Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by: Joseph A. Bautista

“Our 109th year, I would like to believe, was filled with blessings,” remarked Dr. Michelle S. Segarra, Dean of the University of the Philippines College of Dentistry (UPCD), during her address at the opening of the college’s 109th Foundation Week on February 5, 2024.

Dr. Segarra took the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of UPCD during the past year, such as winning as back-to-back champions in the UP Manila’s cheer dance competitions and in the first-ever UP Manila’s Got Talent. She highlighted the outstanding performance of UPCD graduates, almost sweeping the top 10 spots in the recent dentistry licensure exam.

She also expressed gratitude for the support and teamwork of various people and organizations that led to the following milestones: the inauguration of the Center for Oral Health on the fourth floor of the UPCD building that will house advanced Continuing Dental Education (CDE) courses and for treatment of complex cases; improvements in facilities such as renovation of the faculty lounge; purchase of new compressors; an increase in student and faculty exchange activities, and the full implementation of patient care-based clinical training after the pandemic.

The generous donation of 96 brand-new student lockers made by the UPCD Class of 1996 was also highlighted in the program. The UPCD official also shared the department’s future plans, including the establishment of a museum for Dr. Luz Macapanpan on the fourth floor, and announced the availability of new Continuing Dental Education courses: complete denture prosthodontics by the Prosthodontics Section, Sleep Apnea, Preventive Dentistry, and the 1-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Certificate Course.

She also mentioned initiatives in the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) and a newly-formed collaboration with Global Green and Healthy Hospitals and Healthcare Without Harm for two projects: Energy Cost Reduction and Waste Audit. Aside from these, revisions to the MSD Orthodontics curriculum are also in the pipeline.

“Malayo pa pero malayo na. So let us continue rolling our sleeves and work together. Mabuhay ang UP College of Dentistry,” said Dean Segarra.

Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Dr. Johanna Patricia A. Cañal commended the college’s longevity, persistence, resilience, and brilliance over its 109 years. She announced plans to purchase 38 more dental chairs, with the funds being applied from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the allocation of funds for 15 million pesos worth of dental equipment from the unused Undergraduate Tuition Fee Increment (UGTFI) of the College of Dentistry in 2023.

Meanwhile, Human Resource Development Office Director Michael Antonio F. Mendoza reminisced about the challenges and triumphs during their years at UPCD. Hailing from the UPCD Class of 1999 Jubilarians, Mendoza urged everyone to embrace the spirit of camaraderie and celebrate the 109th Foundation of UP College of Dentistry.