Sorsogon: The Department of Health in Bicol region (DOH-5) and the Sorsogon Provincial Health Office (PHO) held earlier this week a summit to promote good oral health care and services as part of the celebration of National Oral Health Month.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH-5 Regional Director Rodolfo Antonio Albornoz stated in a press release that the summit aimed to strengthen oral health advocacy by engaging stakeholders, including barangay health workers, development management officers, health education and promotion officers, dentists, and other oral health advocates.

Albornoz highlighted the necessity of enhancing the promotion of oral health programs, citing that only 32.71 percent of the eligible population in the region is considered “orally fit,” based on the status of Basic Oral Health Care and Services in 2024. He encouraged the public to utilize the government’s oral health services, which are available at Rural Health Units (RHUs) and hospitals. These initiatives are part of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), aiming to provide broader access to essential health care.

He further mentioned that oral health services will be integrated into the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Center, a component of the DOH’s flagship programs under Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. The program will be enhanced through PuroKalusugan, focusing on promoting healthy habits and raising health awareness through campaigns targeted at households in villages.

The director expressed gratitude to the Sorsogon PHO for their active participation and ongoing commitment to improving oral health services in the region.