PDA president’s feats in 1st 100 days cited
The first 100 days of the presidency of Dr. Stephen Almonte of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) were packed with challenges and trials which he addressed with dispatch and efficiency.
In a report submitted by Dr. Christine Valerio,PDA PRO and information committee chairman, it disclosed that Almonte attended the inductions of the different chapters and affiliates throughout the country in June and August, encouraging organizers to be austere and minimize bureaucracy by doing away with leis, garlands, buttoners and presidential table, tokens or plaque of appreciation.
In PDA’s oral awareness campaign, “Sugar away, walang tooth decay,” Dr. Almonte rallied all chapters for no sugar sweetened beverage served during all inductions and other chapter activities. He also called for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink.
As part of collaboration, the main thrust of this year’s theme, Dr. Almonte held sit-down meetings with local government leaders to discuss concerns of government dentists on salary grade increase, the need for a dentist in every health center, and the accreditation of the PDA local chapters as Civil Society Organization.
As early as June, the President in his “Go Beyond the Smiles” advocacy, challenged all the chapters to focus on sustainable projects – programs that will make a great impact on overall health and living conditions like education on proper diet to have better oral health, adoption or ownership of health centers and toothbrushing and hand wash facilities.