MANILA, Philippines — Colgate-Palmolive Philippines convened the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), Department of Education (DepEd), major retail partners, service providers, and industry leaders on March 18, 2026, at Shangri-La The Fort to kick off its 100th year celebration in the country. The event recognized the extensive collaboration needed to achieve a shared milestone of 55 million oral health kits distributed to school children as of 2025, reaching thousands of public schools and communities across the Philippines.
However, the work does not end there. Colgate-Palmolive announced its commitment to doubling its impact in the next ten years by delivering 100 million oral health kits to Filipino children by 2035. With 7 out of 10 Filipinos, or 72% of the population, suffering from dental caries according to the PDA, it is imperative to broaden access to oral health programs and teach people from a young age how to take care of their teeth and gums.
During the event, global and local Colgate-Palmolive leaders, as well as representatives from the PDA and DepEd, shared insights into the long-standing Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) program, which provides free dental screenings and oral health education to children worldwide.
Angel Qi, senior vice president and general manager of Colgate-Palmolive Philippines, said: “If our first century was about building the foundation, our next century must be about deepening our impact. We are pledging to move faster and reach further to double our social impact. This 100 million commitment is more than a number; it is a renewal of our pact with the Filipino people, and our way of honoring the trust built over the last hundred years.”
Noel Wallace, chairman and CEO of Colgate-Palmolive, said: “We are proud to share that, with the support of our partners, we have reached 2 billion children and their families in over 100 countries through our Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program. The Philippines has been an important market for us in helping advance Colgate’s global goals of extending oral health initiatives to more communities and schools.”
The BSBF program in the Philippines is made possible through Colgate’s long-standing partnership with the Philippine Dental Association and the Department of Education. The initiative is now expanding its reach to provide 100 million kits by 2035 through the support of new partners, including the SM Foundation, Watsons’ Alagang Pangkalusugan Medical Mission, Puregold’s Pusong Panalo program, and World Vision in partnership with Robinsons.
Dr. Lucilo “Jun” Niñal, Jr., president of the Philippine Dental Association, said: “Together, we have reached Filipinos across the nation from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, through meaningful initiatives with hope, care, and dignity.”
Edith Marquez-Reyes, vice president for marketing of Colgate-Palmolive Philippines, said: “Each of you reaches communities Colgate cannot reach alone. But together, our reach grows exponentially. 100 million oral health kits mean 100 million chances to build healthier habits, 100 million opportunities for prevention, and 100 million smiles shaping brighter futures for Filipino families.”
In its 100th year, Colgate-Palmolive reaffirms its dedication to reimagining a healthier future for all, extending beyond essential health & hygiene products by uplifting communities on the ground with programs like BSBF.
