Joint Dental Mission

All of us, from the Rotary Club of Manila Remedios Circle were so excited to learn that our club will host the Philippines-Japan Joint Dental Mission. With all the plannings, meetings and preparations for weeks with the guidance and counselling of District Governor Ernest Yuyek, we came up with two areas where the dental missions would be held. One would be in Sinag sa Sais in Pandacan and one in Maricaban in Pasay. While our club was the host club for the Manila area mission, the Rotary Club of Pasay Metro Sunrise under SDG Mary Mei Victorino was the host club for the Pasay mission.

On July 1, 2016, thirty-eight Japanese dentists and Rotarians arrived at the NAIA Terminal 1. The delegation was welcomed by PE Grace Macatangay of the Rotary Club of Manila Remedios Circle. The help of CP Francis Villegas, PP Willy Masangkay, PP Romy Amador and Rotarian Angel Yazaki lent both ease and comfort to the Japanese dentists upon their arrival such that a VIP treatment was accorded them while waiting at the terminal as well as a motorcade assistance which was extended en route to the Marriott Hotel just in time for the 2016 Handover and Induction Ceremonies of District 3810.

On July 2, 2016, the dental mission kicked off at Sinag sa Sais in Pandacan. The activity started at 9 am and ended at past 3 pm. The group effort of the Japanese dentists, DCC Dr Joyce Ambray, nurses from the Rotary Club of Sampaloc, dentists from the Philippine Navy and the Rotaract Club of Manila Remedios Circle members made the mission a lot easier. A total of 264 patients were given free prophylaxis, tooth extraction and consultation. With the presence of District Governor Ernest, co-host All Star Presidents and their assistants, the activity became a fellowship and service at the same time.

On that night of July 2, 2016,, District 3810 hosted a dinner for the Japanese delegation, It was held at Barbara’s in Intramuros, Manila where the group enjoyed a sumptuous feast and a colorful cultural dance presentation.

On July 3, 2016, the second day of the dental mission was held in Maricaban, Pasay. Before 9 am, the group of dentists from Japan and dentists from PAFJO-TMJ,INC. headed by DCC Dr. Joyce Ambray arrived and prepared for the activity, While waiting, DCC Dr. Joyce Ambray started a short program. A prayer was led by ASP Christine Nuñez. Brief welcome remarks were delivered by SDG Mary Mei Victorino, Operations-Pasay Area. DCC Dr. Joyce Ambray delivered a lecture to the kids which made the program educational. Again, the presence of District Governor Ernest and co-host All Star Presidents made the whole activity a lively fellowship and service. DCC Dr. Joyce Ambray distributed toothbrush and toothpaste for the children. SDG Mary Mei Victorino and ASP Christine Nuñez distributed slippers, school bags with school materials like notebooks, paper and pencil. The activity ended past 3 pm.

After the dental mission, our Japanese dentists together with the host clubs, co-host clubs and District Governor Ernest attended a send-off dinner held at the YWCA in UN Avenue, Manila. The occasion was made more festive with the presentation of cultural dance groups and song numbers of The Dream Girls DDES/SDG Nelia Seril and Maybelle Masangkay. The highlight of the event was the induction of four (4) new members of the Rotary Club of Tsukuba Sunrise, District 2820 under ASP President Amemiya, Atsushi. Our District Governor Ernest Yuyek administered the induction of the new members.

On July 4, 2016, the delegation left for Japan, with the assistance of Nakamura San, PE Grace Macatangay and Rtn. Angel Yazaki. With the combined efforts of Districts 3810, 2820, 2550, 2580 and all personnels involved, we can say it was a great and successful dental mission. Not only did we get good comments from the Japanese delegation, we were likewise able to serve more than 700 patients who are now enjoying clean and decay free teeth, ready to give their smile to everyone.

Our club would like to thank the following personalities for the great contribution in making this event a huge success:

1. District Governor Ernesto “Ernest” Yuyek

2. ASP’s and co-host clubs from Manila, Pasay, Cavite and Mindoro Area

3. SDG Mary Mei Victorino - host club from Pasay area

4. Vivian Cabañero - for the services of Phil Navy nurses

5. DCC Joyce Ambray - for the services from PAFJO-TMJ, Inc. and the Philippine Dental Association

6. Congresswoman Emmy Calixto-Rubiano of Pasay

7. Congresswoman Sandy Ocampo of Pandacan District 6

8. Rotaract nurses of the RC of Sampaloc headed by ASP Ernie Carrido

9. Rotaract members of the Rotaract Club of Manila Remedios Circle headed by All Star President Princess Suniga

10. Dreamgirls DDES/SDG Nelia Seril and Maybelle Thelma

11. CTJ Catering of PP Domarie Suniga

12. Japanese dentists and Rotarians of District 2820