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THE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF DENTISTS – PHILIPPINE SECTION: IN RETROSPECT

The International College of Dentists is an eminent honorary organization of the World’s outstanding dentists, who by their action have demonstrated an abiding interest and concern for their profession. Its mission in general is to foster international understanding and fellowship through the promotion and advancement of the science and art of dentistry, in the interest of improved oral and general health for all people.

Dr. Tsurukichi Okumura

It was in November 1920; Dr. Ottofy passed Japan on his way back to USA after 23 years stay in the Philippines. At a farewell party given to honor Dr. Louis Ottofy in Tokyo, Japan that he broached the idea of establishing the International College of Dentists (ICD) with Dr. Tsurukichi Okumura. His impassioned speech exhorted his colleagues to “keep learning what progress our profession is making in all parts of the world.” The ICD, Philippines Section Inc. accepted this challenge and committed to carry on the vision and mission exhorted by Dr. Ottofy with the hope to learn, with the hope to give too, its share to the dentists, the patients, the country and the profession. Dr. Eladio R. Aldecoa was the first Filipino ICD Fellow recorded in the 1928 roster of its members, verified by the letter from the Secretary General, Franklin M. Kenward dated 29 April, 1976. He was a former Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, University of the Philippines, School of Dentistry. In later years, Dr. Aldecoa would found a dental school, the College of Oral and Dental Surgery.

The ICD organization, however did not enter the local scene as a recognized association of dentist until 1940, when Dr. Bienvenido B. Eraña was elected as Fellow. He was designated as Regent of ICD Section 30 which included Guam (to be known later as Philippines.Section). It was through Bienvenido B. Eraña’s effort that the Section grew in stature and gained world recognition as a militant and potent organization. From 1940  1946, more Filipinos received honors of election to ICD Fellowship. Among the first was Dr. Gervasio M. Eraña, the illustrious father of Bienvenido B. “Totti” Eraña. The former is fondly remembered as the “Dean of Filipino Dentists”. Some called him the “Grand Old Man of Philippines Dentistry.” He took over the Regency of the ICD Section 30, from his son in 1946 and served until 1965. He worked hard to perpetuate the good name of ICD in the Far East. Dr. Gervasio M. Eraña led the victorious fight to prevent the so called “Dental Schools” from selling diplomas and licenses to practice Dentistry to anyone who had money to pay them. He urged reforms in the Board of Dentistry, and worked to grant the Board more control in regulating and raising the standard of Dentistry in the Philippines.

The contributions of both the father and the son to the dental profession were recognized when they were elected by the College-at-Large to the degree of Master of ICD. Among the early pioneers of the Section were: Drs. Genaro B. Felizardo, Secretary of the College of Dentistry, University of the Philippines and later, Dean of the College of  Dentistry, University of the East and President of the Philippines Dental Association; Miguel R. Fernandez, the first Chief of Dental Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines; Felipe L. Liwanag, who rose to become President of the ICD, Philippines Section , Inc., Executive Councilman and later elected to Master  by his Section; Agustin L. Zarate, past President of the Philippines Dental Association and Chief of the AFP Dental  Service and Germanico A. Carreon, Editor and President of the Philippines Dental Association. He was elected as provincial Vice Governor and for many years held the post of Mayor of Dapitan City in Mindanao Island, Southern Philippines.

Section 30 gained autonomy in 1966. The Charter granting the autonomy was formally presented by Dr. R. Gordon Agnew, a member of the Executive Council and Professor Emeritus of the University of California, during the 20 May 1966 meeting of the Philippines Dental Association. Since then, Section 30 have been called the Philippine Section of the International College of Dentists.

The objectives of the Philippines Section parallel those of the mother organization. It recognizes conspicuous and meritorious service to the profession cultivates/fosters cordial relations among health service professionals; endeavors to unite outstanding members of the profession for the purpose of advancing the frontiers of knowledge with regards to dentistry. It works towards the progress of dentistry through cooperative endeavors among individual dentists and dental organizations; propagates ethical practices, perpetuates the history of dentistry, helps in elevating the standard of dental education; encourages postgraduate studies and continuing education programs and helps maintain the dignity of the profession of dentistry.

