BORONGAN CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) - More than 600 Boronganons run for oral health.

Runners woke up as early as 4 a.m. to join the 10K, 5K and 1K run that started around 5 a.m. of February 22.

In her opening statement, Katrina Anacta-Sadac, president of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) - Eastern Samar Chapter, said that the DOH takes dental caries very seriously.

Oral health is related to systemic health, said PDA National President Dr. Stephen Almonte.

He said that 77 percent of Filipinos have not seen dentist in their lives.

"Seventy two percent have dental caries, it is a non-communicable disease, still it causes absenteeism in school and in work, that is why, we advocate for oral health."

"Very clear ang message natin Tooth decay hindi ok, sugar away iwas tooth decay."

The reduction of sugar is important not just to reduce caries prevalence but also to avoid the risk of other systemic diseases, Almonte said.

Almonte said that in the entire Philippines there are only 18 thousand dentists.

"With 110M Filipinos hindi ho namin kayang gamutin ang ngipin ninyo," he added.

He then asked the runners gathered to observe the "7 Gabay sa Tamang Pagsesepilyo" as an effective tool to avoid tooth decay.

"Our voice is one in saying tooth decay not okay and sugar away iwas tooth decay."

The first 10 winners in the 1K, 5K and 10K run were all recognized and given awards.

Jordan Bacong received the first prize award in the male 10K run while Rowela Barcelon got the first in the female 10K run.

Special awards were given to the oldest runner David Tejero, 65; the youngest Loanne Barte, 2 years old; family runners, the Ambida family with 5 members; and the Borongan Sirak Runners as the Barkada runners.

The Bureau of Fire Protection provided the bubbles that gave so much fun to the children runners. (nbq/PIA 8-E. Samar)