Big dreams start with small steps: Colgate spreads the power of smiles, building a brighter future for Sorsogon

Pictured: Princess Espera with Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection

“Ang pangarap ko po paglaki ko ay maging nurse para po matulungan ko po ang mga tao para mabalik ko yung mga ngiti nila," (When I grow up, I want to become a nurse so I can help people get their smiles back,) shares eleven-year old Princess B. Espera who hails from Sorsogon Province. She is one of the millions of children who have been impacted by the Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF)® program, which helped to inspire Princess’ professional aspirations and the path she wishes to follow in the future. 

The program's efforts to teach Filipino children the value of proper oral hygiene had a big impact on Princess. She began feeling more confident in expressing herself and socializing with her fellow classmates. Her dream to become a nurse was inspired by the program’s dedication to children’s smiles and their overall wellbeing. Princess also credits two incredible women, her mother Mary Grace Espera and her school nurse Dra. Olbez, who both serve as her role models and supporters in pursuing her dream.

Pictured: Mary Grace Espera, together with her daughter, Princess Espera

Princess's mother, Mary Grace Espera, instilled in her a degree of discipline when it comes to oral health. “Lagi kong tinuturo si Princess na magsipilyo para laging mapanatili ang malinis na ngipin. Importante ‘yan para healthy yung bibig niya,” (I always taught her to keep her teeth clean. It’s important that her mouth is healthy,) says Mary Grace Epsera.

Pictured: Dr. Wilma P. Olbez providing free dental services during the Bright Smiles Bright Futures event.

Princess recalls another important figure in her decision to be a nurse, Dr. Wilma P. Olbez. She was moved by Dr. Olbez's commitment to assisting her classmates in maintaining good oral health.

“Naturuan po kami ng tamang pagsisipilyo at tamang oral hygiene sa ngipin. At lagi rin pong chinecheck ang aming mga ngipin kada po may free vacant time si Doktora Olbez,” (Thanks to her, we learned how to properly brush our teeth and maintain good oral hygiene. And whenever she has free time, she always checks our teeth,) says Princess fondly.

Dr. Olbez believes it is crucial to teach children about the importance of oral health to improve overall well-being, as recent studies from the Department of Education reveal cavities are the main reason why kids miss school, significantly impacting their ability to learn.

Colgate continues to prove its commitment to ensuring a healthier and brighter future for children worldwide through their BSBF program, a global initiative dedicated to protecting the oral health of young children. In the Philippines, the program has reached 37,000 public schools and 700 daycare centers in 319 cities and municipalities over the course of 25 years, benefiting 40 million children nationwide. 

Recently, Colgate returned to Sorsogon Province, one of the many long-standing partners of the BSBF program in the Philippines. Through the partnership, the province has been able to raise the number of orally fit children since 2015 – from a previous rate of 12%, the numbers have continued to rise, which is now at an 80% rate in 2022, according to the Field Health Service Information System report.

With this continuous partnership, Princess and numerous schoolchildren in Sorsogon are able to learn about the importance of a healthy smile in numerous facets of life. 

“Hindi nakakatakot ang pag sipilyo ng ngipin! Ang Bright Smiles Bright Futures program ay nakatulong sa akin na mapagtanto na ang pag ngiti ay nagdulot sa akin ng higit na kumpiyansa na ituloy ang aking mga pangarap. Sabay-sabay tayong ngumiti para sa magandang kinabukasan!” (Brushing your teeth shouldn't be scary! The Bright Smiles Bright Futures program helped me realize that smiling makes me more confident to pursue my dreams. Let's all smile together for a better future!) urged Princess.

A simple smile holds so much power, as it can reflect one’s self-perception, confidence, and quality of life. Through Colgate’s Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF)® Program, Princess is among the millions of kids who can now confidently wear healthier and brighter smiles.

Battling a silent health crisis in the Philippines

Over the years, a silent health crisis continues to affect the lives of millions of Filipino children, going undetected by parents and teachers due to a lack of awareness and information. Dental cavities, unseen yet harmful, have led to “missing smiles” and have also greatly affected the well-being of these children, leading to absenteeism and hindering them from performing their daily activities. 

