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A healthy workplace is not only a must but also a priority. This is the essence of this year’s Workers’ Wellness Program of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), which commenced on August 2, 2022, at the regional headquarters in Silang, Cavite, Philippines.

“We strategized that this wellness program for our workers here at SSD to be convenient and seamless. That is why we designed it to divide into two phases. And we have invited some partners to help us in doing this program like our very own Adventist Medical Center Manila (AdventistMed) and our Medical Missionary Volunteer Services (MMVS) staff”, expressed Dr. Ma. Rhizaline C. Alfanoso, SSD Health Ministries director, during the corporate worship program. This WOW program will be an avenue for profiling the health status of all workers of SSD, which will be a model for local conferences, missions, and even churches in this territory.

Mr. Elias Y. Apacible Jr., AdventistMed president, was the invited speaker during the opening program. He shared the State of Our Health Address: “Why the World Needs Jesus” in light of transmitting the hospital's gifts of hope, health, and happiness advocacy everywhere. “God is pleased to see His children helping each other intentionally. At AdventistMed, we share Jesus, Jesus, and Jesus in our neighborhood everywhere. As His medical missionaries, we must share His character and commit to sharing hope, health, and happiness in the neighborhood everywhere (S.H.I.N.E.)”, underscored by Mr. Apacible in his keynote message.

The first phase of this WOW program covered the period from August 2-4, 2022, with the first two days for SSD employees and the last day with SSD employees’ immediate family members. Participants have experienced in this phase the following services: Health examination with laboratory and diagnostics tests; Anthropometric measurements and vital signs; and Consultations with Medical Doctors. Employees availed of these health services on a “first come, first serve” basis as they once experienced such services upon their availability from their offices.

This program organized by the SSD Health Ministries and Human Resources departments will continue to the second phase for the month of August to October of 2022. The second phase will showcase the Free Lifestyle Modification program, Free Mental Health Assessment, and Lectures on Healthy Living by Healthy Lifestyle Coaches.

SSD President Pastor Roger O. Caderma expressed his gratitude to the program organizers, the program partners, and the volunteers who helped in the program, like the specialist doctors from AdventistMed and other institutions. “SSD will be committed to caring for the health of its workers. And at the same time, we affirm our commitment to support our Adventist medical institutions in our territory for what you are doing. Because the last standing missionaries in the Lord’s work will be you - the medical missionaries”. 

With high hope and great optimism, the organizers of this program expect results that will benefit the well-being of all employees and their family members. Considering SSD workers as a whole will become workers of wonder while enjoying the 3 John 2 experience – “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

Wilson Sia II, Adventist Medical Center Manila