Dodoy was the 4th child of Mr. & Mrs. Ramon Palencia of Iloilo. Husband and wife brought up and focused on the education of all five children, succeeding in making them all [professionals, the first of their kind in the municipality of Passi, Iloilo.

Dodoy's childhood was spent in Passi where he took his elementary and intermediate school years at the Passi Central School. After graduating from the Iloilo Provincial High School he traveled to Manila and enrolled at the Manila Central University for his dental course.

He chose for his wife, Edna Palencia, a pharmacy graduate of San Agustin College in Iloilo City. They were blessed with 4 children, all professionals and 8 grandchildren.

A look at Dody's colorful career demonstrates his years of service to his fellowmen. Responding to the challenges of his time, he served not only as dentist but also as vice mayor of his home town.

He has this to say about his career:

     "Fifty years as a dentist, I served 30 years government service in the AFP Dental Service which include one year and four months as civilian government service and 15 years as instructor in the School of Dentistry, Iloilo Doctors College. Col. Norberto Menina, former Constabulary Dental Surgeon and later Chief of Dental Service, AFP once said to the younger dental Officers and men of the Constabulary Dental service of Visayas, 'Gentlemen...he(dodoy) did not grow an inch...but performance wise, he is superior. His example is needed for the recognition of the AFP Dental Service."

     "I was elected first councilor of Passi, Iloilo in 1955; joined the military service in 1957 and served until January 1, 1986 when retired as full colonel; appointed vice -mayor of Passi, Iloilo in 1987; elected President, Vice Mayor's League in the same year; joined Iloilo Doctors College School of Dentistry, June 1988 teaching Prosthetic Dentistry to date(presently as Asst. Prof. 3 Step 3) and served at the same time Dept. Secretary of the School of Dentistry until June 1, 2002."

     "The latest awards I received was given by the Passi Central School Alumni Association, an award of recognition as the "Most Outstanding Alumni of the Millennium dated 12, 2002. This award was attested by the Division Superintendent of Schools, Province of Iloilo and the Regional Director of DECS of Western Visayas."