Manila launches oral health program for youth

Manila Mayor Dra. Maria Sheilah "Honey" Lacuna-Pangan led the launching of "Orally Fit Manilenyo by 2030" program on September 27, 2022 at Jacinto Zamora Elementary School.

The program aims to provide services focused on addressing the dental health problem of young Manileños.

Studies show that in 2019, about 3.5 billion people were having dental problems globally, with children comprising 520 million of them.

Mayor Lacuna, together with the Manila Health Department, launched the program to promote proper oral hygiene and health care among the youth.

A part of the program is the provision of free dental checkup, prophylaxis and fillings to students of Jacinto Zamora.

Six students from the six districts of Manila also received free braces under the program.

"Sisiguraduhin po natin na ang atin pong mga bata ay mayroong malulusog na gums, malaya sa tooth decay at sa cavities, at wala pong magiging problema sa kanilang ngipin at bibig," said Dr. Lacuna.

The city government aims to provide the best health care services by 2030, with the help of health personnel and experts in the city.

Mayor Lacuna thanked the participants and sponsors who made the program possible.  She underscored the need for continuous support and cooperation among Manila residents to ensure that the program reaches more beneficiaries.

"Kung kayo naman po ay may extra, sigurado po akong may mapapaligaya kayong isang Batang Maynila," she said.