'Bright Smiles' to benefit 3M kids

CEBU, Philippines - Colgate-Palmolive Philippines, Inc. has allocated 2,989,998 toothbrushes and toothpastes for Grade 1 pupils in 38,365 public elementary schools nationwide, for school year 2013-2014.

CPPI and the Department of Education have signed a Memorandum of Agreement in February 2011 on providing Grade 1 pupils with Colgate toothbrushes, toothpastes, and oral health educational materials for three years. This is in line with the "Bright Smiles, Bright Futures" program that promotes oral health education among public schoolchildren.

In SY: 2012-2013, the CPPI and DepEd, through the Health and Nutrition Center and Adopt-a-School Program Secretariat, have provided 2,906,189 toothbrushes, toothpastes, and oral health educational posters for Grade 1 pupils in 38,501 public elementary schools all over the country.

According to DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, the distribution of toothbrushes and toothpastes supports the seven o'clock School-Based Toothbrushing Program pursuant to DepEd Memorandum No. 394, series of 2007.

"According to the World Health Organization, toothbrushing alone, if done religiously, will reduce the prevalence of dental caries by 40-50 percent. Pupils should use the toothbrushes and toothpastes in school only and must not bring them home," Luistro instructed.

"In each classroom, one corner will be provided with toothbrush holders to store the brushes and toothpaste tubes. The Grade 1 teachers should control the pea-sized use of the toothpaste per pupil by opening one toothpaste tube at a time to maximize use and minimize wastage," the secretary added.

The "Bright Smiles, Bright Futures" boxes will be delivered directly to the DepEd division offices as drop-off points. Luistro requests regional supervising dentists to "monitor the distribution of BSBF boxes and to ensure that all divisions submit the Division Monitoring Form on time."

Concerns may be directed to the office of Dr. Thelma C. Aljibe, Health and Nutrition Center, Department of Education, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City through (02) 8027864 or 09277965711, and Mr. Iam Guerrero of Colgate-Palmolive Philippines, Inc. at (02) 635 9964 or 09175840151. (MEEV)(FREEMAN)