CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Pampanga Provincial Health Office (PHO) distributed free dentures to 120 Kapampangans to “bring back their smiles” on Friday at the Benigno Aquino Hall, Capitol Compound, this city.
The event was led by dentists from different district hospitals in the province where 240 cases of upper and lower dentures were given to the recipients.
These include some senior citizens and persons with disabilities who can’t afford to go to the dentist to have their dentures fixed.
According to Dr. Thricia S. Sunglao, dental department head from Ricardo P. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, the distribution of dentures is just a continuation of the past event initiated by the Provincial Government last year.
“Before, we were able to provide to 25 lucky kabalens who were satisfied with the good fitting of their dentures. Because of the good feedback from the past project, we came up with another batch of distribution this year,” she said.
She also said that this event was initiated by Governor Lilia Pineda to boost the morale and eagerness of the disadvantaged Cabalens with incomplete smiles.
Sunglao confessed that some recipients go to uncertified dental “technicians” to do their dental fixing which can lead to worse complications.
“We really took time in looking for our less fortunate Cabalens who don’t have enough resources for their dentures. This Christmas season, we hope that we made them happy by bringing back their sweet smiles,” she added.
Adriano Estabillo, a 74-year-old senior citizen from Duquit, Mabalacat City lauded Governor Pineda for her relentless love and care for them. Looking at the mirror, he said he looks younger than ever after fitting his dentures.
The dentists who came to support the event were Dr. Ramil Reyes from R.P. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital Annex; Dr. Solita Punsalan from Domingo B. Flores District Hospital; Dr. Susan Pedron from Dr. Andres Luciano Memorial Hospital; Dr. Ma. Bella Dizon, Mabalacat District Hospital; Dr. Rolando Soliman from Dr. Emigdio Cruz Memorial Hospital; Dr. Crispina Manangu, San Luis District Hospital; Dr. Eileen Viscayno, Romana Pangan District Hospital; Dr. Sheila Alingcastre, Escolastica Romero District Hospital; and Dr. Chuchi Ramos from Jose Songco-Lapid District Hospital.
Meanwhile, PHO is eyeing to cater the dental needs of the barangay health workers (BHW) this coming February next year in consonance with the celebration of Oral Health Month. (PR)