Lady dentist dies in road accident

CEBU, Philippines — The police have conducted investigation into the road accident Argao town in southern Cebu Monday morning, September 4, that resulted in the death of a dentist.

The victim, Dr. Annie Irene Rufo, a dentist of the Department of Health (DOH) deployed in the Municipality of Boljoon, Cebu, believed to have fallen asleep when the sports utility vehicle (SUV) she was driving rammed a truck parked along the highway in Barangay Bulasa in Argao.

According to the truck driver, Rowel Bajar Catacutan, they parked along the highway at around 3 a.m., two hours before the accident happened.

The truck was loaded with bags of cement from San Fernando, Cebu. The driver said they were supposed to cross the neighboring province of Negros Oriental but they decided to rest first in the area.

Hours later, a loud crash from behind of the truck woke them up and when they checked, they saw a broken vehicle.

Driving from Cebu City, the victim was said to be on her way to work as a community dentist in Boljoon town.

"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Doc Annie for the services rendered to our fellow Boljoanons and to the rest of the Second District LGU's where she also extended her services," posted Provincial Board Member Raymond Calderon on social media Facebook. –

Meanwhile, the DOH Central Visayas Center for Health Development led by its regional director, Dr. Jaime Bernadas, is mourning the untimely passing of Rufo.

Bernadas, in a statement, said Rufo is part of the Dentist Deployment Program as Dentist II and actively provided vital dental care in remote and underserved areas in Cebu Province - Rural Health Units.

“Dr. Rufo exemplified the true spirit of service and commitment to our mission of ensuring the oral health and well-being of our Sugboanon. Her skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the dental profession leaves an indelible void in the realm of public service,” he said.

“We offer our prayers and heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and relatives in this difficult time. May they find strength and comfort in knowing that her work has made a difference in the lives of many and may her legacy inspire others to continue the mission and principles of the Department of Health- Dentist Deployment Program towards a Healthy Pilipinas,” added Bernadas. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)