This is the first time in the history of the Association of Philippine Orthodontists and the Philippine Board of Orthodontics that the induction ceremony is held virtually. The health crisis and economic difficulties that we are facing do not stop us from moving forward.  As long as we give our best efforts and we believe in ourselves, with God’s help, together we continue to soar high!

It has been a great 2 years to have served as Chair of the Philippine Board of Orthodontics. The task of the PBO leadership has been rewarding and challenging at the same time.

It has been rewarding to work with the people I love and respect. I sincerely thank all the Diplomates especially the officers and committee chairs for their untiring support and sacrifice in achieving the objectives of the board. Allow me to single out Dr. Cathy Juliano for her dedicated service as PBO secretary and my best friend of many years.

Meeting the global standards is the challenging part. The APO and the PBO were tasked to create Level Alignment Matrix (LAM) between Fellows ( Level 7) and Diplomates ( Level 8) Qualification Outcomes. This is done in compliance to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Act of 2016 mandating the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Professional Regulatory Boards (PRB’s) to formulate and implement a Career Progression and Specialization Program for every profession. The goal is to enhance and upgrade the competencies and qualifications of Specialists pursuant to the Philippine Qualification Framework (PQF), the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) and the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements (ASEAN MRAs). Starting May 20, 2021, our PQF levels will be indicated in our PRC cards. To comply with the ASEAN Dental Practice Standards , PBO also updated the Standard of Practice in Orthodontics.

As the PBO is working closely with the PRBOD, the Implementing Rules and Regulations on Preceptorship Programs in Orthodontics will soon be effective. We find the need to align the present guidelines on preceptorship programs with the Dental Laws to further strengthen the regulation, supervision, and monitoring of accredited training institutions, DOH accredited hospitals and universities
offering Preceptorship Programs in Orthodontics.

The PBO plays an active part of the 15 member Committee on National and Regional Orthodontic Certifying Board of the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) since 2007. The PBO advocates the implementation of the WFO Guidelines on Postgraduate Orthodontic Education to adhere to worldwide standards. We are all proud that the PBO stood at par with its counterparts globally.

As I pass on the medallion to a new leadership, allow me to congratulate the APO new members , 20 associate and 2 active members and let them inspire others to take the examinations. I embolden all orthodontists who are not yet part of the PBO to take the challenge and be board certified. The PBO is committed to maintaining the highest standard of excellence in Orthodontics as we rise to our greatest
potentials. I encourage all the universities with orthodontic programs to be PBO-Accredited,. I wish our new PBO Chair, Dr. Rachel Lim, all the best in continuing the selfless dedication of all the members of the board. Let us all give her and the new executive council our support.

Feci quod potui, faciant meliora potentes.

I have done what I could; let those who can do more.

Once again, thank you and good evening