The Province of Cavite was one of the beneficiaries of “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” Community Program of Colgate Palmolive Philippines, Inc., with the objective of reducing the occurrence of
dental caries and periodontal disease through “Preventive First Approach” that includes oral health awareness, habit development and fluoride application. Through the Oral Health Cluster of the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, the program was launched on November 8, 2023 in Alfonso, in cooperation with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and the Municipal Health Office. Alfonso Mayor Randy A. Salamat, Sangguniang Bayan members, MSWDO Head, Ms. Gina T. Vedan, and Child Development Workers graced the activity whichbenefited one hundred fifty-nine children. Aside from the oral health awareness lecture presented by OPHO dentist Dr. Cristina J. Lim, all the children who participated in the program also received dental kits and topical fluoride application, provided by the Oral Health Cluster head, Dr. Mary Ann G. Montenegro, together with Dr. Suzette Y. Pulido, Dr. Raymond J. Mendoza, Dr. Merrie Lourd T. Adina, Dr. Anthony A. Asis, assisted by dental aides Ms. Lilibeth B. Nahine and Ms. Reyliza F. Rom. Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Ma. Cecilia N. Sargento and MHO staff, also conducted medical check-up. In CaLaBaRZon, only the provinces of Cavite and Quezon were granted with 1000 dental kits and 10 tubes of fluoride per city and municipality. (CPIO)