The Academy of Dentistry International - Republic of the Philippines Section recently held its first face-to-face convocation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This event was significant, as it marked a return to inperson gatherings for the ADI-RP Section, which had been forced to adapt to virtual formats due to the pandemic. The convocation also saw the induction of a new set of officers and the formal welcome of new fellows into the academy, signifying a new chapter for the Academy and its members.
held last March 4, 2023 at the Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Academy was able to successfully conduct the convocation and banquet, which was a momentous occasion for its members.
The event was participated by some 70 attendees composed of fellows, active members and guests.
The traditional procession of fellows was led by Fellow VJ Ercia as the mace bearer; followed by our fellows and active members. At the tail end of the procession was our special guest of honor, Dr Jacob Park, the president of the Academy Of Dentistry International.
Joining President Park on stage were Philippines Regent Armin Segarra, ADI Philippines President Fellow Michelle Segarra, Membership Co-chairperson Fellow Ma. Cristina Garcia and ADI President-Elect Fellow Rochelle B. Javier. The parade of colors was carried out by the Ceremonial guards from the Honor, Escort and Ceremonial Group (HECG ).
The first part of the program saw the formal welcome of new fellows into the Academy. These five individuals are recognized for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields and their commitment to advancing knowledge in their areas of expertise.
The investiture of these ladies were witnessed by their family as they were also joined on stage by their sponsor while they received their key, rosette pin and certificate from ADI Secretary Fellow Iluminada Viloria and President Fellow Michelle Segarra.
As we congratulate these new fellows, we feel proud of their accomplishments and excited for their future. Represented by Fellow Marian Almyra “Pinky” Naranjilla, our new fellows are Dr. Penny Ng, Dr Alice Camacho, Dr Richa Marcos and Dr Cristine Valerio.
Former ADI Philippines President Fellow Ma. Rosario Damatac charged the fellows and Fellow Jocelyn “ Joji” Tan led the Fellowship Pledge.
Additionally, the convocation saw the formal presentation of seven new active members into the Academy. The ADI warmly welcomed Dr. Charles Sia, Dr
Laraine Andrada, Dr Liberty Rosales, Dr Elbert Solano, Dr Luigi Capati, Dr. Steve Bandaay and their batch representative Dr. Chris Paghubasan.
Laraine Andrada, Dr Liberty Rosales, Dr Elbert Solano, Dr Luigi Capati, Dr. Steve Bandaay and their batch representative Dr. Chris Paghubasan.
These new members represent a diverse range of disciplines. It is the duty of the more senior fellows to mentor the new members and to keep them motivated for their future endeavours and roles in the ADI.
After the (message) responses from the Active Members representative Dr Chris Paghubasan and from the New Fellows representative Dr. Pinky Naranjilla, outgoing ADI Philippines President Fellow Michelle Segarra gave her valedictory address.
She was then presented a Plaque Of Appreciation for her outstanding leadership and service for her term 2021-2023.
During the second part of the convocation, Fellow Ma. Rochelle B. Javier was inducted as the 24th President of the ADI-RP Section by Dr Jacob Park. This was followed by a formal transfer of authority and turnover of the ADI presidents’ medallion from the outgoing president.
A new set of officers were also officially inducted and welcomed into their new roles. These officers are tasked with leading the Academy and ensuring that it remains at the forefront of academic and professional excellence. The new President and her officers' leadership skills and expertise will be instrumental in guiding the Academy in the coming two years. The induction of new officers and investiture of new fellows is significant for the ADI, as it signifies a renewal of the organization's commitment to ensuring the legacy of fostering a culture of continuous learning, improvement and professional development.
The inaugural speech of the new president Fellow Javier focused on providing resources and support for continuing dental education especially to those whose practice is outside of Metro Manila. Also at the forefront of her plans is to seek global recognition by connecting with our neighbouring nations. She
emphasized heavily on the roles of each member and how our organization is only as strong as its members and their active participation.
