• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Hundreds of residents in Barangay Buluangan, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental benefited from a dental mission spearheaded by First District Rep. Julio Ledesma IV in partnership with Ultimate Dentlab Corporation, providing much-needed oral healthcare services to underserved families in the community.
The outreach program, led by Dr. Selwyn Lloyd Baloyo, chief executive officer of Ultimate Dentlab Corporation, offered free dentures, tooth extractions, dental consultations, and oral health services to residents who had long struggled with limited access to dental care.
On July 6, 50 beneficiaries received dentures, enabling them to eat, speak, and smile with renewed confidence.
The initiative continued on July 14, when 100 residents underwent free tooth extractions and dental consultations, providing relief from chronic dental pain and untreated oral health conditions.
In a statement, Ledesma emphasized that accessible healthcare remains a vital part of public service.
“Every smile we restore is a reminder that government should be present in the lives of ordinary people – not only during elections, but every single day,” Ledesma said. “Healthcare should never be beyond the reach of any Filipino because of poverty.”
Baloyo highlighted the importance of oral health as a key component of overall well-being and expressed gratitude to Ledesma for supporting the initiative.
“We firmly believe that by working together, we can transform lives and build healthier communities across the First District,” Baloyo said.
Organizers said the outreach is part of an ongoing effort to expand access to healthcare services in underserved communities.
The next medical and dental mission will be held on July 23 in Barangay Tigbao, Calatrava.
Program director Arvin John Villaruel is in-charge of coordination and management of the outreach. | GPB
