ADI- RP Section
46th Anniversary and 23rd Biennial Convocation
March 4, 2023 The Richmonde Hotel Ortigas
Dr Jacob Park, ADI President . ADI Philippines Regent Armin Segarra, President Fellow Michelle Segarra, Membership co Chair Fellow Cris Garcia, to my dear esteemed fellows and members of the ADI, special guests. family and friends, good evening.
An ADI Fellowship is a distinctive honor bestowed upon dentists who have contributed to society in one or more ways. such as service to the profession, public, country, community and mankind. This is found in the website of the ADI.
In my many years in the ADI as a fellow and officer, I ask myself, “have I contributed enough to afford me this honor”?
I realize that the answer is not a straightforward one. I know that I have worked hard, dedicated my time, energy as well as my creativity for the profession and for the ADI.
I also do realize that, since I am given this opportunity to lead the organization in the next 2 years, I would like to give it my all for the profession and for the organization. Like all of you, I am truly grateful for the legacy we have received from our past leaders and the values that have shaped us. At the same time, I believe that for the organization to be relevant in an ever-changing landscape, we take up the challenge to adopt new ways of thinking, new methods and therefore INNOVATE.
Our organization, the ADI - Rp Section was founded with the aim of expanding continuing dental education to make a positive impact in our society. With continuing education we equip ourselves with new knowledge, innovative skills and the grit to achieve our goals.
For this, the ADI-RP Section is committed to providing resources and support for continuing dental education especially to the faculty who are instrumental in molding our future dentists. We envision conducting workshops or short courses, that will equip our dentists with the knowledge and skills, at the same time establishing partnership with universities and specialty groups. Particular focus will be to reach out to our fellow dentists and faculty whose practice is in outside of Metro Manila, also providing them with learning opportunities. We shall provide opportunities for networking and collaboration, enabling our members to connect with others who share the same interests and goals.
We are blessed to have amongst us the incumbent president of the APO, as well as the president elect; the incumbent president of the Philippine Society of Periodontology, the incoming president of the ICD, and the incoming president of the Orofacial Pain Association Philippines. And we should not forget to mention the past presidents of the various specialty organizations. Within our group also are current Deans and associate deans of recognized dental schools.
We are a collection of mindful leaders, dedicated educators and devout researchers.
Capitalizing on this advantage, the ADI Philippines endeavors to share the stage with our international counterparts, considering that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and opportunities for growth and advancement are available to all, including the developing countries like the Philippines. I’d like to say that we are ready to embark on a new journey towards global recognition.
However, this is not an easy task at all. This requires careful planning, hard work and concerted efforts from us all. I want to emphasize that your participation is crucial to our success. We are all called to share our unique talents, constructively express our ideas as we clearly shape our organization’s future.
With the many exciting initiatives and projects planned for the term, I hope to be able to do all these with the able support of those that came before me, those whose shoulders I stand on. Tonight, I feel blessed that I get to share the stage with these fellows who were instrumental in paving this path that I am taking now: Fellow Jocelyn Tan who recognized my leadership skills some 7 years ago; Fellow Ian Ermita who encouraged and gave me his full trust as a PRO under his term at the UPDAA; Fellow Cristy Laureta who was my constant guide before and during my term at the UPDAA; Fellows Michelle and Armin Segarra who were my sponsors; Life Fellow Linda Galang who has generously given her precious time for the ADI and has proven to be a GEM as she diligently replied to my incessant questions, the ever supportive Fellow Cris Garcia and to Fellow Chico Damatac who discovered my potential as early as when I was her pre-clinical student; and was my patient adviser through all these years.
Thank you for nurturing and mentoring me.
Moving forward,
As your president, I also speak in behalf of the newly elected officers, who welcome the opportunity to serve as well.
With them, I promise to do my utmost, to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, listen to your feedback and suggestions, and work tirelessly to advance our shared goals and values.
I would like to take this opportunity to encourage each and every one of you to be actively engaged in our organization.
As we all know, our organization is only as strong as its members. It is the dedication and commitment of each individual that makes us successful.
Whether you are a new fellow, or a long-time member, I invite you to get involved and make a difference. So, whether it's attending events, volunteering your time, sharing your expertise, or simply engaging with your fellow members, I encourage you to take an active role in our organization.
To our new set of fellows, Congratulations We expect great things. And to this diverse group of new members, We look forward to an active participation this early. To my fellow officers, it will be a unique privilege for me to work with all of you as I assure myself that with your experience and wisdom it will be a smooth ride to learn with you. Beyond leading the team, I am more thrilled for the chance to learn from each of you. Our collective effort and dedication, can bring us to succeed in our mission; and to go global. Together, let's make this organization the best it can be. I believe that we can achieve great things and make a meaningful difference in the world.
To the members of the Convocation Committee, thank you for the tireless efforts in mounting this event.
I also ask the body to pray for me and the officers, now the caretakers of the organization; that we be guided by God at all times in our decision-making.
As a final thought, Let me leave you with this….
“You don’t change the world with the ideas in your mind, but with the conviction in your heart.”
Thank you.
Fellow Rochelle Javier