Tuesday, September 23, 2008 Free dental services for Davao inmates
STAFF of Tagum Agricultural Development Company Inc. (Tadeco) and Floirendo Foundation (AOFF) gave free dental services to inmates of the Correctional Institution for Women-Mindanao and Davao Prison and Penal Farms (formerly Davao Penal Colony).
In celebration of the 1st Anniversary of CIWM in Panabo, Tadeco and Floirendo Foundation (AOFF) brought in dentists to attend to the dental needs of the female inmates.
"Nalipay ko nga dunay nakatabang dinhi sa among panginahanglan," said Vivian Novela, 56, detained at CIWM for one year now.
Tadeco, AOFF, and the dental team composed of Dr. Nicholas Dawi Jr. and Dr. Andree Guada Fernandez-Jumanguin, then proceeded to the nearby DPPF to conduct the same dental mission to the male inmates, this time.
A total of 44 inmates were able to avail of free tooth extraction and medicines during the said mission.
"Okasyon gyud ni kay problema man kaayo kung wala kapa-ibot unya magsakit ang ngipon, magsige ka'g antos unya dili katrabaho ug tarong," said Alfonso Quindao, 37.
On the other hand, Concordio Binocilla, a DPPF inmate since 2004, expressed his gratefulness since programs like free dental and medical check-up by outside groups rarely happen in their place. He also stressed how important it is for them to receive dental and medical check-up.
Other people who assisted in this activity were the medical team of DPPF Hospital namely Dr. Elma Perez, Dr. Eden Ponciano, Judith Marimon, Dia de Michelle Jaim, Diana Vem Lazaro, and Gigi Fuentivilla.
Though they are in jail, other inmates feel satisfied with how and where they are right now since many of them get to have jobs, earn for themselves, and buy what they want.
"Bisan tuod ingon-ani mi, wala man mi pasagdi," said Binocilla.
However, they share the same wish of still getting back their freedom outside the prison.
"Nag-ampo ko sa Guinoo nga tagaan gihapon ko ug taas nga kinabuhi ug kabaskog sa lawas aron magkita mi sa akong pamilya," expressed Novela who was almost in tears.
Nonetheless, they all still feel thankful for there are groups who still show concern for their situation, most importantly for their health, like Tadeco and Floirendo Foundation (AOFF).
