Colgate, the foremost oral health brand in the Philippines, collaborated with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) to launch the “Isang Milyong Sipilyo, Angat Ngiting Pilipino” program on February 5, 2024, at the Timoteo Paez Elementary School in Pasay City.
During the Luzon kickoff event, over 500 students from Timoteo Paez Elementary School were educated on the importance of good oral hygiene and proper teeth brushing techniques by Colgate and the PDA. As part of the “Isang Milyong Sipilyo, Angat Ngiting Pilipino” program, Colgate provided free dental check-ups and distributed oral hygiene kits to 550 students. Dr. Rabbit, Colgate’s mascot, also made a special appearance, ensuring that the children had a fun and engaging day.
Mr. Rannie Robles, president of the Timoteo Paez Elementary School’s Parent-Teacher Association, shared his personal experience as a father whose son missed school due to toothaches. He rallied parents and guardians in a pledge to prioritize their children’s dental health, emphasizing his commitment to keeping children in school and preventing absenteeism.
“In the coming two months, our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program will embark on trips to the VisMin regions. After our visit to Timoteo Paez Elementary School here in Pasay, we’ll proceed to a selected elementary school in Iloilo and Davao City. Our commitment remains unwavering in spreading awareness about the importance of dental health among Filipino children as they grow older,” stated Mr. Diomar Escat, Public Health & Scientific Affairs Manager at Colgate Palmolive Philippines Inc. “Together, we aim to empower these bright young minds across the nation to prioritize their oral health, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles, one city at a time.”
In honor of National Toothbrushing Day, 120 dental chapters of the Philippine Dental Association orchestrated a synchronized toothbrushing event, involving thousands of schoolchildren from 193 schools nationwide. This collective effort showcased the steadfast dedication of the country’s dentists in advocating for proper oral hygiene habits on a nationwide scale.
“As a professional organization and at PDA, it is our steadfast commitment to continually develop meaningful and sustainable programs that contribute to enhancing oral health within our community,” affirmed Dr. Emmanuel Centeno, President of the Philippine Dental Association. “In collaboration with our partners at Colgate Philippines, we are set to distribute over one million toothbrushes to public schools nationwide. Our collective aim is to provide students with the essential knowledge of oral hygiene, imparting proper tooth brushing techniques.”
Both Colgate-Palmolive Philippines Inc. and the Philippine Dental Association strongly believe that every Filipino deserves not just a radiant smile, but also a promising future. Join us throughout National Dental Health Month in celebrating the power of Filipino smiles. Stay tuned for further exciting activities and updates as Colgate and the Philippine Dental Association unite to spread the gift of smiles across the nation.
