05/03/2026
๐๐ ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ -๐๐ฌ๐: ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก
February 25, 2026 โ In celebration of Oral Health Month, the Dental Department of Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center successfully conducted the Healthy Smile Program, with senior citizens serving as the primary beneficiaries for the first time since its inception.
Led by Dr. Kristal Jade M. Rosario, Chairman of the program, the activity supports the โNgiting 70/20โ campaign of the Department of Health, which encourages Filipinos to maintain at least 20 functional natural teeth by the age of 70. The message was simple yet meaningful: growing older should never mean losing the ability to smile, eat comfortably, and live with confidence.
Dr. Vinna Marchelle L. Gaspar, President of the Philippine Dental Association โ Ilocos Norte Chapter, emphasized in her message that oral health goes beyond having clean teeth where it plays a vital role in overall wellness, self-esteem, and quality of life.
Providing further insight, guest speaker Dr. Jerwin Johnted G. Asuncion, Geriatrician and Chairman of the Geriatric Committee, delivered his lecture entitled โHealthy Aging: Oral Health Care.โ He highlighted that maintaining 24โ28 teeth among individuals aged 60 and above greatly supports proper nutrition, clearer speech, and better overall health. His talk reinforced the idea that oral care is an essential part of aging gracefully.
An inspiring message from Dr. Maria Lourdes K. Otayza, delivered through Dr. Jhoan G. Galano, reminded everyone that caring for oneโs teeth is a lifelong commitment. Healthy teeth, she shared, are not only a sign of good hygiene but also a reflection of oneโs dedication to total well-being.
The program gathered 34 senior citizens, eight of whom were honored as Elderly Smile 2026 awardees in recognition of their outstanding oral health. Among them, Mr. Reynaldo Cabacungan, a cancer patient, was hailed as the 1st Place winner for having 30 natural teeth at 70 years old.
To further promote preventive practices, all participants received oral hygiene kits to support their continued oral health journey at home.
