- What: The PDA is having one of its most active years under President Dr. Lucilo G. Niñal Jr. — launching nationwide oral health campaigns, partnering with major brands, and preparing the 117th Annual Convention.
- Why it matters: PDA initiatives shape the dental profession in the Philippines. What PDA does this year affects your practice, your CPD, and your patients.
- Action: Register for the 117th PDA Convention (May 11–15, SMX Pasay). Get involved in PDA chapter activities.
The Philippine Dental Association turns 118 this year, and under the leadership of Dr. Lucilo G. Niñal Jr., the 2025–2026 term has been anything but ceremonial. From launching nationwide free dental check-up campaigns to forging partnerships with Colgate-Palmolive and Haleon, Dr. Niñal’s presidency has focused on a single theme: “Together in Pursuit of Excellence.”
Here’s a look at what PDA has been doing in 2026 — and why it matters for every Filipino dentist.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Lucilo G. Niñal Jr. leads PDA through one of its most active years of advocacy and partnerships
- Ngiting Tagumpay — nationwide campaign with Haleon offering free consultations and 1,500 dentures
- Colgate–PDA partnership — year-long free dental check-ups with Kathryn Bernardo as ambassador
- 117th Annual Convention — May 11–15, 2026 at SMX Convention Center, Pasay
- 15,000+ members across 95 chapters — the largest dental professional body in the country
Meet the President: Dr. Lucilo G. Niñal Jr.
Dr. Lucilo G. Niñal Jr.
“True progress is not achieved in isolation but through unity — driven by shared purpose, passion, and professionalism.”
Under his watch, PDA has moved beyond internal association work into highly visible public advocacy — partnering with consumer brands to reach Filipinos who have never visited a dentist. Instead of waiting for patients to come to clinics, PDA under Dr. Niñal is meeting communities where they are.
The approach is notably collaborative. Dr. Niñal has emphasized working with industry partners — from pharmaceutical companies to dental equipment manufacturers — to amplify PDA’s impact beyond what the association can achieve alone.
Ngiting Tagumpay: The Nationwide Oral Health Campaign
Launched on March 13, 2026 — just ahead of World Oral Health Day — Ngiting Tagumpay is a joint advocacy of PDA, PARDTI, and Haleon (makers of Sensodyne and Polident).
What the campaign delivers:
- Free dental consultations in major cities
- Oral health education outreach to communities
- 1,500 free dentures for beneficiaries
- Awareness through digital creators and media
“Many Filipinos tend to delay seeking dental care until symptoms become more difficult to manage. Through programs like Ngiting Tagumpay, we can reach more communities with reliable information while connecting them to proper dental care.”
“Our continued collaboration with Haleon reflects the value of working with partners who prioritize science-based solutions and responsible health advocacy.”
This builds on PDA and Haleon’s previous “Oplan Balik Ngiti” program, which provided denture assistance to 5,600 individuals in prior years.
Where the Campaign Will Go
Ngiting Tagumpay will travel to major cities across the country, targeting rural barangays, senior citizens, public school students, and low-income families who view dental care as a luxury expense.
The launch was supported by content creators Macoy Dubs and The Aguinaldos, plus host Tuesday Vargas — amplifying the message to younger Filipinos through social media.
Colgate–PDA: Year-Long Free Dental Check-Ups
In February 2026, Colgate-Palmolive Philippines and PDA launched a massive initiative: free dental check-ups for every Filipino who buys Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection.
- Buy any Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection product
- Scan the QR code on the pack
- Book a free check-up at an accredited PDA clinic
This is part of Colgate Philippines’ 100th anniversary celebration. Their commitment: 100 million oral health kits to Filipino children by 2035. The campaign launched with Kathryn Bernardo as brand ambassador.
Breaking the “Kaya Pa” Mindset
The campaign addresses a deeply rooted cultural barrier: the Filipino “Kaya pa” mindset — the natural resiliency that leads people to endure pain and treat dental health as secondary until it becomes an emergency.
PDA-accredited clinics are the referral destinations for this campaign. If your clinic is registered, you get walk-in patients driven by a national advertising campaign featuring Kathryn Bernardo — for free.
Those walk-ins who come for a free check-up often become paying patients for restorations, orthodontics, and other treatments. The free check-up is the top of YOUR funnel.
117th PDA Annual Convention
117th PDA Annual Convention & Scientific Sessions
What to Expect
- World-class lectures — international and local speakers on clinical techniques, digital workflows, practice management
- Interactive workshops — hands-on with new equipment and materials
- Exhibition hall — equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and tech companies under one roof
- Networking — connect with 15,000+ PDA members nationwide
- CPD units — earn PRC-required continuing education credits
- Student programs — special sessions for dental students
Early registration is recommended. Government dentists get a flat rate of ₱6,000. Register at 117reg.pda.com.ph
PDA 2025–2026 Leadership Team
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Dr. Lucilo G. Niñal Jr. |
| Executive Vice President | Dr. Jocelyn Malang-Manabat |
| President-Elect | Dr. Mariusse Chars R. Esquillo |
| VP Luzon-North | Dr. Ma. Auditha F. Dickson |
| VP Luzon-South | Dr. Delia Corazon Ignacio-Barba |
| VP Visayas | Dr. Xandro Raymond D. Dael |
| VP Mindanao | Dr. Magdalena S. Reginaldo |
| Treasurer | Dr. Almira L. Abril-Olarte |
| Auditor | Dr. Jonas G. Añonuevo |
| Immediate Past President | Dr. Ronaldo P. Nuñez |
What This Means for Philippine Dentistry
Under Dr. Niñal’s leadership, PDA’s 2026 initiatives share a common thread: making dental care accessible to more Filipinos while empowering the dentists who provide it.
Ngiting Tagumpay addresses the demand side. The Colgate partnership creates a sustainable pipeline of patients. The convention builds skills and connections. Together, they signal that a PDA driving more Filipinos to clinics creates more demand for everything those clinics need — chairs, instruments, imaging, sterilization, and consumables.
Supports PDA
As the largest dental equipment showroom in the Philippines and exclusive distributor of ROSON and Denjoy, DentaSource Direct is proud to support the dental community that PDA serves.
Attending the 117th Convention? Connect with us to arrange a showroom visit and see the latest ROSON A1 PRO and A1 Trendy dental chairs. We’ll help you plan your clinic setup, match equipment to your needs, and explore flexible payment options.
Visit: dentasourcedirect.com · Showroom: Metro Manila
How to Get Involved with PDA in 2026
- Join PDA — apply through your nearest local chapter (95 chapters nationwide)
- Register for the 117th Convention — May 11–15, SMX Pasay
- Get Colgate-accredited — receive patient referrals driven by national advertising
- Volunteer for Ngiting Tagumpay — provide free consultations in communities
- Earn CPD units — chapter activities, webinars, and the convention all count
- Follow PDA on Facebook
Conclusion
Dr. Lucilo G. Niñal Jr.’s tenure has been defined by action — launching Ngiting Tagumpay with Haleon, partnering with Colgate for year-long dental access, and preparing the biggest convention in years. The dental profession in the Philippines is at an inflection point: PhilHealth is expanding coverage, patient awareness is growing, and technology is making quality care more accessible.
2026 is not a year to sit on the sidelines. Register for the convention. Join your local chapter. Get accredited. The profession is moving forward — and PDA is making sure no dentist gets left behind.
Mabuhay ang PDA! Mabuhay ang Dentistang Pilipino!