The Association of Philippine Orthodontists (APO) had a strong presence at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Taiwan Association of Orthodontists (TAO) and the 14th Asian Pacific Orthodontic Congress (APOC) 2024, held from December 2 to 5, 2024, at TaiNEX 2. Centered around the theme “Embrace 3C: Connection, Communication, and Creation,” the event brought together orthodontic professionals from across the region.
The APO delegation, led by ECM and Immediate Past President Dr. Dennis Lim and APO President Dr. Marie Joanne Marañon, comprised 25 APO members who actively participated in the conference.
Several APO members contributed to the scientific program. Dr. Rachel Lim delivered a lecture on “Tips and Tricks for a Successful Clear Aligner Treatment” on December 4, 2024. Dr. Maria Lourdes Torres-Garcia was recognized as one of the Rising Stars of APOS and presented her lecture, “Embracing the 4th C: Caring to Be a Comprehensive Orthodontist – Revelations Beyond My Research on Benzalkonium Chloride” on December 5, 2024. Both lectures were part of the main plenary session. APO student member Rio Alfayei participated in the Residents’ Forum on December 2, 2024, presenting his research to fellow graduate students.
APO members also contributed to poster presentations, with Dr. Husein Khatibi, Dr. Tracy Azarcon-Guerrero, and Dr. Edward Keith Beduya showcasing their research. Additionally, Dr. Marie Joanne Marañon served as a moderator in one of the morning sessions on December 4, 2024, facilitating discussions during the event.
At the Welcome Reception on December 3, 2024, APO presented Plaques of Appreciation to TAO President Chen-Feng Cheng and APOS President Roberto Tan, recognizing their contributions to the field and their leadership within the orthodontic community.
APO’s participation in APOC 2024 reflects its continued commitment to orthodontic education, research, and professional collaboration within the region.

Asian Pacific Orthodontic Society Office Bearers, Executive Committee Members and Presidents of its Affiliate Societies together with by APOS President Roberto Tan (2022-2024)

Members of the Association of Philippine Orthodontists with APOS President Roberto Tan and Dr. Johnny Liaw of TAO

APO Members as Speakers at the APOC: APO Diplomate Dr. Rachel Yang and APO Associate Member Dr. Maria Lourdes Torres-Garcia

APO Members Dr. Husein Khatibi, Dr. Tracy Azarcon-Guerrero, and Dr. Edward Keith Beduya as E-Poster Presenters


APO President Joanne Marañon presented Plaques of Appreciation to TAO President Chen-Feng Cheng and APOS President Roberto Tan at the Welcome Reception on December 3, 2024.