Itogon, Benguet—The municipality of Itogon culminates National Dental Health Month 2025 on February 27 at Fianza Memorial Hall, Poblacion, with the theme “Ang Pamilya ko, Una Kong Dentista.”
Organized by the Municipal Health Services Office (MHSO) through dentists Dr. Lorna Saculles and Dr. Aurora Cuilan, the culmination gathered participants from all barangays.
Dr. Jane S. Bay-an, Benguet General Hospital dentist, was the celebration’s guest speaker. Committee Chairperson on Health Councilor, Alejandro L. Palangdan, and Mayor Bernard S. Waclin’s representative, Municipal Administrator Arnel F. Bahingawan, were also present.
The event highlighted the family’s role in maintaining good dental health. Dr. Oliver P. Guadaña reinforced this message, stating, “The best care often starts at home… [and] a healthy mouth starts with the love and care of our family.”
The celebration gathered participants from all barangays and featured engaging contests for daycare children, showcasing their charm and talents. In addition to the daycare category, the event included the Lolos and Lolas category, composed of senior citizens aged 70 and above, which required participants to have at least 20 natural, functioning teeth.
In the daycare category, Julwein O. Fangroy of Virac was crowned Miss Orally Fit Child and received the Best in Smile award alongside Nico G. Mendoza of Tinongdan. Kyler Segundo of Poblacion and Julwein O. Fangroy won the Best in Talent awards.
For the Lolos and Lolas category, the Best in Smile awards went to Agosto Miranda of Tinongdan, Vicente Puguon of Gumatdang, and Erlinda Bongayon of Tuding. Best in Talent was awarded to Agosto Miranda of Tinongdan and Dolores Dangbis of Dalupirip.
The top three male Orally Fit Senior winners were Vicente Puguon of Gumatdang (Winner), Rodolfo Segundo of Virac (2nd place), and Tirso Montano of Dalupirip (3rd place). In the female category, Erlinda Bongayon of Tuding took the top spot, followed by Juliana Patal of Gumatdang (2nd place) and Dolores Dangbis of Dalupirip (3rd place).
All participants received special recognition, with winners awarded sashes, crowns, and cash prizes, while others took home consolation prizes. Judges, daycare teachers, and other participants were also presented with tokens of appreciation. The celebration concluded with smiles, reinforcing the message, “Healthy teeth, healthy mind.”
WORDS | Shayne Ashley Sudiacal
PHOTOS | Jelly Rose Navaja & Jay Ralph Galunza, BSU Interns
