While February is Love Month, it is also Philippine Heart Month and National Oral Health Month. In this light, Pines City Colleges’ Community Engagement Services (PCC CES), in collaboration with PCC College of Dentistry and PCC College of Nursing, successfully conducted a health education for the residents of Magsaysay Private Road Barangay held in Alfonso Tabora Elementary School on February 17, 2024.
Dubbed “Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts: Oral Health Education for Kids and Hypertension Awareness for Adults,” the activity aimed to widen knowledge and empower the community on oral health and taking care of the heart. Ms. Soledad Banganga, a representative from Alfonso Tabora Elementary School, opened the activity with her welcome remarks, followed by PCC CES Coordinator, Ms. Rowena Acacio, who discussed the rationale and the program flow within the day.
HEALTHY SMILES, HEALTHY HEARTS. Pines City Colleges Project ANGELS continues to serve in empowering the communities for a healthier future
The PCC College of Dentistry team, headed by Dr. Hesse Fritz Quinomis, discussed the importance of oral health and hygiene among adults, especially children. The team also showed the children proper oral care, such as tooth brushing, and examples of healthy food intake. The team encouraged the adults to properly teach the children preventive oral care and promote daily tooth brushing three times a day.
To continue the program, the College of Nursing Team, led by Ms. Vien Palome, a nursing instructor, lectured the adults on hypertension as a major risk factor for heart disease. The team also provided prevention measures that could help in averting hypertension.
The activity was successful, with 40 children and 29 adults as beneficiaries. Aside from the discussions, PCC Project Angels provided a free dental checkup and blood pressure testing. The College of Dentistry distributed toothbrushes and toothpaste to the beneficiaries. The children also enjoyed the games and prizes prepared for them. Moreover, PCC Project Angels sponsored a feeding program for the activity prepared by the barangay.
Barangay Chairman Gonen Banagui thanked the beneficiaries for their active participation during the activity and PCC for the awareness-raising and free services brought to their constituents in the barangay as she closed the activity.
PCC, through Project ANGELS is conducting oral health and heart awareness activities to fulfill its commitment to promote good health and well-being in the community. Students are also involved in the project activities together with their instructors to expose them and develop their passion in community service. # Adela Wayas
