Over 1,500 students from La Union, Camarines Sur, Bohol receive dental care, hygiene kits from GMA Kapuso Foundation

Over 1,500 students from La Union, Camarines Sur, and Bohol received free dental services and hygiene kits from the GMA Kapuso Foundation through its Linis Lusog Kapusong Kabataan project.

According to a report on “24 Oras” Wednesday, one of the beneficiaries is Mae from Minilabac, Camarines Sur, the eldest of four siblings.

At just 15 years old, Mae already manages the household budget from the money sent by her mother, who works as a domestic helper in Manila.

With the allowance barely enough for food and school expenses, Mae shared that she was once unable to buy a toothbrush for her youngest sibling, who had to borrow one from their grandmother.

“Mahirap din po talaga kasi hindi ko na alam kung alin uunahin ko. Siyempre po, inuuna po pagkain,” Mae said.

A similar situation was shared by siblings Mike and Mika from Ubay, Bohol.

Their father earns about P500 a day as a construction worker, which is not enough to cover medical expenses, including dental care.

Because of this, the children would place ice on their gums to ease severe tooth pain.

“Nilalagyan ng ice ‘yung dito. Umiiyak talaga, lalo na ‘pag masakit na masakit talaga ‘yung ngipin nila,” Sheila Mae Ugpo said.

In partnership with the Philippine Association of Private School Dentists, GMA Kapuso Foundation conducted free tooth extractions and fluoride varnish applications under the project. 

The children were also taught proper toothbrushing, handwashing, and correct use of personal hygiene items, including anti-lice shampoo.

“Kailangan may kanya-kanya tayong gamit, lalo na ang toothbrush. Puwede tayo makakuha ng sakit kapag hiniram natin doon sa iba,” Dr. Mary Ann Celebre said.

In total, more than 1,500 students were assisted in La Union, Camarines Sur, and Bohol.

For those who are interested to help, the GMA Kapuso Foundation is accepting donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.

Meanwhile, in line with the upcoming Oral Health Month in February, the GMA Kapuso Foundation is having its Annual Ngiting Kapuso Free Denture Project.

The program is open to individuals aged 35 and above who no longer have complete teeth on both the upper and lower jaws.

Registration is from January 8 to January 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling 8928-4299 or 8982-7777 loc. 9904.

Applicants are reminded that registration is done via phone only and that there is no need to visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation office.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News