Last July 24, 2025, the Sampaguita Room of The Manila Hotel was filled with pride, joy, and a deep sense of accomplishment as the graduation ceremony of the Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry (AEPD) took place. This year's event held even a greater significance as it coincided with the 29th anniversary of Pediatric Dentistry Center Philippines (PDCP), the institution that serves as the home of the AEPD residency training program.
This year, the AEPD residency training program produced six graduates. Batch 7 graduates include Dr. Shayne Celajes and Dr. Beatriz Fermina Tiangco-de Leon. Batch 8 graduates are composed of Dr. Disha Joyce Ancog, Dr. Fritz Allen Basa, Dr. Celine Marie de los Reyes, and Dr. Charilyn Vertudez.
Dr. Georgina Isabel Roa-Remulla, Director of the AEPD residency training program, welcomed distinguished guests that include Hon. Charito Zamora, Chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission; Dr. Jennie Wong, Medical Director of Fe del Mundo Medical Center; Dr. Marirose Eala, Chairman of the Philippine Board of Pediatric Dentistry (PBPD) and past president of Philippine Pediatric Dental Society, Inc. (PPDSI); Dr. Mayee Regudo-Almoro, board member of PBPD and past president of PPDSI; Dr. Carina Mabanta-de los Reyes, past president of PPDSI and diplomate of PBPD; and Dr. Arlene de la Cruz-Medina, current PPDSI president.
Dr. Remulla congratulated the graduates and reminded them that their mindset should be fueled by their curiosity. "It is that little push that makes you want to know more, to understand more. And in Pediatric Dentistry wherein each patient is unique and presents different challenges, curiosity is vital, not optional. Keep learning. Never stop asking. Keep making a difference in the lives of the children."
The honorable guest speaker, Atty. Charito Zamora, affirms the full support of the Professional Regulation (PRC) and the Professional Regulatory Board of Dentistry (PRB-DNT). She encouraged the graduates to be champions of equity and to be gentle warriors for every child whose smile needs restoring. "The next generation of Filipino children deserves to grow up in a country where smiling does not hurt, where disability is met with understanding, and where every health worker cares not only with skill, but with heart."
Dr. Tiangco-de Leon and Dr. Basa spoke on behalf of their batchmates, fondly recalling their colorful journey during their residency. They shared stories of joy, hope, despair, frustration, victory, and camaraderie. They formed lasting friendships and consider each other as family. The program is not for the faint of heart but they know that all their sacrifices and hard work were all worth it. They expressed their deep gratitude to the consultants and support staff, who guided and supported them in their training. They thanked their family and loved ones who encouraged them to power through during the most difficult moments of residency. And they gave hope to their junior residents that it can be done.
Dr. Fina Gupit-Lopez, Executive Director of PDCP, shared the humble beginnings of the center back in 1996. Dr. Soledad Navarro, founder of PDCP, started the center with gray walls and donated chairs. The center has developed into a multi-specialty center for children and patients with special health care needs. What started as a 6-month externship program has now evolved to the 2-year specialty program it is today. "After 29 years, the mission of PDCP has always remained the same: to uplift Pediatric Dentistry in the country so we can provide a dental home for Filipino children by first, providing excellent care to child patients, and second, producing competent dentists equipped with strong pediatric management skills to help address the alarming state of children's oral health nationwide.", she added.
What makes a PDC graduate different from the others? "A PDC graduate thinks of the patient first, of what will benefit the child the most." Dr. Lopez challenged the graduates, "So please, give your practice a purpose. Make a difference to your patients' lives. Let them remember you to be the compassionate and approachable dentist that you are. Volunteer if you can. And if teaching is in your path, we invite you to be part of the PDCP faculty to pay it forward. We are looking forward to what you can do. Make us proud. And again, congratulations to all of you!"
After the program, everyone gathered for a hearty lunch at Cafe Ilang-Ilang, where stories were shared among colleagues, mentors, guests and family. It was a fitting end to a memorable day. As the new AEPD graduates step into the next chapter of their careers, they carry with them not just the knowledge and skills they honed during their training, but also the assurance that PDCP will always be family and their second home.