The recent National Survey on Oral Health of the Department of Health showed that poor oral health has negatively affected children’s social interactions and academic performances. A staggering 83% of children aged 5-12 years old are struggling because of this.

Cavities can cause a physical and psychosocial impact on the lives of children in the Philippines.

Dental issues caused by cavities lead to sleep interruptions, physical inconveniences such as dry mouth and difficulty eating, and a psychosocial impact among children. The Department of Health emphasized the role of parents, teachers, and communities in preventing and addressing this massive health issue.

Recognizing the impact of the dental health crisis on children and their families, Colgate, the Philippines’ partner and ally in superior oral health, is working closely with the Department of Education and Local Government Units to address the silent health crisis. The company is optimistic that while millions of children globally are impacted by the silent health crisis, there are various ways to prevent it and reduce the number of those affected. Believing that “Everyone Deserves a Future They Can Smile About”, Colgate continues to work for a brighter, smiling Philippines through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program, and with best-in-class oral health solutions.

Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program has touched the lives of more than a billion children in over 80 countries around the world. In the Philippines, BSBF  has reached 40 million school children in the past 25 years. Since 1997, the program has reached 37,000 public schools and 700 daycare centers across 319 cities and municipalities. 

With the help of the government, BSBF pledges to improve the oral health of Filipinos and work towards eliminating cavities. By instilling them with effective habits, such as brushing their teeth at least 2 times a day with a fluoride toothpaste like Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection, proper and regular application of fluoride, and regular dental check-ups, Colgate aspires a future wherein majority of the Filipino children are cavity-free by the age of 10.

“As a global brand with deeply rooted partnerships and connections with Filipino families, we are maximizing our platform and resources to shift the country’s focus on the ongoing health crisis while encouraging a collective movement to address the problem of cavities, especially among children. Through our BSBF program and Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection, we are given the opportunity to reach the entire Philippines and give each child a chance for a brighter future to smile about. Colgate is more than just an oral health brand—we are the country’s partner in working towards our goal of achieving a cavity-free Philippines,” says Anish Agarwal, Senior Marketing Director, Colgate Palmolive Philippines Inc.

Throughout the nation, BSBF has orchestrated toothbrushing drills led by dental professionals for school children. During these sessions, the children receive Colgate toothpaste and toothbrushes while learning the correct brushing techniques. 

Additionally, BSBF conducts interactive and enjoyable educational sessions on oral health, utilizing creative storytelling tools and demonstrations like puppet shows that leave a lasting impression on the children. Complementing these are activities such as fluoride application and other fun educational activities that engage the children, their teachers, and families. 

To better understand this silent health crisis and how to prevent it, watch Colgate's Missing Smiles video through this link, a short but moving story capturing how cavities can deeply affect children’s lives if they do not get the immediate help they need.

Missing Smiles: The Silent Crisis in the Philippines

While the Philippines is finally recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still an on-going silent health crisis looming over the country. This silent epidemic has been present for years affecting the young population yet there is an unusual scarcity of information and discussion about its prevention has remained limited. 

Missing Smile billboard along EDSA Orense

The Department of Health reported that 73% of Filipinos have been battling this silent health crisis where 83% ages 5-12 years old are affected. Prevalence of cavities among children has resulted in countless missing smiles in school. It was identified as the primary cause of school absenteeism and imposed detrimental effects on the performance of children both in academic and social activities. 

Colgate, the leading oral health brand in the country and ally in protecting Filipinos against cavities, is helping raise awareness on the impact of poor oral health to school absenteeism among children. 

To amplify this cause, commuters can spot along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila disconcerting images of Filipino children missing one of their greatest assets, smile. How can we help these children get their smiles back?

The images are located along C5 Bagong Ilog Southbound, C5 Bagong Ilog Northbound, EDSA Guadalupe Bridge, and EDSA Orense. Several murals and images can also be seen across the Mall of Asia Complex and at the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

Missing Smile poster along SM by the Bay

Check this link or scan the QR code to learn more about this silent health crisis and how proper oral hygiene can lead to bright smiles and brighter future among Filipino children. 

These initiatives hope to call the attention of the public to help address the crisis and protect children’s smiles while encouraging a healthier and enabling learning environment. 

Are your children missing their smiles too?