans Office Head-Field Service Extension Office Reg. XI

WINNERS OF COUN. MABEL SUNGA ACOSTA SEARCH FOR CAMPUS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Coun. Acosta with guests Honey Joyce B. Toralba - 2nd runner-up and 4th year student of Sta. Ana High School, Karen Jane T. Acasaran - 3rd runner-up, 4th year student from SPED, Lorenz Jim C. Taroja - 1st runner-up, 4th year from Talomo High School, Jeffrey Christian C. Josol - champion, 4th year student also from Talomo High School, and Ms. Corazon D. Perbandos - School Paper Adviser of Talomo High School

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