City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Ten senior citizens visited the Office of Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda with heartfelt gratitude and wide, confident smiles, thanks to their newly received free dentures from the Provincial Government of Pampanga.
This initiative, carried out through the “Alagang Nanay” Preventive Healthcare Program of Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda and the Provincial Dental Office, aims to restore not only oral health but also the self-confidence and quality of life of Kapampangan senior citizens.
Vice Governor Nanay Pineda shared the inspiration behind the program, recalling what she observed in her visits to various communities across the province during the “Kapitolyo sa Barangay.”
“Nung bumibisita ako sa barangay, nakita ko kasi maraming walang ngipin. Kawawa naman sila kasi nakikihalubilo sila, halos hindi sila kausapin. Iniikot ko yan province-wide. Ang pangako ko talaga sa kanila: pagandahin ko sila. Matanda ka man o bata, ang importante — may ngipin ang tao,” she said.
For 80-year-old Dominga Santos, one of the beneficiaries, the denture she received was nothing short of life-changing.
“Sampung taon na po akong walang pustiso. Takot ako. Kawawa lang kami, wala kaming pera. Hindi ko kayang mabuhay nang walang ngipin. Kung mayroon lang akong pera, matagal na akong nagpagawa,” she shared tearfully.
The cost of dentures in private clinics often ranges from ₱10,000 to ₱20,000, a prohibitive expense for many elderly citizens. But through the provincial government’s program, these are provided completely free, ensuring that even the most vulnerable Kapampangans regain their smiles and their confidence.
To avail of the program, senior citizens may coordinate with their respective Nanay Community Workers to register and await notification of their schedule.
To date, records show that more than 100 Kapampangans have already benefited from the program
