BANGUED, Abra – The local chapter of the Philippine Dental Association and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples have opened a dental facility for IPs in the province.
IPs of the province may avail of the services of the facility for free.
Under the group’s “Say nganga” project, the initiative aims to safeguard the oral health of IPs from the effects of chewing betel quid – a habit practiced in most parts of Asia.
A betel nut quid is a combination of lime powder, dried tobacco leaf, area nut, and piper betel leaf that are chewed.
IPs in Abra who still use the indigenous “chewing gum” are those from Tineg, Boliney, Tubo, Lacub, Malibcong, Luba, Sallapadan, Baay-Licuan, Bucloc, and Daguioman.
Dentists have identified several harmful effects of chewing betel nut quid to the oral health of people who are practicing it.
Because of this, the PDA led by Dr. Ramarie F. Dickson and the NCIP Provincial Office headed by Director Genesis Quiblado opened the dental facility to hold information campaigns among Tingguians about oral health care.
“We thank the PDA and all our partners and stakeholders in achieving our common goal, which is to render professional oral care for our fellow IPs around the province,” Quiblado said.
The project is supported by Councilor Romero Daoaten, IP mandatory representative and other stakeholders and partners of PDA-Abra. – Christian G. Tubadeza
April 27, 2024