By carefully planning and creating an inclusive and uplifting atmosphere, the ADI-RP Section hopes to establish partnerships with institutions, universities and specialty groups.
emphasized heavily on the roles of each member and how our organization is only as strong as its members and their active participation.
By carefully planning and creating an inclusive and uplifting atmosphere, the ADI-RP Section hopes to establish partnerships with institutions, universities and specialty groups.
The new officers and new fellows bring with them fresh perspectives and new ideas, which will help shape the Academy's future direction.
After a speech by the Special Guest of Honor Dr Jacob Park, the ceremony was capped by the solemn Benediction from Life Fellow Ermelinda S. Galang. Our skilled Master of Ceremonies, Fellow Christian Ermita formally announced the conclusion the ADI’s 46th Anniversary and 23rd Biennial Convocation. First time Marshall Fellow Jay Tabije accomplished his task masterfully in facilitating the seamless progression during the the ceremony.
After a speech by the Special Guest of Honor Dr Jacob Park, the ceremony was capped by the solemn Benediction from Life Fellow Ermelinda S. Galang. Our skilled Master of Ceremonies, Fellow Christian Ermita formally announced the conclusion the ADI’s 46th Anniversary and 23rd Biennial Convocation. First time Marshall Fellow Jay Tabije accomplished his task masterfully in facilitating the seamless progression during the the ceremony.
One of the highlights of the night was the inspirational message from special guest, Ms Sabrina Ongkiko. “Teacher Sab” has been teaching at the Culiat Elementary School in Quezon City for almost 13 years after giving up her dream of being a pediatrician in order to be of service to others. Ms Ongkiko has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognition from prestigious organizations and has been dubbed as QC’s transformative educator. She regaled the audience with her touching stories about her students and shared the lessons she learned from these experiences. Our Inspirational Speaker captured the hearts of our dentist- academicians; making the event more meaningful for all.
Ms Sabrina was later gifted with more than 200 brand new books for her students and for the Culiat library. These books were donated by CANVAS.ph ( Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development ) through the efforts of the ADI. CANVAS.ph is a non-profit organization that works with the creative community to promote children’s literacy through their One Million Books Campaign.
Ms Sabrina was later gifted with more than 200 brand new books for her students and for the Culiat library. These books were donated by CANVAS.ph ( Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development ) through the efforts of the ADI. CANVAS.ph is a non-profit organization that works with the creative community to promote children’s literacy through their One Million Books Campaign.
To our delight, Teacher Sab later informed us that she was able to share copies of the books to 3 satellite libraries of the QC Public Library and to some teachers in the provinces. This is indeed good news as the ADI is delighted to have contributed in their commitment to encouraging our Filipino children in changing the world through art and books.
Later that night, the attendees were also treated to an evening of sweet music from the vocal stylings of Dr Mia Fandialan of Beyond Dekadas, the better half of Fellow Jonathan Fandialan.
Performing classic ballads such as “What I Did for Love” from the musical A Chorus Line, to Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love” and “Inseparable” by Natalie Cole, Dr Mia and guitarist Dr. Randy Maghari kept our audience entertained throughout the banquet.
They were later joined by ADI’s own, Fellows Charlie Atienza and Christian Ermita who both rendered requested song numbers.
Overall, the Academy of Dentistry International- RP Section successfully celebrated an all- important milestone in its history. With the tireless efforts of the working committee members: Life Fellow Linda Galang, Fellows Christian Ermita, Cristina Laureta, Cristina Garcia, VJ Ercia, Jay Tabije, Alice Camacho, Grace Day and chairperson Rochelle Javier; the atmosphere of the event
reflected the significance of the occasion and left our fellows and active members feeling proud and motivated for their future endeavors.
reflected the significance of the occasion and left our fellows and active members feeling proud and motivated for their future endeavors.
The event also demonstrated that it is possible to adapt and carry out important activities even in challenging circumstances, sending a message of hope and resilience to all.