JIKFI, PHS renew 10-month link with DepEd for oral hygiene
Following the success of the “Project Healthy Smile” oral health program initiated by Juanito I. King Foundation Inc. ( JIKFI) and Project Healthy Smile Foundation of Minneapolis in Tabunan Elementary School, another 10-month memorandum of agreement was signed by the stakeholders for Camp Lapulapu Elementary School last July 5.
The program has been organized in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu City Division.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of your development, especially in your dental health through education, such as the right way to brush, proper nutrition and taking care of your teeth” said Kenneth Raymund H. King, executive director of JIKFI, in his message before students, faculty and parents.
The introduction of K-12 in the educational system calls for the prioritization of new classrooms and more teachers including Cebu City public schools. The four dentist of DepEd Cebu City Division caters to 69 elementary and 57 high schools spread all over 65 barangays in the city.
“It is such a sad reality that on our latest examination of Grade 1 pupils from Cebu City’s public schools, it has been noted that children as young as 6-7 years old are developing tooth decay” said Dr. Melissa Paradela, Dentist-in-charge of DepEd Cebu City Division.
The 10-month dental health program kicked-off with the MOA signing, followed by a dental education campaign where proper toothbrushing and nutrition were emphasized.
A toothbrushing drill led by JIKFI’s in-house dentist Dr. John Daniel Villegas was held.
Dental consultation and flouride application to at least 240 elementary students closed the day’s activity.