Nation held up in prayer by many faiths
By: L.N. Reklai
January 11, 2018 (Ngerulmud, Palau) Prayers were offered for the nation and its people on the declared National Day of Prayer at the nation’s capital of Ngerulmud yesterday.
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People from different churches joined with national leaders and other public officials to hear messages from religious leaders as well as join in prayers at 6am. Minister Billy Kuartei of Palau Evangelical Church urged national leaders to lead the nation with humility and faith in God.
Josepha Tiobech, the dynamic keynote speaker for the event, promoted wellness and good health of individuals and families, urging for moderation with each meal, each day and each step. Her usual positive delivery combined with rhythmic mastery of Palauan language had the participants alert and smiling in the early morning program.
President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. declared 2018 as Year of Good Health in a Presidential Proclamation No. 18-227.
Proclamation states that “good health is necessary to achieve the prosperity, longevity and sustainable livelihoods…”
It also states that “many of Palau’s leading causes of premature death, injury, illness and disability are very much preventable with proper awareness and implementation of appropriate measures to control and avoid them.”
Proclamation adds that “a focus on prevention and control is critical to alleviating the social impact including treatment and productivity costs of chronic diseases and health conditions, which are becoming a significant impediment to growth and progress…”
The proclamation says that achievement of good health is to have everyone living in Palau make informed health decisions in “environment that promotes and protects good health and wellness.”
“Good health begins at home, and every individual should adopt good dietary discipline and strive for an active and healthy lifestyle”, states the proclamation.
Minister of Health Dr. Emais Roberts said it is a holistic health approach.
The Proclamation calls for a national effort to promote better health and well-being in the Republic.
Each of the past 2 years have been themed with a Presidential proclamation, calling focus and efforts each year on specific goal. In 2016, it was declared the Year of the Youth, and all programs in the government incorporate the youth aspect into their programs. 2017 was the Year of the Family, and programs and activities incorporated the theme such as developing programs that would enable entire families to participate, that would foster greater family interaction.
This year, as Year of Good Health, it is expected that every agency and programs develop will seek to incorporate good health and well-being. [/restrict]