The Charter officers/directors of the Philippines Section after attaining it’s autonomous status on May 20, 1966 were:

Agustin L. Zarate  President
Felipe L. Liwanag  Vice President
Francisco M. Herbosa  Secretary
Luz C. Macapanpan  Treasurer
Dominador G. Santos  Director
Agaton A. Ursua  Director
Gervacio M. Carreon  Director

Dr. Colonel Zarate served until 1968 and the following term 1968  1969, Bienvenido B. Eraña was elected President. He served for three (3) terms until 1971, where he was elected President of the College-at-Large, the highest electoral position a Fellow could have. He was the first Filipino dentist outside of Europe and USA ever elected as President of ICD-at- Large and as Councilman of Federation Dentaire International.
Dr. Bienvenido B. Eraña gave honor and prestige to the dental profession in the Philippines and our nation itself. He was serving both ICD Philippines Section Inc. and the College-at-Large as President when he passed away in 1971. The College-at-Large held a memorial service in his honor at the University of Pacific, School of Dentistry, and San Francisco California U.S.A. on September 14, 1971.  Dr. Felipe Liwanag was elected President of ICD, Philippines Section in 1971 and served until 1973.

It was during the term of Dr. Felipe Liwanag Sr. that the idea to have the ICD Philippines Section be registered in the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission. Past records of the organization showed that on September 28, 1971. Dr. Felipe Liwanag Sr. and Dr. Sofronio P. San Juan, President and Secretary respectively of ICD, Philippines Section Inc., represented the organization’s application for Incorporation. They submitted all the SEC’s requirements which were duly verified by Rafael S. Medina, Notary Public entered in Document # 50; page 12; Book # 4, Series 1971. Approval of the application for SEC’s registration however, did not materialize immediately.

Dr. Dominador G. Santos Sr. who succeeded the post of ICD President after Dr. Felipe Liwanag Sr. followed up the application for SEC’s registration which was initiated by the past administration. On July 10, 1973, Dr. Amado S. Veloira, Secretary of the Organization, submitted the “Modus Operandi” or detailed explanation as to how the Association will carry it’s objectives, in compliance with additional requirements for SEC’s registration. Included with the said documents was the Secretary’s Certification that the “Modus Operandi” was approved and unanimously passed during the ICD, Philippines Section’s Board of Director’s Meeting, held on June 23, 1973 at the Eugene’s Restaurant, Cubao, Quezon City. The Secretary’s Certificate was duly notorized by
Arturo C. Carbonell, entered in Document 20, page 5, Book # 5, Series 1973.

Forty one days after the submission of the “Modus Operandi” of the Association, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commissioner, Arcadio E. Yabyabin affixed his signature on the document of Incorporation of the ICD, Philippines Section Inc., with Registration No. 52443. It was August 21, 1973. Dr. Dominador G. Santos Sr. served as President of ICD, Philippines Section for five (5) terms (1973  1978). It was during his term that the First Asian Pacific Regional Conference of ICD was held in the Philippines on February 7  8, 1977 with the Secretary General of the Organization, Dr. Kenward as Guest.

Dr. Francisco Herbosa took over the presidency of ICD, Philippines Section in 1978  1979. Under his stewardship several continuing education seminars were sponsored by ICD to update clinicians of the state of the art and science in Dentistry. An ongoing project initiated in 1975 up to the present is the “ICD most Outstanding Student Award.” This is awarded annually to a senior student/s that has shown outstanding performance on both didactic and clinical aspects during the four (4) year dental course proper. The award consists of an ICD gold medal and one year free membership in the Philippine Dental Association. Another project which is still being pursued by the Section is the Bienvenido B. Eraña Memorial Foundation with one of it’s objectives to perpetuate the memory of Bienvenido B. “Totti” Eraña. It also envisions the construction of it’s own building or a place within the PDA complex. The place will house a library and a museum to keep it’s history for posterity. Scholarship to deserving students to take up dentistry and graduates to pursue postgraduate and graduate studies is also contemplated in the foundation’s objectives.

The ICD, Philippines Section has undertaken various projects and still is carrying on uplifting the profession. But the writing of a book “History of Dentistry in the Philippines” by Gonzalo S. Robles, which materialized in 1968, was undoubtedly an ACCOMPLISHMENT in capital letters. However, the “History” should continuously be recorded and thus needs updating, a challenge for the Fellows to take on.

