Written by Dr Crissie Camara Santayana
APO Director 2018-2020
It was a momentous occasion as the Association of Philippine Orthodontists (APO) commemorated its 40th Anniversary on 3rd September 2020. The APO Board alongside its members convened via zoom for this two-day celebration joined by 3 notable speakers, Drs. Jose Rivera and Dennis Lim (Philippines) and Dr. Eric Liou (Taiwan). We had very kind sponsors who also donated surprise raffle gift prizes to add to the excitement of the celebration.
APO was formally inaugurated on the 3rd September 1980 with 12 Charter members. 40 years later, we now have 185 members and are proud to see the growth of our Association. APO was born from the vision of Dr Luz C. Macapanpan, who is still fondly referred to as the Mother of Philippine Orthodontics. Dr Luz initiated the Orthodontic Study Club in 1971 and this served as the catalyst to establish the APO. Its mission then was to promote and encourage a high standard of excellence in orthodontic treatment and education.
In June of 1989, the first university-based Orthodontic school in the country was established. This was the University of the Philippines College of Dentistry Postgraduate School of Orthodontics. Since then, there are now four other universities offering postgraduate training in the country.
Moving forward, the APO participated as a founding member during the inauguration of the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) in San Francisco, USA in May of 1995. In October 2001, the APO became one of the nine Charter members during the inauguration of the Asian Pacific Orthodontic Society (APOS). Since then we have seen the emergence of globalization of orthodontic standards amongst our APO members.
In our quest for continuing education, APO organized its First National Orthodontic Congress in August 1998. Since then, APO congresses have been held biennially which includes renowned international and local speakers. March 2018 was a major milestone as the APO was the host country for the Asian Pacific Orthodontic Conference which was held in Boracay.
As we celebrate our Ruby anniversary, I would like to look back and appreciate the many achievements accomplished by the APO. It was not the effort of one single individual but a collection of hard work and dedication of all our members. We may be a developing country, but our specialty of Orthodontics remains at par globally. To all our past, present and future colleagues, let us continue to work together to lead our association to a stronger and brighter future. APO.... you do us proud!
As we celebrate our Ruby anniversary, I would like to look back and appreciate the many achievements accomplished by the APO. It was not the effort of one single individual but a collection of hard work and dedication of all our members. We may be a developing country, but our specialty of Orthodontics remains at par globally. To all our past, present and future colleagues, let us continue to work together to lead our association to a stronger and brighter future. APO.... you do us proud!
