The Philippine Army installed Col. Ranulfo O. Espera as the new Chief Dental Surgeon in a ceremony held at the Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on January 4, 2024.
Outgoing Acting Chief Dental Surgeon Col. Benito Noel M. Rivera officially relinquished his post to Col. Espera in the Change of Chief of Office Ceremony presided by Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Potenciano C. Camba.
Col. Espera served as the Commanding Officer of the 1301st Dental Dispensary of the Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG) prior to his new designation. He held key positions such as commanding officer of the 1368th Dental Detachment, Camp Lukban Station Hospital, 8th Infantry Division, and operations officer of the 1308th Dental Dispensary of the AFP’s Western Command.
Col. Espera finished his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Centro Escolar University. He also earned two Master’s degrees: Management, Major in Public Administration from the Philippine Christian University and Public Management, Major in Development Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Col. Rivera, who will now assume as Deputy of the Office of the Army Chief Dental Surgeon, has held leadership positions in various field units, including the 1362nd Dental Dispensary, Army Station Hospital, 2nd Infantry Division; 1301st Dental Dispensary, General Headquarters, Armed Forces of the Philippines; and Dental Detachment, Fort Magsaysay Army Station Hospital, 7th Infantry Division.
Col. Rivera is a graduate of Dental Medicine from Centro Escolar University and holds a Master's in Public Management major in Development Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
Maj. Gen. Camba, in his speech, congratulated both Col. Espera and Col. Rivera for the new chapters in their respective military careers.
Photos by Pvt. Divino S Lozano/ OACPA