ICD, Philippines Section believes that the leadership training and development should start from the classroom level. A dental library with a good collection of reading materials is must for every dental college. In line with this, belief ICD, Philippines Section launched “Operations Outreach” during the term of Dr. Sofronio P. San Juan (1979  1980) as its President. It was an active campaign to solicit dental reading materials in U.S., professional libraries, ICD chapters, various publishing companies, individuals and the likes to be donated to the Dental Schools/Colleges in the Philippines. Its primary aim was to augment the books, journals collection etc of the various institutions which hones and takes charge of educating the future dentists of the country. The response to the solicitation of the ICD, Philippines Section was very encouraging. The first recipient of the “Operations Outreach” was the University of the Philippines College of Dentistry Library and the subsequent deliveries, distributed to the other   dental schools/colleges namely:  Ago Dental College, University of Baguio, Centro Escolar University, Davao Foundation, De Ocampo Memorial Colleges, Lyceum Northwestern Colleges, Manila Central University, National University, Southwestern University, University of the East, Unciano Paramedical Colleges.

On May 10  11, 1980 the ICD, Philippines Section held it’s Annual Convention and the Bienvenido B. Eraña Memorial Lecture at Holiday Inn which highlighted the turning over the authority from outgoing President, Dr. Sofronio P. San Juan to the incoming President, Dr. Antonio Salcedo. It also honored Col. Agustin Zarate, the Charter President of the Section, with Dr. Louis Otoffy Award and Attendance of Dr. George Selfridge, President of the College-at-Large as the convocations guest speaker. It was also in 1980 that ICD, Philippines Section created it’s Dental Health Foundation, a semi  autonomous body empowered to raise funds and undertake projects sanctioned by the section in partnership with PRC under an agreement “Project Smile.”  The projects head was Dr. Blanche C. Barbers appointed by the then ICD President Dr. Antonio Salcedo. This project was a community-oriented service program on oral health for school children in Metro Manila. Phil.Refining Co. as ICD, Philippines Section’s partner donated the “Smile Bus” which was used to visit schools bringing oral care service and educating them on proper oral hygiene. This started the five (5) years Preventive Dentistry Program of  PICD Dental Health Foundation .Strategies designed to implement the foregoing included The Smile Bus, Smile Club, Smile Squad, Smile Awards, PuppetShow,  and etc. The enthusiasm of the organization to make a difference led to its involvement in initiating a Faculty Development Program geared to improve the teaching and learning process in Dentistry. They invited experts on curriculum revisions and effective instructional design who conducted workshops among faculty members of the various dental colleges in the Philippines.

When Dr. Salvador E. Escarte assumed the Presidency of the ICD, Philippines Section (1981  1982), he continued the Faculty Development Program initiated by his predecessors. Student Evaluation, teaching Methods/Strategies and the likes were workshops sponsored by the section for dental faculty representatives of various teaching institutions in the country. The ICD, Philippines Section’s Newsletter was also launched.

The succeeding presidents, Dr. Primo E. Gonzales (1982  1983); Dr. Felipe D. Galvan (1983  1984); Dr. Rodolfo F. Lamug (1984  1985) pursued the Section’s Projects on Faculty Development Program and Preventive Dentistry Program. Series of Seminars were conducted to strengthen the Faculty of the different Dental Schools. Major stockholders were tapped by ICD Philippines Section to successfully implement it’s Preventive Dentistry Program. Favorable responses were obtained from the Philippine Refining Company, the UP Institute of Public Health, and the National Production Center of the Philippines. On September 5, 1984, a new and bigger “Smile Bus” was donated by the Philippine Refining Company. This was it’s second vehicle. They have donated to the PICD Dental Health Foundation together with the Fifty Thousand pesos (P50, 000.00) cash. It was also in November, 1984 that ICD Philippines Section launched the Ladrido Memorial Lectures in cooperation with the Ladrido Family. This is to perpetuate the memory of Dr. Ricardo Ladrido, known as the Father of Dental Laws in the Philippines. Worth noting was the honor brought by Fellow Ruben C. Navia and Fellow Primo Gonzales to the organization. The former was elected Vice President of the Asian Dental Federation in 1984 and was re-elected to the same post in 1985. The latter was elected Vice President of the ICD at Large in 1984 after making his mark as member of the International Council in 1976  1978; and 1982.

