CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — From toothless grins to toothy smiles. Gov. Lilia “Nanay Gov” Pineda’s latest advocacy transcends mere aesthetics to rise to total wellbeing most especially among indigent Kapampangans.
Consistent with the Capitol’s continuing efforts to provide accessible healthcare to its constituents, Nanay Gov and Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda have expanded the Alagang Nanay Preventive Healthcare Program with the launch of a Free Dentures Program for qualified Kapampangans.
The initiative aims to assist residents who suffer from major tooth loss and lack the financial means to obtain proper dental prosthetics. The program will provide free dentures to the first 10,000 beneficiaries across the province, and will be available until December 2025 or until all slots have been filled.
“Napansin ko sa aking paglilibot sa buong probinsiya sa paghahatid natin ng Alagang Nanay na napakarami ng ating mga kabalen na wala nang mga ngipin o sa ating wika ay bungal-bungal,” Nanay Gov shared in a meeting with provincial dentists on July 7. “Naramdaman ko ang ngiti ng kanilang kagalakan ay may halong pagkahiya dahil nga sa wala nga silang mga ngipin.”
It did not escape the governor’s notice too that toothlessness is an object of joke in Filipino communities. Hence, her resolve for action and solution.
“Kung di tayo lalapitan, tayo ang lalapit sa kanila.” Nanay Gov said the identification and recruitment of beneficiaries will be conducted by the Nanay Community Workers (NCWs) assigned in each barangay. Priority will be given to individuals who are either completely edentulous or have minimal remaining teeth.
Once beneficiaries are identified and listed, they will be invited to designated dental sites for evaluation.
“Yung mga need bunutan, bubunutan natin and then susukatin at bibigyan na natin sila ng mga dentures,” said Dr. Chuchi Ramos, provincial dental health coordinator.
The fabrication and distribution of the dentures will be managed in coordination with the provincial health office, the general services office, and certified dental technicians to ensure quality and safety.
Residents interested in availing themselves of the program are encouraged to coordinate directly with their respective NCWs for registration and further instructions.
Punto News Team/Pampanga PIO/Photos: Daniel Ombina
