Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez committed May 14 the full support of the House of Representatives for initiatives meant to promote health education and improved access to dental care for every Filipino.
Romualdez aired this pledge in his message as the keynote speaker during the 115th Convention of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) Monday afternoon at the SMX Convention Center in the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City.
“As Speaker of the House, I am committed to supporting initiatives that promote health education and access to dental care. I believe strongly in our collective ability to make a difference,” Romualdez, head of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, said in a press release.
“Proactively, the House of Representatives of the 19th Congress is advancing legislation to ensure that every city and municipal health unit includes a dental service as part of its primary healthcare offering,” he added.
Likewise, Romualdez said the House is considering bills that would provide free medical and dental services to indigent Filipino children.
He noted that dental health is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of a person’s overall health as it affects how we eat, speak, and interact with others.
Unfortunately, Romualdez said many Filipinos still suffer from preventable dental diseases.
He cited statistical data showing that seven out of every 10 Filipinos have tooth decay. He also noted a 2020 report by the World Health Organization, saying the country lost an equivalent of 825 million dollars in productivity due to the five leading oral diseases.
“The implications of neglecting oral health are dire, not just for our economy but for the future of our nation’s children. That’s why improving Filipino oral health must be a priority,” Romualdez stressed.
In recognition of this need, he said the Philippine government has already taken decisive action. Section 6 (a) of Republic Act 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, included dental services as one of the fundamental health services that every Filipino is entitled to.
He said the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion, or TRAIN law, enacted higher taxes on sugary beverages to curb consumption and thereby prevent oral diseases.
Despite these legislative efforts, Romualdez said oral health care often remains low on the list of priorities for many Filipinos.
“That is why this convention’s theme, “Strength in Unity”, is so apt. It is only by joining forces — legislators, healthcare providers, community leaders, and industry stakeholders — that we can effect real change,” Romualdez said.
He said the stakeholders can join hands to launch sustained campaigns to encourage regular dental check-ups, promote better dietary choices, and educate the public about the benefits included in their healthcare coverage.
“Together, let us work to ensure that dental health is not just a privilege but a right accessible to all. Let us keep the Filipino smile not only warm and bright, but also healthy and strong. ||
