Dr. Emabel Sibayan Jugo, Mabel, was molded very early on for her role as incoming President of the Endodontic Society of the Philippines (ESP). This preparation all began when she was born to Dr. Renato Sibayan, a renowned neurosurgeon, and Carmen Bernabe, a loving and supportive mother, on November 27, 1975. Mabel’s sterling qualities are not all owed to her genes. Rather, her upbringing also made her into the leader, professional, teacher, and human being that she is today.
It was her father who recognized her potential and bright future as a dentist when he saw Mabel liked playing and tinkering with small toys and stuff as a child. He encouraged her to become a dentist and a pianist because he realized how well she worked with her hands. His own career path was a beacon for Mabel; he was her role model as leader, professor and lecturer. Balancing the professional advice and infl uence that her father bestowed on her was her mother’s spirituality, love and constant care. She has always been Mabel’s clutch, adviser, and guide from childhood to adulthood. She also grew up in the company of her well-rounded siblings, Tiggie, an ophthalmologist, Karen, an editor, and Gus, a chef.
With these positive underpinnings, Mabel went on to graduate with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines Manila in 1998 and earned a place among the top 10 Dentistry licensure board passers.
Mabel’s personal life flourished as well. While still in school, cupid came knocking on her door when she met the man who would eventually become her best friend, confidant, No. 1 ally, and critic, Joseph Alvir Jugo. They became a couple in 2007. Alvir was with her all the way when Mabel decided to pursue further studies.
Leaving behind her first love in Manila, Mabel furthered her training and discovered her love for Endodontics at the Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France where she earned a Diplome Universitaire Clinique pour les Odontologistes Francophones (University Diploma of Clinical Studies for French-speaking Dentists) in 2000. Alvir did not waver in his support for Mabel despite the long distance. They spoke every single day that she was away and he even fl ew all the way to Rennes to visit her.
As soon as she came back from France, Mabel briefl y worked as an Associate Dentist while trying to set up her private clinic at the St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC). She began her own practice at the SLMC in 2001. It was also on this same year that she started teaching Endodontics at her alma mater, the University of the Philippines College of Dentistry (UPCD) in Manila, and also became a member of the ESP.
Alvir and Mabel tied the knot in February 2003, a union that was blessed with a beautiful girl by the name of Carminia Reneé, Minty for short. Minty has since replaced Alvir as her mommy’s number one fan, inspiration, and the best stress reliever any mother could ever hope to have. As her family life blossomed, her professional life followed suit. Her family circle widened to include her UPCD and ESP colleagues, her patients at the SLMC, and her friends for life. Her devotion to her craft is palpable in her eff orts not only in managing her patients’ dental needs but also in teaching Endodontics to her undergraduate Dentistry students and to dentists desiring further training in Endodontics at the ESP and at the Philippine Dental Association.
In 2014, the challenge to shift from being an active member and board member to taking up a leadership role in the ESP came. Mabel became the President-elect of her beloved ESP. That same year, she became a fellow of the Philippine Board of Endodontics. The following year, she became a fellow of the International College of Dentists. These steps have led her to become the incoming ESP President.
At this point, Mabel was only all of 40 years of age. Her parents must be very proud of their daughter, the one whose potential they had recognized early on and supported incessantly. Mabel has accomplished much as her parents set her up to succeed from the beginning. But more than that, Mabel chose to model and live her life wisely, honestly, and faithfully, as well as persevere in her chosen career path.
As she marks the beginning of her term as ESP President, may Mabel continue to be guided by the example of her parents, the encouragement of her husband and only daughter, and her desire to continue to uplift the practice of Endodontics in the Philippines.
About the Author: Dr. Maria Teresita Cruz Lara is one of Mabel’s favorite Professors as an undergraduate student and as a faculty colleague at the UPCD Manila.