More than 350 women deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong received free dental care on Sunday, Oct. 26, during a one-day outreach organized by Mencius Lodge No. 93, the Manila Health Department Dentists Association and the Kababaihan Organization.
Fifteen volunteer dentists provided oral prophylaxis, tooth fillings, extractions and dentures to selected beneficiaries. The activity was the first comprehensive dental mission at CIW in several years, officials said.
“This place has always been close to my heart,” Department of Justice Undersecretary and Kababaihan supporter Atty. Margarita Gutierrez said. “For the first time in many years, we have comprehensive dental services with cleaning and dentures. We wanted this for so long. Now we have dentists willing to give their time and expertise.”
Kababaihan also distributed oral-hygiene kits containing toothbrushes and toothpaste donated by Lamoiyan Corporation, maker of Hapee Toothpaste.
Dr. Joan Carbonell, section chief of the Manila Health Department Dentists Association, said the group responded immediately when invited. “We’ve always wanted to serve correctional facilities and PDL institutions,” she said. “Usually, dental services are not prioritized in these settings, so we are more than willing to fill that gap whenever possible.”
Inside the facility, Dental Officer and Correction Technical Senior Inspector Christine Cenal called the mission a milestone. “Usually, tooth extraction is the only service we can render here,” she said. “Now, we have missions with filling, cleaning, and dentures. This is a big help for these women.”
Mencius Lodge No. 93 Worshipful Master Neil Makasiar said the outreach reflects the Masons’ commitment to community service. “Restoring someone’s teeth helps restore their confidence and improves their quality of life,” he said. “We are ready to return whenever needed.”
As the mission closed, Dr. Carbonell told beneficiaries: “We hope we are able to help these women in our own little way. It’s their right to have good health and a smile.” Gutierrez thanked the volunteers and partners, adding: “Each act of care, no matter how small, brings them closer to healing and hope. And that’s what true justice is about—restoring dignity.”