It was in 1985 that Fellow Rufino N. Achacoso commissioned Fellow Luz C. Macapanpan to compose a “Hymn for the ICD Philippines Section. By March 19, 1985 the ICD Hymn, words and music written by Dr. Luz C. Macapanpan and arranged by Prof. Eduardo G. Parungao was presented to the membership of the organization. It was first sung in May, 1985 during the induction of Fellow Rufino N. Achacoso as President (1985  1986). Highlighted during this year was the collation of the ICD Philippines Section’s Dental Health Foundation’s five (5) years Preventive Dentistry Program’s result. The Section worked in cooperation with the Manila Health Department who collected the baseline data for the Flouride Rinse Project among six (6) year old Grade I children in Manila in 1982. Projected achievement data was expected by the end of 1986 to see any change in the picture of carries incidence among the subjects. An “In Depth Curriculum Planning and instructional Design” were planned to be offered for Faculty Development Program. It was also in 1985 that Fellow Primo E. Gonzales duplicated the feat of Fellow Bienvenido B, Eraña as the 2nd Filipino to be installed as president of the College-at-Large in November, 1985, held in San Francisco, California. He assumed the post of the President, January 1986  January 1987, adding another laurel to ICD Philippine Section.

Succeeding Dr. Rufino N. Achacoso, as the 13th President of ICD Philippine Section was Fellow Juan E. Quejada (1986  1987). Nineteen eighty six (1986) was a very busy year for ICD Philippine Section, playing the vital role of organizing the 74th  World Dental Congress of FDI held in Manila, November 9  15, 1986. The Fellowship of ICD Philippine Section took charge with Dr. Primo Gonzales, Dr. Ruben C. Navia and Dr. Diampo Lim as Chair and Deputy Chairmen respectively. Dr. Sofronio P. San Juan was Secretary General and Dr. Amado Veloira was Treasurer and the Executive Committee. At the same time, Fellows Luz C. Macapanpan and Juan E. Quejada served as honorary Chairman and Chairman, respectively of the Scientific Program Sub-Committee.

Key personalities of the College-at-Large were in attendance in the 74th World Dental Congress held in Manila. One of them was ICD Secretary  General, Franklin Kenward who took time to attend the Quartely Meeting of ICD Philippines Section in 1986. He was so impressed by the conduct of the meeting using ceremonial bell. The ICD Philippine Section’s leadership at that time took it’s cue and presented a nine (9) inch diameter ceremonial bell to the ICD President-at-Large, James Ridlen as a gift from the Philippines Section.

The hectic major dental activities which pre  occupied the members of ICD Philippine Section Inc. in 1986  1987 were accomplished with resounding success. Its organizational skill made a mark among its Fellows around the world.

Imbued with the sense to be of service to the profession and the nation,  the succeeding five (5) administrations designed its yearly agenda with renewed enthusiasm. Fellow Amado S. Veloira and Vilma T. Almacen who were elected president of ICD Philippines Section Inc. for 1987  1988 and for 1988  1989 respectively, pursued the Program for Self  Development of its membership. Lectures and workshops were conducted focused not only to further the diagnostic and clinical skills but also to re-orient everyone regarding professionalism. For the record, Fellow Vilma T. Almacen was the first Lady President of the Organization.

In May 1989, Fellow Ruben C. Navia was installed as President of ICD Philippines Section Inc. (1989  1990) and was followed by Avelino A. Macasaet for 1990  1991. Both were respected by the Academic Community. The former having been Dean of College of Dentistry, MCU and the latter Dean of UP Manila, College of Dentistry respectively. Their administration’s highlights were centered on the Faculty Development Program.

The next leadership (1991  1992) was entrusted by the Organization to Fellow Gregorio Y. Rodriguez. He was installed President of ICD Phil. Section Inc. in May 1991. He lead the membership with enthusiasm focused on Community Outreach Programs aimed to empower the community in improving its oral health. The busy schedule of the organization during the mid-term of President Rodriguez was marred by his unexpected health problem. He transferred the authority to lead the organization to the then, Vice-President, Fellow Diampo Lim.

