Cavite — More than 2,200 public school students received free dental care and hygiene education on November 25, as part of a community health initiative supported by Taiyo Sangyo Trading and Marine Service Ltd. (TST) and ChildFund Japan (CFJ). They took part in a day-long dental health activity that included the distribution of hygiene kits, tooth-brushing demonstrations, dental check-ups, and minor procedures such as tooth extractions. The program was implemented with CFJ’s local partner, the St. Magdalene of Canossa Center.
The activity responds to a persistent public health concern in the Philippines. Data from the Department of Health have consistently shown that tooth decay and gum disease remain among the most common health problems affecting Filipino children, particularly in low-income communities where access to routine dental care is limited. Poor oral health has been linked not only to pain and infection but also to missed school days, difficulty concentrating, and long-term health complications.
“Investing in your child’s dental health is investing in their future. It’s not just about teeth—it’s about confidence, development, and lifelong wellness.” – Country Manager, TST Manila Branch Office.
The program also emphasized prevention through education. The students participated in supervised tooth-brushing sessions and received information, education, and communication (IEC) materials designed to reinforce daily oral hygiene habits at home.
Also present at the activity were TST’s expatriate in the Philippines, Dr. John Nelson Briones, dentist from the Rural Health Unit of Bulihan; Florpina B. Galay, principal IV; St. Magdalene of Canossa Center project manager Jeramil Unday; and CFJ area manager Cathlyn R. Mapacpac.
A Growing Track Record of Community Engagement
The Cavite dental mission builds on a multi-year partnership between TST and CFJ that began in 2023, when TST supported a one-year SM-ZOTO project aimed at preventing violence against children and addressing online sexual exploitation in urban communities.
In 2024, the collaboration expanded to include youth-focused advocacy and education activities. TST funded a poster-making contest for elementary students in CFJ’s local partner in Metro Manila and high school students in CFJ’s partner in Mindanao, promoting child protection and well-being. Winners received certificates, toys, cash prizes, school supplies, and dental kits.
CFJ country director Hiroyuki Takita, program director Sheilah Vergara, and other CFJ representatives attended the Metro Manila activity and served as judges alongside TST representatives. The event was organized by SM-ZOTO, under the leadership of Executive Director Butch Ablir.
For organizers, the Cavite activity underscores how private sector support and community-based organizations can help bridge gaps in basic health services, particularly for children most at risk of being left behind.
As schools and families continue to grapple with the broader effects of poverty on health and learning, initiatives that combine direct care with education remain a crucial step toward improving children’s overall well-being—one smile at a time.
