Cebu City, Philippines — Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro joined the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) Cebu Chapter in marking its centennial celebration at the Cebu Provincial Capitol on August 20, 2025. The event paid tribute to a century of service in dental healthcare and education, recognizing the pioneers who laid the groundwork for the advancement of the profession in Cebu and the country.
The day’s events began with a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony, honoring the contributions of Cebu’s dental pioneers and those who have played a role in elevating dental services and education in the province.
Gov. Baricuatro’s Keynote Speech
In her message as the Guest of Honor, Gov. Baricuatro congratulated the PDA Cebu Chapter for its 100 years of excellence in dental care and its ongoing commitment to public health. She also addressed an essential aspect of healthcare, one that often gets overshadowed by other medical disciplines: dental health.
“Healthcare must be seen in its entirety — physical, mental, and dental health. Dental care is not secondary; it is an essential part of our overall well-being,” Governor Baricuatro said.
She emphasized that good oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health and well-being. The governor noted that a lack of access to dental care could lead to other health complications, from cardiovascular diseases to poor nutrition and even mental health challenges.
Gov. Baricuatro reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services across Cebu, including dental care. She emphasized the importance of dental missions, community education, and collaborations with dental professionals in ensuring that all Cebuanos — especially those in rural and underserved areas — receive affordable, quality care.
Dental Health as a Pillar of Overall Well-Being
In her address, the governor discussed how dental health contributes to overall wellness, aligning with the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act 11223), which ensures that Filipinos have access to a full range of healthcare services, including dental care.
“As you celebrate a century of excellence, I also encourage you to embrace the next hundred years with courage and innovation,” Gov. Baricuatro remarked. She pointed out that the future of healthcare in the province would require collaboration — with professionals from various sectors working together to ensure that no Cebuano is left behind in accessing care.
Dental care, she noted, is not just about cosmetic procedures or treating toothaches but also about preventive care, oral health education, and early intervention to prevent more severe health issues down the line.
The PDA’s Role in Cebu’s Healthcare Landscape
The PDA Cebu Chapter, established in 1925, has been a pioneer in advancing dental services, particularly in education, professional development, and public health initiatives. Over the years, the organization has not only helped improve oral health awareness but has also partnered with local governments, health organizations, and schools to promote oral hygiene as a critical component of overall healthcare.
PDA Cebu Chapter promotes dental check-ups, hygiene, and disease prevention, boosting oral health in the province.
As part of the centennial celebrations, the PDA Cebu Chapter hosted a series of community outreach programs, health talks, and free dental check-ups for the public, demonstrating their commitment to accessible dental services.
Gov. Baricuatro’s Healthcare Reforms: A Commitment to Accessible Care
Gov. Baricuatro has made healthcare access one of the central pillars of her administration. Her people-centered approach to governance focuses on providing high-quality medical services to Cebuanos, especially in remote and underserved areas.
The medical and surgical missions the Capitol has been conducting across Cebu are a testament to this commitment. These missions provide free consultations, diagnostics, minor surgeries, and medicines to thousands of underserved Cebuanos.
Gov. Baricuatro vowed to strengthen hospitals, support medical missions, and expand partnerships with health professionals.
The Baricuatro administration strengthens grassroots healthcare to reduce disparities and improve outcomes in Cebu.
A Collaborative Effort for the Next Century
Gov. Baricuatro stressed public-private partnerships in healthcare, with PDA Cebu Chapter helping integrate dental care into the system.
She urged dental professionals to drive innovation, research, and outreach to meet Cebu’s evolving health needs.
“The future of healthcare will require innovation and collaboration. Gov. Baricuatro vowed to give every Cebuano access to affordable, quality, and compassionate care.
Challenges and Opportunities in Dental Healthcare
Although significant progress has been made in dental health awareness, challenges remain. Many rural and marginalized communities still face barriers to accessing basic dental services, including:
- Limited dental professionals in remote areas.
- High cost of dental procedures, which makes care inaccessible to low-income families.
- Lack of awareness regarding the importance of dental health.
Governor Baricuatro emphasized that her administration is committed to tackling these challenges head-on by:
- Strengthening rural health units (RHUs) and district hospitals to include dental care services.
- Partnering with dental organizations like the PDA to conduct mobile dental clinics and community education programs.
- Advocating for funding to support dental health programs, particularly in underserved areas.
Looking Forward: The Next 100 Years of Dental Care in Cebu
As the PDA Cebu Chapter celebrates its centennial, the future of dental care in Cebu holds great promise. Gov. Baricuatro’s call for collaboration and innovation sets the stage for continued progress in this critical area of healthcare.
The next 100 years will require ongoing efforts to:
- Expand preventive care initiatives.
- Strengthen dental health policies in alignment with national healthcare objectives.
- Foster a deeper partnership between the government and the private sector in addressing the dental care needs of Cebuanos.
Gov. Baricuatro concluded her message with a forward-looking vision:
Together, we will make dental care accessible and oral health a vital part of Cebu’s well-being.
The PDA Cebu Chapter’s centennial highlights dental health as essential, with collaboration and innovation key to its future.
