Written by Alfred Kristoffer A. Guiang, PIA | 06 February 2012

QUEZON CITY, February 6 (PIA) -- Of all the health concerns that catch the average Filipino’s attention one way or another, dental health is arguably the least prioritized. Studies reveal that Filipinos, especially children, have been negligent in terms of dental care. The 2006 National Oral Health Survey (NOHS) revealed that 97.1 percent of six-year-old children suffer from tooth decay. More than four out of every five children of this subgroup manifested symptoms of dentinogenic infection.

About 78.4 percent of twelve-year-old children suffer from dental caries and 49.7 percent of the same age group manifested symptoms of dentinogenic infections. Clearly, Filipinos are experiencing the discomfort of having gum diseases early in their childhood. According to NOHS, 74 percent of twelve-year-old children suffer from gingivitis. Dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal diseases (gum diseases) are the two most common oral health diseases affecting the Filipinos. 92 percent Filipinos are suffering from dental caries while 78 percent have gum disease, according to the Department of Health.

Written by Anna Valmero, loQal.ph | 28 January 2012

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA - Daily hand washing and toothbrushing could reduce absenteeism among pre-school and grade school children and make them more alert in class, according to a study.

In particular, the study noted that absenteeism can be reduced by 27 percent  and proper hygiene can also help prevent “under nutrition” among schoolchildren.

The Essential Health Care Program (EHCP) of the Department of Education - in cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Fit For SChool Inc. and Procter and Gamble - highlights the importance of proper hygiene among schoolchildren to keep them healthy and more alert in class.

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Written by SEAMEO Press Release | 27 January 2012

The SEAMEO Secretariat, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education of Thailand, convened the 34^th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting at the Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, from 17 to 19 January 2012. A total of 137 participants from 18 countries representing the 9 SEAMEO Member Countries, 5 Associate Members, 2 Affiliate Members, and 6 observer delegations attended the Meeting.

The Meeting concluded with the endorsement of the SEAMEO 10-Year Strategic Plan (2011/2020) and the five-year development plans of four SEAMEO Regional Centres, namely, SEAMEO RELC, SEAMEO RIHED, SEAMEO BIOTROP, and SEAMEO SPAFA. Progress reports were also presented on various existing projects and initiatives of the SEAMEO Member Countries, the SEAMEO Regional Centres, the SEAMEO Secretariat, and SEAMEO partners such as those that relate to Education For All, disaster risk reduction, and climate change. Proposals for greater collaboration on various priorities and concerns were also presented such as those by ICDE on distance and online learning, and UNICEF on Early Childhood Care and Education and Education for All.