Bright Smiles for a Brighter Future for Everyone

There is a way to help prevent kids from missing their school! A silent health crisis is ongoing amongst Filipino children. About 83% of children aged 5-12 years old are suffering from tooth decay, according to the 2018 National Survey on Oral Health of the Department of Health. This dental disease is revealed to be the leading cause of absenteeism in schools.

To raise awareness about this dental concern and importance of good oral hygiene, Colgate, the leading oral health brand in the Philippines, partners with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) to celebrate the beginning of the 20th Annual National Dental Health Month (NDHM) on January 28, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.

^{PDA Officers and Colgate-Palmolive representatives signed a Memorandum of Agreement for their Isang Milyong Sipilyo, Angat Ngiting Pilipino program partnership.}

Big smiles and bright colors shone along seaside boulevard with the event’s ALAY PARADA. Philippine Dental Association officers led the parade with the participation of its regional chapters, colleges, and dentists. The colorful parade gathered 1,300 participants from different cities and provinces.

^{PDA Officers at the Alay Parada 2024.}

The parade led to the Mall of Asia Music Hall where freebies, free dental check-ups, an artwork show, and the main event awaited all attendees.

^{Attendees get a free dental check-up at NDHM BENTE.}

Have a look at what transpired during the event below:

Colgate shares the same objective as the PDA through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® Program, or BSBF program—the cornerstone of Colgate’s long-standing commitment to help eliminate cavities. Started in 1997, The Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program (BSBF) is committed to help improve the oral health of Filipinos through instilling effective dental care habits. Through BSBF, children learn how to properly brush their teeth, do this at least 2 times a day with a fluoride toothpaste like Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection.  Since the program’s start, it has reached approximately 37,000 public schools and 700 daycare centers across 319 cities and municipalities.

Colgate-Palmolive Philippines Inc., along with the PDA will continue to raise awareness about the danger of cavities. “With the help of our partners, like the Philippine Dental Association, Colgate, through BSBF, pledges to help eliminate cavities by two things. First, by promoting good oral health habits among children. Second, we give access to very critical dental care.” Ms. Nica Marquez Whang, Colgate-Palmolive Philippines’ Director of Marketing Oral Care shared.

^{Ms. Nica Marquez Whang giving a message for the attendees of NDHM BENTE.}

The activities for the 2024 National Dental Health Month have just begun! As Colgate-Palmolive continues to pursue a brighter dental future for Filipinos, you can be updated on their next plans for the National Dental Health Month here.