After the shared responsibility of fellows Gregorio Rodriguez and Diampo Lim serving for the post of the president 1991  1992, due to health reason of Fellow Gregorio Y. Rodriguez, Fellow Ernesto R. Vizcarra took reins of the ICD Phil. Section as its 19th President (1992  1993). He was installed in office on May 17, 1992 at Maynila, Manila Hotel. His administration reported the following accomplishments:

1. Printed the first ICD Phil. Section Handbook including an updated Directory of Members; introduced a “Fellowship Hour” as part of every Quarterly Meetings for better communication and bonding among the Fellows.
2. Boosted the organization’s finances due to improved collections of dues and substantial donations from “Friends of ICD Phil. Section.”
3. The revival of the Faculty Development Program with an “Instructional Design Workshop” held on April 17, 1993 at MCU College of Dentistry, plus a scholarship awarded to Dr. Ontario Olivar to pursue diploma in Dental Public Health at the U.P. College of Public Health from the Bienvenido B. Eraña Memorial fund.
4. Amendments were made on the ICD Philippine Section Bylaws re: composition and tenure of office of the Evaluation Committee as well as to the percentage of negative votes for disqualification of a candidate to Fellowship.

Totally engrossed with a lot of activities, 1992  1993 found the ICD Fellows involved as organizers/participants in Dental Conventions locally and internationally, unaware of the passing of time

May 16, 1993 ushered the change of guard of ICD Philippines Section when outgoing President Ernesto R. Vizcarra transferred the Medallion of authority to the incoming President (1993  1994) Fellow Diampo J. Lim at Maynila, Manila Hotel. True to his inaugural address, Presidents Lim’s administration pursued with vigor the Faculty Development Program which he promised to remain the thrust of ICD Philippines Section.

Level II and Level III workshops on Faculty Development to help improve the designing of instructions in different academic disciplines for Dental Education in the Philippines were conducted in November 1993 and April 1994. At the same time he planned to award the Bienvenido B. Eraña Scholarship to two (2) faculty members teaching Public Health and Community Dentistry instead of just one.  The quarterly meetings as usual included well sought speakers like Col. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan and Mr. Richard Gordon,  Chair of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in keeping with the belief of having a well  informed, total person among the Fellows.

It was noteworthy to mention that the February 1994, Asian Pacific Dental Congress  hosted by the PDA has it’s Executive Committee chaired by a past President of ICD Philippine Section in the person of Fellow Ruben C Navia. With him were fifteen (15) other ICD Fellows who helped in ensuring the success of the Congress. President Lim’s term was coming to its end, remaining true to ICD’s mission and vision.  The 28th Annual Convention and Banquet of ICD Philippines Section on May 29, 1994 at Maynila, Manila Hotel, witnessed the installation of it’s 2nd lady President, Fellow Blanche C. Barbers. Her induction to the post was officiated by no less than the then Vice President of the Philippines, His Excellency, Joseph Ejercito Estrada. As the steward of the organization for 1994  1995, President Barbers focused on the ICD’s objective to participate in the prevention and control of the oral diseases. She introduced the “Adopt a Public Elementary School for Oral Health” program. This resulted in the signing of Agreement and Cooperation with Quirino Elementary School for six (6) year  oral health program. Pupil coverage is on incremental approach. Assisting in oral health instruction on self-care of pupils in the lower grade levels are trained 6th graders.

The succeeding three administrations with President Conrado C. Salonga (1995  1996); President Lucina E. Goitia (1996  1997) and President Julio V. Dizon Jr. (1997  1998) at the helm certainly contributed in carrying out the objectives of the ICD Philippines Section. President Salonga continued the six (6) years oral health program of the immediate past administration. He also worked on the scholarship program for deserving student to pursue an undergraduate program in dentistry in a school of his choice and revived the Faculty Development Program which was halted in the previous year. President Lucina E. Goitia’s term primarily placed emphasis on Faculty Development program through workshops on Research Teaching Capabilities and other continuing education programs/trainings among teachers in various dental schools in the Philippines. Dental Outreach programs among public schools students were conducted and the idea of possible creation of an ICD Regency in the South was brainstormed. President Julio V. Dizon Jr. pursued and continued the Faculty Development Programs, the Community Development Programs and encouraged the Fellows to recruit well-deserving members of the profession from Visayas and Mindanao in support of the idea of an ICD Regency in the South. Of import and pride for ICD Philippines section was the appointment of two (2) fellows as members of the Professional Regulation Commissions, Fellow and Past President Lucina E. Goita and Fellow Enrico S. Belen.

