03/02/2026
Dental Health Month Kick-Off Held at Dipolog SPED Center
On February 3, 2026, the Schools Division Office of Dipolog City, through the School Health and Nutrition Unit (SHNU), officially launched the Dental Health Month Kick-Off Activity at the Dipolog Special Education (SPED) Center, setting in motion a series of coordinated dental health initiatives to be implemented across various schools throughout the month.
Guided by the theme, “Promoting Dental Health Today Builds Confident, Healthy Learners for Tomorrow,” the kick-off activity underscored the vital role of oral health in the overall growth, confidence, and well-being of learners. The activity emphasized the division’s commitment to inclusive and preventive health programs, particularly for learners with special needs, while strengthening partnerships with officers and members of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) – Dipolog City Chapter, school dentists, and other health partners.
The activity formally commenced with a welcome message from Mr. Remryan Rasonable Rebutazo, School Principal of the Dipolog SPED Center, who highlighted the importance of prioritizing learners with special needs in school-based health initiatives. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Schools Division Office and partner agencies for selecting their school as the venue for the kick-off activity, recognizing it as a valuable opportunity to extend much-needed dental health services to SPED learners. He further acknowledged the strong collaboration between the Philippine Dental Association and school dentists in ensuring the delivery of inclusive, responsive, and quality oral health care.
In her Message of Support, Ma. Liza R. Tablion, EdD, CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent, conveyed her appreciation to all individuals and institutions involved in the activity. She emphasized that initiatives such as Dental Health Month reflect the division’s shared responsibility to safeguard learner health and well-being, and she commended the collective efforts of school personnel, health partners, and stakeholders in sustaining meaningful dental health programs throughout the month.
Dr. Ryan Niel A. Asprer, President of the Philippine Dental Association – Dipolog City Chapter and City Councilor of Dipolog City, delivered a message highlighting the importance of preventive dental care as a cornerstone of public health. He underscored the significance of coordinated efforts between the education sector and the local government in advancing health promotion initiatives and affirmed his full support for Department-led programs, assuring continued assistance and collaboration in the implementation of school-based dental health activities.
The ceremonial kick-off featured interactive lectures on proper toothbrushing and oral health care, conducted by Dr. Gerald M. Abalos and Dr. Candelaria C. Jaralve, ensuring that oral health concepts were presented in a manner responsive to the learning needs of SPED learners. A proper handwashing demonstration was conducted at the school’s newly established handwashing facility, where learners were actively guided by the School Health and Nutrition Unit Team, who led both the toothbrushing and handwashing activities to reinforce correct hygiene practices through hands-on learning.
As part of the activity, the Philippine Dental Association – Dipolog City Chapter also distributed oral and hygiene kits to all participating learners, further supporting the promotion of daily dental care and personal hygiene among SPED learners.
The activity concluded with Closing Remarks delivered by Dr. Clees Paul 'Tato d'Great' Z. Tabiliran, Division Dentist and SHNU Head, who reiterated the importance of sustained oral health education and expressed appreciation to all partners and participants for their continued support of the division’s dental health programs. The event was smoothly facilitated by Mr. Yuri Nathaniel B. Nadala, Project Development Officer and School Focal Person.
The Dental Health Month Kick-Off at the Dipolog SPED Center marked a significant step in strengthening inclusive, collaborative, and preventive oral health initiatives, reaffirming the division’s commitment to nurturing healthier and more confident learners through responsive and sustained school-based health programs.