Dental home for moma chewers, IPs set in Abra

By Christian Allister Tubadeza

BANGUED, Abra – The Philippine Dental Association and National Commission on Indigenous People have established a dental facility here to cater to IPs especially those who are fond of chewing moma or betel but. 
    Many IPs in Abra and the Cordillera still practice “nganga” or chewing   betel nut (moma in local dialect) as a popular past time.  
    Moma users are mostly found in the municipalities of Tineg, Boliney, Tubo, Lacub, Malibcong, Luba, Sallapadan, Baay-Licuan, Bucloc and Daguioman.
    Dentists however have identified several harmful effects of betel nut chewing to the oral health of people who are practicing it.
    Because of this, the Philippine Dental Association-Abra Chapter led by Dr. Ramarie F. Dickson and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Abra headed by director Genesis Quiblado recently opened a dental facility for IPs in the province.
    This PDA-Abra initiative under its  "Say Nganga 2020-2021 Project" aims to improve behavior and safeguard oral health of IPs from possible harmful effects of betel nut chewing. 
    With this facility, IPs around the province can   avail of dental services   for free.    
    PDA-Abra and NCIP-Abra are set to hold information campaigns among Tingguians about oral health care and betel nut chewing.    
    “We thank the PDA and all our partners and stakeholders in achieving one common goal, which is to render professional oral care for our fellow IPs around the province,” Quiblado said.
    The project is supported by   Provincial IP Mandatory Representative Romero Daoaten and the other stakeholders and partners of PDA Abra. – PIA Abra