Fellow Aida H. Almase was installed as ICD Philippines Section’s President on May 13, 1998 at Manila Hotel. Her term (1998  1999) was a beehive of activities centered on Community Oral Health Education Program (COHEP), chaired by Fellow Paciencia Miravite. This program aims to promote oral health consciousness as it disseminates dental information to lay people in the community. Five (5) health centers were selected and served to represent the five (5) city districts of Quezon City’s target population, mothers and children, during the term of President Almase. This program was implemented through the partnership with Colgate Palmolive Philippines Incorporated. She also supported and continued the Community Development program initiated  by Fellow Barbers at the Quirino  Elementary School as well as the Faculty Development Program. Her administration also revived the ICD Newsletter by publishing two (2) issues.

The years 1999  2002 witnessed an aggressive pursuit of ICD Philippines Section to make their presence felt in the area of.Community Oral Health program. With the six (6) – year Oral Health Program Agreement and Cooperation with Quirino Elementary School started by Fellow Blanche Barbers and the COHEP initiated by Fellow Aida Almase in place, the next three (3) administrations followed suit with some added innovations in it’s implementation. They were under the stewardships of Presidents Virgilio A. Alcazaren (1999  2000); Natividad M. Granada (2000  2001) and Aida H. Salcedo (2001  2002). Fellow Virgilio A. Alcazaren received the Medallion of Authority on May 9, 1999 when he assumed ICD Philippines Section’s Presidency. His term (1999  2000) was highlighted by his full support to all the projects left by his predecessors. In addition he focused on strengthening cooperation, participation and camaraderie among the Fellows of the Organizations

In line with boosting the Community Oral Health Program of the Organization, President Natividad M. Granada (2000  2001) worked for the printing and distribution of additional oral health education pamphlets in partnership with Colgate Palmolive Philippines Incorporated.  These pamphlets were given to the target centers. At the same time continuous communication and refresher courses were conducted among the dentists and dental health personnel in the target health centers. President Granada’s term also
made possible a two-day Faculty Development Seminar in March 2001, chaired by                                Fellow  Dean Elisa G. Puzon.

Like her predecessors, President Aida H. Salcedo (2001  2002) ventured singularly into the continuation of the Community Development Project. This committee was chaired by Fellows Irma Parajas and Ma. Fatima S. Dizon respectively. ICD’s collaborators in this venture were Colgate Palmolive Philippines, the Dept of Education and the Quezon City Dental Society taking into consideration the viability of the project through the sharing of resources and an assurance of the sustainability and continuity of activities at.Pag-asa Elementary School in Quezon City, with more than a thousand pupils adopted, targeting the first, 2nd , and 3rd graders as the main beneficiaries. The project’s specific objective was to save the pupil’s first permanent molars. Informative seminars were also conducted among the Fellows by knowledgeable experts in their field such as “Vaccine Protection for Dentists” and Child Abuse in the Philippines.” These topics delivered by Prof. Emeritus Dr. Veronica Chan, a microbiologist from the University of the Philippines and Dr. Cornelio G. Banaag,, a renowned, Filipino psychiatrist respectively in line with the Fellow’s Continuing Education.

The transfer of authority to the incoming President, Fellow Luis F. Orosa (2002  2003) of the ICD Philippines Section Inc. was officially made during the 36th Annual Convention and Banquet on May 5, 2002 by the outgoing President Fellow Aida Salcedo at EDSA Shangrila. Fellow Luisa F. Orosa was inducted in office by the Honorable Ombudsman,  Aniano A. Desierto. In his inaugural address, President Orosa assured the membership that his administration will remain true to the organization’s mission and vision. He trusts that all will be possible with the unity and cooperation among the Fellows. His term saw the continuity of the ICD projects on Faculty Development Program and the Community Development Program. ICD Phil. Section Inc. sponsored Medical Emergency and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation Workshop in coordination with the Philippine National Red Cross. Various Dental Colleges all over the country sent their faculty representatives to avail of the opportunity to update them and learn from this workshop. Interested Fellows of the Section also joined the activity. The First Regular Quarterly Meeting of the Section previously scheduled for August 2002 was moved to September in time for the Asia Tour of Fellow Victor J. Lanctis, President of the College at Large. September 12, 2002 was highlighted by the presence of President Victor J. Lanctis as the Section’s guest speaker. He noted his surprise on the manner of electing new nominees for Fellowship in the Section. His comments triggered the germ of idea for possible change in the procedure of selection/election for new Fellows.  Fellow Antonio Baldemor was given the task to Chair a Committee to study and recommend the conduct of electing new Fellows. After several meetings, Fellow Baldemor presented the recommendations of their committee for discussion of the general membership. A dynamic exchange of opinions regarding the proposal took place. Time constraint however, did not allow to effect changes. But the need to review the Constitution and Bylaws of the organization has already been planted.

