
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—General Andres Centino, Chief of Staff of the AFP, and Dr Carmencita Padilla, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines-Manila, signed a Memorandum of Agreement on May 10 that will strengthen the partnership of the two institutions in promoting dental advocacy, education, and training in the country.
The MOA signed at the AFP General Headquarters will support the continuing education of military and civilian dentists of the AFP with the UPM College of Dentistry as the primary training provider. In return, the AFP through the Office of the Chief Dental Service will support the various dental community projects of UP.
The AFP will also provide employment options for UP dentistry graduates and assist their college faculty and personnel in their application to the AFP Reserve Force.
The AFP and UPM also agreed to engage in collaborative research. The signing was witnessed by Dr Michelle Segarra, Dean of the UP College of Dentistry, and BGen Angelica Torres, The Chief Dental Service AFP, and will be in effect for three years starting from the approval of Senior Usec Carlito Galvez Jr, OIC of the Department of National Defense.
“This kind of partnership is something that we must nurture so that we can continue to serve the country beyond our terms,” said Dr Padilla as she acknowledged previous engagements with the military in reaching far-flung communities. “I respect the uniformed personnel because we need you not only in keeping our country safe but in the daily fight for oral health.”
Meanwhile, the CSAFP affirmed the AFP’s need for partnership and collaboration with civilian agencies “who share the same vision for the country and care for the Filipino people.”
“We’re glad to work with you. This is just the beginning and we’re looking forward to having a fruitful relationship with UP,” General Centino said./// (Photo by PO3 Viluan Ret/PFC Carmelotes)