• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City is set to transform the month of February into a dental service hub, offering everything from free tooth extractions to specialized orthodontic consultations.
This comes after the Sangguniang Panlungsod officially designated February of every year as Bacolod City Dental Health Month following the final approval of a landmark ordinance.
Authored by Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., the measure aligns the city’s local health calendar with the nationwide observance of National Dental Health Month.
The legislative move aims to institutionalize a comprehensive framework for oral hygiene awareness and the prevention of dental diseases among residents of all ages.
A cornerstone of the legislation is the Balik-Ngiti Program, also known as the Libreng Pustiso initiative that will provide free dentures, repairs, and relining services to qualified beneficiaries.
Under the new ordinance, the Bacolod City Health Office Dental Division is tasked with leading annual community-based initiatives in coordination with the city’s 61 barangays.
To support these efforts, the city government has committed an annual budget of P500,000.
These funds are also earmarked for services including oral health education, nutrition risk assessments, and routine screenings.
It ensures that residents have access to direct clinical care such as dental extractions, oral prophylaxis, and emergency treatments, as well as more specialized services in oral surgery and orthodontics.
The City Health Office will maintain a master list of beneficiaries while the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program will provide additional support for laboratory tests not covered by standard primary care benefits.*
