By Shanell Jay Aguinaldo & Jareason Fabre

MMSU is once again breaking new ground with the establishment of its College of Dentistry, the first among state universities and colleges in Northern Luzon. At the forefront of this pioneering initiative is Dr. Blesilda Ku Formantes, a distinguished dental practitioner and academic leader, whose vision is set on molding the next generation of professionals and leaders in the field.

Hailing from Labucao, now known as Ablan in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, Dr. Formantes' path to academic leadership has been both inspiring and impactful. After completing her early education locally, she pursued dentistry at the University of the East (UE) in Manila, where she not only excelled but also topped the December 1986 dentistry board examinations. Her outstanding performance earned her a faculty position at UE, marking the beginning of a remarkable career in dental education spanning over three decades.

Throughout her 35-year career, Dr. Formantes has worn many hats—Associate Dean of UE's College of Dentistry, College Research Director, and head of the Ethics Committee. Since 2015, she has also served on the Commission on Higher Education's (CHED) Technical Committee for Dental Education, where she has helped shape dental education policies and standards nationwide. Despite these significant roles, Dr. Formantes chose to return to her roots to lead the MMSU’s fledgling College of Dentistry.

Dr. Formantes brings more than just her impressive credentials to MMSU; she brings a transformative vision. “I believe in learning non-stop,” she says, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth for both herself and her students. For her, education is about more than acquiring knowledge; it’s about fostering respect, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to excellence.

Her vision for the college is both ambitious but clear: to secure a Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) from CHED within her two-year term. While the COPC typically requires 3-4 years to achieve, she is committed to meeting all CHED requirements before her retirement. Her goal is to ensure that future Dentistry administrators have a well-established framework to follow. This accreditation will not only validate the program's quality but also lay a strong foundation for the future of dental education at MMSU. With just 24 students currently enrolled, she acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains resolute in her mission.

“Respect and discipline are key,” Dr. Formantes often reminds her students, highlighting her belief that the true measure of a great dentist extends beyond technical skills. Under her leadership, the College of Dentistry aspires to produce graduates who will excel in licensure exams and emerge as ethical leaders who will positively impact their communities.

Dr. Formantes’ appointment comes at a crucial time for MMSU, as the university sets its vision to become a leader in dental education in the Philippines. Her extensive experience on the CHED Technical Committee and her strong academic background position her perfectly to elevate the College of Dentistry to national prominence. She envisions MMSU achieving a 100% passing rate for its graduates, with the long-term goal of making the university earn its rightful place in dental excellence across the country.

But Dr. Formantes is quick to deflect attention from herself. “It’s not about me,” she insists. “It’s about how I can make a difference, how I can help the university, and ultimately, how I can contribute to the field of dentistry.” This humility, combined with her passion and determination, is what sets her apart as a leader. 

As she looks ahead, Dr. Formantes is aware of the challenges, especially given the early stage of the program. She hopes for continued strong support from the university in terms of resources, infrastructure, and facilities to realize her vision of excellence. “We need the right tools to shape the best minds,” she says, expressing her hopes for modern equipment and a dedicated building for the College of Dentistry.

Yet, she remains optimistic, knowing that the real challenge lies in securing these resources and cultivating a culture of excellence and innovation among her students. "We are planting seeds today," she reflects, "with the expectation of a bountiful harvest tomorrow."

Under Dr. Formantes’ leadership, the College of Dentistry at MMSU is more than just a new academic program; it is a bold step toward redefining dental education in Northern Philippines. Her vision is not just to produce competent dental practitioners but to nurture leaders who will leave a lasting impact on their profession and communities.

As she continues to guide the College of Dentistry toward achieving its full potential, Dr. Formantes embodies the very spirit of MMSU—an institution committed to innovation, excellence, and the relentless pursuit of progress. Her journey, like that of the college, is only just beginning, but with her leadership, the future of dental education at MMSU shines brightly with promise.

The establishment of the MMSU College of Dentistry under Dr. Formantes is more than an academic milestone; it is a transformative step in advancing healthcare and empowering future generations of dental professionals. With her at the forefront, the college is poised to make a lasting impact on the region, paving the way for healthier communities and brighter smiles across Northern Luzon and beyond.
Dr. Formantes’  leadership is not just shaping the future of dental education in the country; it is setting a new standard for what can be achieved when passion, purpose, and dedication to service align.