The project of an updated Directory of Members chaired by Fellow Ermelinda S. Galang printed and distributed them among members. At the same time, the use of the Community Development Fund was resolved after meeting and discussion with Fellow Blanche Barbers who was instrumental in raising the said fund. Thus, President Orosa’s term paved the way to welcome the coming of the new administration.

The 37th ICD Philippines Section’s Annual Convention and Banquet held on April 24, 2003 at the Discovery Suites, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, witnessed the Oath Taking of Fellow Antonio A. Baldemor as its president for 2003  2004. In keeping with the agenda he laid down during his inaugural address, President Baldemor concentrated on three (3) major concerns besetting the organization. His administration zeroed on the following:
(1)    Membership Attendance and Enhancement Program by incorporating “Come ons” during Quartely Meetings to encourage more Fellow attendees.
(2)    Campaigned for a Regency Program in the South. Due to some constraints, creation of the proposed Regency was not realized during his term. Nevertheless, Fellow Baldemor volunteered to work on it even if he is no longer president of  the organization.
(3)    Concerns re: Selection process during the nomination for the Fellowship. Several discussions have been resolved on this matter for some time, but changes could only be effected through an amendment to the constitution and Bylaws of the organization. His administration hopes that this concern will be included in the agenda of the following leadership.

May 01, 2004 ushered the new leaderships of the ICD Philippines Section with the installation of Fellow Ermelinda S. Galang as President for 2004  2005. The energetic lady President charted the organization’s agenda during her term with zest and aplomb. Her administration committed it’s efforts to reactivate the COHEP in the five (5) health centers selected and served by ICD Philippines Section during the term of past presidents Almase, Alcazaren and Granada. Chaired by Fellow Paciencia Miravite, more dental health education materials were printed and distributed to the target health centers. Workshops and reorientation among dentists assigned in the said centers were conducted by the Chair of the Community Development Committee. Monitoring and Evaluation of the program was also done to measure the success of it’s implementation and to make some recommendations for the improvement of the program.

It was also the year of reactivation of the ICD Newsletter under the able editorship of Fellow Robert I. Eustaquio. At the same time the campaign for Membership Attendance and Enhancement started by Past President Baldemor gained good mileage under President Galang’s term. Well selected guest speakers like Mr. Bo Sanchez, Ms. Cory Quirino and topics of interest coupled with lots of raffle prizes at stake and persistent reminders from the Secretariat re: scheduled meetings made the difference. It was truly a fruitful year with marked cooperation and lively camaraderie among the Fellows which fleeted away to welcome the coming of the new administration. It was May 01, 2005 that witnessed the changed of guard from outgoing President Ermelinda S. Galang to incoming President, Fellow Hermogenes P. Villareal (2005  2006). The
Induction of the new officers was held at the new Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Malate, Manila with Honorable Senator Juan Ponce Enrile as the inducting officer.

Priority agenda, of his administration were the following:
1.    Reviewing and Amending the Organization’s Constitutions and Bylaws to resolve major concerns recognized earlier;

2.    Continue the program and projects initiated by the past administration such as:
a.    Community Outreach Program and the Scholarship Program
b.    Support the Proposed Regency Program in the South
c.    Membership Attendance and Enhancement Program

