MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) is targeting to implement mandatory toothbrush drills for the school year 2024-2025, Vice President Sara Duterte said.
Duterte, who is also the concurrent Education secretary, underscored the significance of dental health and spreading awareness among learners.
“We target to roll it out sa field, 2024 or 2025, pero hinahabol namin ‘yung school year 2024-2025 na masali ‘yan, parang mandatory toothbrush drill instead of mandatory officers’ Reserved Officers Training [Corps] (ROTC). Dito kasi kami sa basic education,” she said.
Duterte said this proposal is part of the holistic program, which aims to mold the character and well-being of the children.
“Ituturo namin dito life skills, service, values, dito sa basic education, kasama ‘yung good hygiene, kasama ‘yung toothbrush drills,” she said.
Duterte said dental health is vital, considering the risks that it may pose to kids and adults once neglected.
She said dental protection is a personal advocacy, mentioning what she has learned from her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The one person that is very particular to teeth is, I don’t know if the world knows this, is President Duterte. Kaya siguro subconsciously, nakuha ko rin ‘yun kay PRD, plus ‘yung exposure ko sa trabaho ko as mayor, na nakakausap ko ‘yung mga dentista, and they always advocate na preventable naman ‘yan,” she added.
Duterte refers to preventable dental issues like tooth decay, infection, and other consequences brought by the lack of awareness of proper cleaning.
Part of the dental drills proposed program is the distribution of dental kits with instructional materials for proper dental cleaning, accompanied by information campaigns on the matter. (PNA)/PN
