Colgate, Philippine Dental Association bring Bright Smiles this National Dental Health Month

“Partnering with the Philippine Dental Association to celebrate National Dental Health Month is aligned with our mission to empower more children to take charge of their own dental health as this improves their overall well-being as they grow older. 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. Kicking off the launch of National Dental Health Month led by the Philippine Dental Association 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 in an effort to help keep them present in school and help reduce absenteeism caused by toothaches and cavities.” ~Nica Marquez Whang, Director of Marketing Oral Care, Colgate Palmolive Philippines Inc.

Colgate, the leading oral health brand in the Philippines, collaborates with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) to mark the commencement of the 20th Annual National Dental Health Month (NDHM) on January 28, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.

The PDA-led National Dental Health Month is a yearly initiative aimed at encouraging dental professionals, students, relevant government agencies, and professional organizations to extend their services to individuals with limited access to dental care, particularly those residing in rural areas. Originally established as National Dental Health Week in 1951, this annual event was expanded to a month-long celebration in 2004.

Pictured: Dr. Fernando Fernandez - Speaker, PDA House of Delegates, Ms. Nica Marquez Whang - Director of Marketing Oral Care, Colgate Palmolive Philippines Inc., Dr. Emmanuel T. Centeno - President of the Philippine Dental Association,  and Dr. Alvin Laxamana - Chairman of NDHM Bente 2024, alongside representatives from Colgate Philippines and the Philippine Dental Association.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa stressed the significance of prioritizing oral health among Filipinos, highlighting its crucial role in overall well-being and the creation of a dynamic and flourishing nation. Present at the event were Dr. Enrique A. Tayag from the USEC Department of Health and Joey Calixto Isidro, Acting Vice Mayor of Pasay City, both unwavering in their dedication to endorsing health initiatives that contribute to the progress and advancement of Filipino children.

Colgate offering free dental check-ups to attendees at the Mall of Asia Music Hall on January 28. 2024. 

Now in its 20th year, National Dental Health Month places special emphasis on the "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 February 5, National Tooth Brushing Day, all 127 dental chapters of the PDA will participate in a simultaneous toothbrushing event, kicking off the program's Luzon leg.

Bright Smiles, Bright Futures®

Pictured: Children at the event received free oral care kits courtesy of Colgate Philippines.

Colgate aligns its mission with that of the PDA through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® Program, also known as the BSBF program. This initiative represents Colgate's enduring dedication to combatting cavities. Since its inception in 1991, the BSBF program has positively impacted around 1.7 billion children and families across over 80 countries. In the Philippines, the BSBF program has reached over 40 million schoolchildren over the past 25 years. Since 1997, it has extended its reach to 37,000 public schools and 700 childcare facilities in 319 cities and municipalities.

Colgate-Palmolive Philippines Inc. and the Philippine Dental Association share a strong conviction that every Filipino should not only have a radiant smile but also a promising future. Join us in commemorating the genuine impact of Filipino smiles! Keep an eye out for engaging activities and updates during National Dental Health Month as we collaborate to create more radiant smiles and brighter futures for everyone.

About Colgate 

Colgate Philippines has been dedicated to ensuring Filipino families have a bright future they can smile about for more than nine decades. As the undisputed leader in oral care, Colgate’s commitment goes beyond just products. Driven by an unwavering dedication to sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and innovation, Colgate continually strives to elevate the lives of their consumers, leading them towards a future they can smile about.