Oral health in focus

DR. Fernando Fernandez of Philippine Dental Association House of Delegates; Nica Marquez Whang, director of Marketing Oral Care, Colgate Palmolive Philippines Inc.; Dr. Emmanuel T. Centeno, president of the PDA; and Dr. Alvin Laxamana, chairman of NDHM Bente 2024, alongside representatives from Colgate Philippines and PDA. | photographs courtesy of PDA

As the undisputed leading oral health brand in the Philippines, Colgate partners with the Philippine Dental Association to celebrate the beginning of the 20th Annual National Dental Health Month at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Speaking at the kickoff event, Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa emphasized how Filipinos should place a high priority on their oral health because it is essential to both their general well-being and building a vibrant and thriving country.

Free dental check-ups to attendees at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Also in attendance to support the health initiatives that benefit the growth and development of Filipino children were Health Undersecretary Dr. Enrique A. Tayag and Pasay City Acting Mayor Joey Calixto Isidro.

Led by the PDA, NDHM is an annual campaign to encourage dental professionals, students, relevant government agencies and professional organizations to reach out to more individuals who lack access to dental care, particularly those living in the countryside. First observed as National Dental Health Week in 1951, this annual event was extended to a month-long celebration in 2004.

Now in its 20th year, dental health month places special emphasis on the quote, “Isang Milyong Sipilyo, Angat Ngiting Pilipino” program. A testament to Colgate Philippines being a strong partner of this program is its commitment to supply at least one million elementary school students nationwide with free oral care kits containing a toothbrush and toothpaste and to provide appropriate oral health education. On 5 February, National Tooth Brushing Day, all 127 dental chapters of the PDA participated in a simultaneous toothbrushing event, kicking off the program’s Luzon leg. 

“Partnering with the PDA to celebrate NDHM is aligned with our mission to empower more children to take charge of their dental health as this improves their overall well-being as they grow older,” said Nica Marquez Whang, Colgate Palmolive Philippines Inc. director of marketing oral care.

“Today’s celebration is the right avenue for Colgate to provide free dental check-ups at the Mall of Asia Music Hall and gift complimentary dental kits to everyone in attendance as we are keen on continuing to support initiatives for the benefit of Filipino children,” Whang said.

Colgate shares the same objective as the PDA through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Program, or BSBF program, the cornerstone of Colgate’s long-standing commitment to help end cavities. The PDA passionately believes that every Filipino deserves not just a bright smile but also a bright future. 

“Kicking off the launch of NDHM led by the PDA emulates our commitment to help achieve a zero-cavity future by encouraging Filipinos to prioritize their oral health. We want to end the silent health crisis of cavities in children in the country. Our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program targets Filipino children to help keep them present in school and help reduce absenteeism caused by toothaches and cavities,” Whang said.