LUNA, Apayao – The conclusion of the National Dental Health Month (NDHM) in the province featured a search for the Orally Fit Child and Orally Fit Employee, aimed at evaluating oral health among children and employees while fostering awareness about oral hygiene.
Representatives from each municipality, departments within the provincial government, and national line agencies, as well as two entries from the Department of Education (DepEd), participated in the competition held at ECBJr. Evacuation Center and Multi-Purpose Gymnasium (Aliwa Gym) in Luna on February 29, 2024.
Judging criteria for the child category included assessing Orally Fit Child (OFC) status, stage presence and physical appearance (smile), Question and Answer (Q&A) session, and audience impact. Similarly, the employee category criteria comprised overall oral health condition, stage presence and physical appearance, and Q&A performance.
In the Orally Fit Child category, Jhon Patrick Pagdilao secured the 1st position with a cash prize of PhP3,000, followed by Jheimz Charlie Tabisaura and Mara Krizel Juan securing the 2nd and 3rd positions, winning PhP2,500 and PhP1,500 respectively. Emirynth Czarden David and Reyan Shifrah Tamot received consolation prizes of PhP1,000 each along with Oral Health Care Packages and stuffed toys.
Marie Grace Rigonan clinched the 1st position in the Orally Fit Employee category, receiving a cash prize of PhP3,000, followed by Thomas Pumbaya and Jhona May Agustin securing the 2nd and 3rd positions with cash awards of PhP2,500 and PhP1,500 respectively. Other participants received consolation prizes comprising Oral Health Care Packages.
NDHM aims to raise awareness about oral hygiene’s importance, promote preventive dental care, and instill a culture of healthy smiles nationwide. By M. Acantilado
