The 2024 PBPD Induction and Conferment Ceremony was held last July 8, 2024 at The Illustrado Restaurant in Intramuros, Manila. It is a well-known venue featuring traditional Filipino cuisine served in an old-school, Spanish-style venue with antique decor. Starting off the day-long affair was the traditional photoshoot with a Filipiniana theme complementing the old Manila charm of Intramuros.
This year's Induction and Conferment Ceremony invited Dr. Lourdes Caparas, former chairman and founding member of the PBPD as the inducting officer. She officiated the oath taking of the renewing board of trustees for 2024-2026 and induction of the new diplomate. The trustees for 2024-2026 of the PBPD are:
- Dr. Maria Rosario Eala – Chairman
- Dr. Maria Margarita Almoro – Secretary
- Dr. Mariza Custodio – Treasurer
- Dr. Bernadette Kamantigue – Trustee
- Dr. Eric Hernandez – Trustee
This year's event was made more memorable with the induction of Dr. Jasper Tago as the newest Diplomate of the PBPD, making him the 13th pediatric dentist to be included in the Diplomate Roster. Witnessing this momentous occasion were his parents, guests and diplomates of the PBPD. As chairman of the PBPD, Dr. Eala welcomed Dr. Tago into the PBPD circle and it is hoped that the learnings from the diplomate exam exercises which Dr. Tago accomplished be integrated in his practice and in the academic environment in which he is involved in. The PBPD diplomates also welcome Dr. Tago's active and enthusiastic participation in the PBPD.
Capping off this year's Induction program is the keynote address of the very accomplished child health specialist and pediatrician, Anthony P. Calibo, MD, DPPS. He shared epidemiological and biostatistics data on the pediatric oral health conditions in the Philippines and challenged the diplomates to contribute to the improvement of these conditions by exploring partnerships with DOH, DILG, DOF, local LGU's, city school and health boards and local medical and dental societies. Ending his insightful address, he quoted Dr. Tedros ... Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Director-General of the World Health Organization … "There is no health without oral health". This statement reiterates the importance of good oral health at any stage and starts in the 1st 1,000 days of life.
Following the keynote address, a Level III Accreditation was then awarded to the Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Georgina Remulla, Director of the Pediatric Dentistry Center, received the certificate. This is the first time that a Level III Accreditation was awarded and is valid from April 15, 2024 to April 15, 2027.
In between the Induction Ceremony and General Assembly, a sumptuous lunch was served for all the guests and diplomates to enjoy the traditional Filipino cuisine of Illustrado.
The 28th PBPD General Assembly with quorum present was opened by Dr. Ma. Rosario R. Eala … "I extend a very warm welcome to you, my dear colleagues, to our 28th General Assembly. Our annual meeting is an opportunity for all diplomate members to be apprised on what is happening with your organization, any pertinent changes that we need to be aware of, and opportunities for each of us to contribute to our plans and projects. Let me thank the PBPD board members who work tirelessly to keep our organization going: Our indefatigable and very organized secretary, Dr. Mayee Almoro, our conscientious and meticulous treasurer Dr. Riza Custodio, and Drs. Eric Hernandez and Dinty Kamantigue, our very diligent board members".
The general assembly proceeded with annual reports given by the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. Committee chairpersons also shared their respective reports for the information of all the diplomates. This general assembly ended with toasting to the future of PBPD! Cheers!