President Villareal immediately created a fourteen (14) man Constitution & By-Laws Committee, chaired by Fellow Diampo J. Lim and co-chaired by Fellow Natividad C. Gervasio. The members were composed of Fellows Renato Africa, Teresa De Jesus Amador, Antonio Baldemor, Beth Carrasco, Robert Castañeda, Fatima Dizon, Primo Gonzales, Naty Granada, Diampo Lim, Luis Orosa, Sofronio P. San Juan, Hermogenes Villareal. This Committee did the splendid job of re-writing the organization”s Constitution & Bylaws, keeping in mind its relevance to the Philippine Situation without deviating from the mission & vision of the Mother Organization.It should be on record that ICD Phililippine Section acknowledges the help & guidance of a brilliant,legal mind in the person of Atty. Mario Aguinaldo in this undertaking.It took a 3-day intensive workshop in Legenda Hotel, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SEC), Zambales on June 10  12, 2005 to finalize the draft.The final version was presented  and approved by general membership in Nov.  , 2005. With the approved re-written, Constitution and Bylaws, Atty. Mario Aguinaldo advised the present leadership to submit a copy to Security Exchange Commission as part of its record.

Atty. Aguinaldo’s office representing the organization did the legwork of submitting the same.  SEC’s record revealed that ICD Phil. Sections has been remiss in submitting its annual reportorial requirement since its original date of registration. Besides, the considerable financial requirement attendant thereto the Section  is not in a position to meet. These situations could result to SEC’s cancellation of ICD registration.

The ICD Philippine Section’s Board met and seriously discussed the situation, considering the substantial amount of penalty to restore its SEC’s registration. After a lengthy discussion, and some legal advice from Atty. Aguinaldo the Board agreed that the organization be newly registered to SEC under the same name with minor modification. From the original name of ICD Philippine Section Inc., it was to be registered as ICD Republic of the Philippine Section Inc. Based on the communication from the Law Offices of M.A. Aguinaldo and Associates to President Hermogenes Villareal, dated March 29, 2006 the name modification agreed for registration of the organization was not to be.  According to the Law Offices of M.A. Aguinaldo and Associates, they reserved on line with the SEC the name ICD Republic of the Philippine Section Inc. on January 25, 2006. The reservation period is from January 25  February 24, 2006 under Reference Reservation No. 20060125114541100. and payment for the reservation was duly made.  It was on February 27, 2006 that the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws together with other required documents were submitted and another reservation of the corporate name was made and paid for. In spite of these two (2) reservations, SEC officials would like yet to change the corporate name and requires an endorsement from Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC).

On March 14, 2006 the PRC endorsement together with other corporate papers were personally hand carried by the staff of the Law Offices of M.A. Aguinaldo and Associates to the SEC. After several follow-ups for the issuance of the Certificate of Registration, it was found that the SEC officials objected to the use of the word “Republic” alleging that it is restricted only for government institutions and agencies. They also claimed not noticing the use of the word “Republic” at the outset of its submission.

To avoid conflict and to be able to get the new Certificate of Incorporation, after persistent following up and explanations, the staff conceded to Atty. Sales, Assistant Director of the Corporate and Partnership Registration Division of SEC, to change the corporate name to ICD PHILIPPINE SECTION INC., which was its original registered name in 1973. It was March 28, 2006 when the Certificate of Incorporation was finally released together with a membership book for ICD PHILIPPINE SECTION INC. under Company Registration No. CN 20060109.  This solved the dilemma of paying a substantial penalty which could drain the coffers of the organization.

Encouraged, by the success of the past administration in improving membership’s attendance and enhancement, the Executive Committee carefully planned the scheduled Quarterly Meetings. Well known personalities who are experts in the field to be discussed were invited to talk. Fun-filled games, interspersed with raffle gifts drawing during the meetings sustained the interest of Fellows and enticed them to  attend and participate.

The Committee on Community Development, headed by Chairperson Fellow Rosita Tan made a headway start in its project with the construction of a deep well at a public school in Indang Cavite. The Committee plans to identify 2  3 more site of public schools with no ample water supply to benefit the community development project of ICD Phil. Section Inc.

The Regency Program headed by Fellow Antonio Baldemor has aggressively campaigned for nominees to Fellowship from Visayas and Mindanao with the support of the present administration. Hopefully, successful nominees will be the core group to start the Regency in the very near future.

Thus, ends the recording of the last 40 years of the organization (1966  2006). The ICD Philippines Section Inc. will always look back at its glorious past, honoring the gallant men and women who stood steadfastly to pursue its mission and vision. It will always serve as an inspiration to view the future and carry on with hope and vigilance. With God’s guidance and unity among our local Fellows as well as our co- Fellows around the world, we could survive odds and challenges in seeking  to improve the profession  of Dentistry.