About Dr. Jacqueline Espina
Meet the dedicated pediatrician who has been transforming children's lives for over two decades, bringing warmth and expertise to every consultation.
Doc Jacqui — Mama Doc
Dr. Jacqueline Jabonero-Espina, affectionately known as Doc Jacqui or Mama Doc by her patients, is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician who has been serving children and families since 2000.
When Doc Jacqui first chose Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics as her subspecialty, it was a relatively unknown field in the Philippines. Today, she is one of the most sought-after specialists in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, with families traveling to Cebu specifically to seek her expertise and compassionate care.
Her unique approach combines deep medical expertise with genuine warmth, making both children and parents feel comfortable and confident in their care journey.
Education & Credentials
A distinguished medical background from prestigious institutions
Cebu Institute of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
Philippine Licensure Examinations
Passed
Philippine Pediatric Society
Specialty Boards
UP Philippine General Hospital
Dev Behavioral Pediatrics Training
Philippine Pediatric Society
Fellow (Breastfeeding Thesis)
Professional Practice
Doc Jacqui has held significant leadership positions in professional organizations, dedicated to advancing pediatric care in Central Visayas and beyond.
Beyond her clinical practice, Doc Jacqui is passionate about educating parents, medical students, and colleagues on the diagnosis and therapy of children with developmental and behavioral differences. She believes in empowering families with knowledge to support their children's unique journey.
Specializations
- General Pediatrics
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Behavioral Pediatrics
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- ADHD & Behavioral Disorders
- Developmental Delays
- Learning Difficulties
Family Life
A proud mother and grandmother who balances family with her passion for pediatric care
A Loving Family
Doc Jacqui is married to Dr. Shawn Espina and takes pride in her role as mother to one doctor and three architects. Her daughter, Dr. Khrystal Felicity Espina Bautista, is an anesthesiologist married to Dr. Benjo Deasis Bautista, a surgeon practicing in Dumaguete.
Khrystal Felicity Espina Bautista, MD, FPSA
Daughter
Anesthesiologist
Benjamin De Asis Bautista, MD, FPCS, FPSGS
Son-in-law
Surgeon, Dumaguete
Architect Mischa Maxime J. Espina
Son
Architect, Southampton U.K.
Architect Aldo Jacques J. Espina
Son
Architect, Masters in Lighting Design, Parsons, New York, USA
Architect Tristan Joan J. Espina
Son
Architect, GM EPERC Cebu
Doc Jacqui and Dr. Shawn are proud grandparents to three wonderful grandchildren and are always delighted to welcome more little ones into the family!
Adapting Through Challenges
Even during the pandemic, Doc Jacqui remained committed to her patients. She seamlessly transitioned to online consultations via Zoom, ensuring continuity of care for families across the region.
The lockdowns brought increased challenges for many families, with behavioral concerns on the rise due to prolonged time at home. Technology has been a blessing, allowing Doc Jacqui to reach patients beyond Cebu — seeing children in their natural home environment provides valuable insights that complement traditional consultations.
Today, online consultations remain a convenient option for follow-up visits and initial assessments, making quality developmental and behavioral pediatric care more accessible to families throughout the Visayas and Mindanao.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT FOR PARENTS: Raising Resilient and Capable Kids in a Noisy World
by Dr. Jacqueline Jabonero-Espina (Author), Dr. Shawn Euclid Gandhi P. Espina (Author)
Child Development for Parents: Raising Resilient and Capable Kids in a Noisy World is an easy-to-use, evidence-based guide for parents, teachers, and caregivers that explains how children grow from pregnancy through adulthood.
View Book DetailsExperience the Mama Doc Difference
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