First Dentist Congressman

  

In the National Elections held in November 1949, a very active Dentist in the person of Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido, won a seat in Congress representing the Fourth District of the province of Iloilo, earning the honor of becoming the First Dentist- Congressman in the country. As a dentist turned lawmaker, Cong. Ladrido served very creditably and meritoriously during his tenure in Congress. He was able to effectively sponsor and introduce several House Bills and Resolutions, especially those related to the enhancement of the status and standard of the profession in the Philippines. Among many others, these important bills passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, include the following Republic Acts:

1)    R.A. No. 480, an Act raising the original rank of dentists joining the military service to the grade of 1^st Lieutenant, up from 2^nd Lieutenant before the new law. Approved June 10, 1950.

2)    R.A. No. 481- Creation of the AFP Dental Corps, as independent from the Medical Corps, for greater autonomy in the Dental Service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Approved on June 10, 1950.

3)    R.A. No. 768- The Philippine Dental Hygienist Law entitled “An Act to Regulate the Practice of Dental Hygienists in the Philippines”. Approved June 20, 1952.

4)    R.A. No.951, An Act to provide Dental Services in Private Schools. Approved in 1953.

5)    R.A. No.1054, Amending R.A. No. 239, providing free emergency dental treatment for Employees of Industrial, Commercial, and Agricultural Establishments. Approved June 1954.

6)    R.A. No.1082, approved on June 15, 1954, and amended by R.A. No.1891, approved on June 22, 1957. Strengthening the Health and Dental Services in the Rural Areas by Providing a Public Health Dentist, and with a Dental Helper in every Congressional District.

7)    R.A. No.2620, An Act Nationalizing the Medical and Dental Services in Public Schools.

8)    R.A. No. 3814, “An Act Creating the Bureau of Dental Health Services”. The Act was passed and approved in 1964, and implemented in 1965, with the appointment of Dr. Agaton A.Ursua, a former Congressman from Camarines Sur and a PDA Past President, as Ad-interim Director of the Bureau, by President Diosdado Macapagal. Dr. Emilio M. Sison, a career executive of the Bureau under the Dept. of Health, took over as the First Director in 1966, with his appointment by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.                                 

It should be acknowledged that for his many achievements and dedication to duty, Congressman Ladrido was re-elected by his constituents for three times, thereby serving four consecutive terms in the House of Representatives from his 1^st election in 1949 to December 1965 for a period of sixteen (16) years.