The Pasig City local government marked National Oral Health Month on Monday, Feb. 27, by giving recognition to some of its day care pupils who displayed outstanding health and oral hygiene.
Led by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, students coming from barangay day care centers in the city and identified as A1 children or those who have excellent health, hygiene, and teeth, were cited during the program.
"Layunin ng selebrasyon ng National Oral Health Month na maisulong at maibahagi sa lahat, lalong-lalo na sa mga bata, ang kahalagahan ng pagpapanatili ng kalusugan, kasama na ang oral health and hygiene (The goal of celebrating National Oral Health Month is to promote to everyone, most specially to children, the importance of maintaining a healthy body together with good oral health and hygiene)," the city government said.
It urged Pasigueños to avail of the free dental check-up and consultation in the numerous health centers in the city. Health centers are open every Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except during holidays.
The Philippine Dental Health Month, previously known as National Dental Health Week, is observed every month of February and was first celebrated in 1951.
In Feb. 24, 2004, it was expanded into a month-long celebration, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 559 signed by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Led by the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), the observance aims to strengthen public awareness on the importance of good oral health. It encourages dentists, students, relevant government agencies, and professional organizations to reach out to more people with no access to dental services, especially those who are in the countryside.