111 Years of Excellence: UP College of Dentistry Celebrates "Alay Pasasalamat"
The University of the Philippines College of Dentistry (UPCD) recently marked a historic milestone, celebrating its 111th founding anniversary. Under the theme “Alay Pasasalamat: Looking Back with Gratitude, Moving Forward with Purpose,” the institution gathered to honor a legacy built on over a century of service and academic brilliance.
A Legacy of Gratitude
The heart of the celebration was a thanksgiving event dedicated to the people who have served as the backbone of the college. From the executive committee and retired faculty to the donors and partners who sustain its missions, the program served as a tribute to the collective effort required to maintain UPCD’s standing as a leader in oral health.
Dean Michelle Segarra anchored the event with a powerful reminder of the importance of appreciation. “Gratitude, pasasalamat, thanksgiving, thank you—these are among the most important words we should all learn to say,” she remarked, emphasizing that the college’s success is never a solo endeavor.
Navigating the Future
Dean Segarra used a vivid metaphor to describe the college’s long history, likening UPCD to a ship’s sails. Over the past 111 years, the institution has:
* Navigated Diverse Waters: Weathering both the calm eras of growth and the challenging storms of change.
* Driven by Collective Strength: Moving forward through the combined "wind" provided by faculty, students, alumni, and the UP Manila administration.
As UPCD moves into its next century, the focus remains clear: honoring the traditions of the past while steering toward a future defined by purposeful service to the Filipino people.
