Philippine Academy of Family Physicians

Message from the President 2026

pafp — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:27:24 +0000

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 4-11-2024

pafp — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:53:46 +0000

A MESSAGE TO MY �鶹ֱ�� FAMILY

��WHO I AM … YOUR PRESIDENT FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS

I am probably the oldest president of �鶹ֱ��. Even our past presidents (though some are now older than I am), were younger when they assumed this office. I am the proud holder of a senior discount card; so please forgive my memory lapses.

I have been in the BOT for a considerable number of years, and have served on several committees – residency foremost, as well as research, Quality Assurance, primary health care, standards of care – I have handled them all … and the latest is the regional council, formerly the city and provincial chapter committee. These involvements have taken me all over, meeting individual members in various chapters, and getting to know them in their unique local situations – their dreams and aspirations as well as their problems and frustrations. This will affect the directions I am now considering as your leader.

I am a member of the UP College of Medicine Class ’81 – back then, we had this class slogan: “simple groovy country doctor.” I resonate very much with this, for the road I have taken was more that of a community doctor than a clinician. As such, I am rather informal. Forgive me if I don’t use a lot of honorifics, as I like calling people by their names / nicknames rather than their titles. My students and residents I often call “anak” … so if I do not adhere to protocols, please do not be offended as I do not mean to be disrespectful. I am also simple, I dress simply and cannot use make-up due to allergies [ but my husband thinks I am pretty enough] However, since I have been told that power dressing and protocols are essential for the position; I should I endeavor to try harder.

MY HOPES AND DREAMS… THE DIRECTIONS I SEE FOR �鶹ֱ�� …

AS A COMMUNITY ORIENTED DOCTOR, I am more comfortable with WE rather than I.

Collaborative work is what readily comes to mind. We need to work as a team. An organization is only as good as its members.�� We need to organize ourselves and communicate better so we can be more effective working together. We have new and not so new individuals in the leadership positions of our organization, both in local chapters and in the national level. That is a very good combination because we get the wisdom of those who have been there before and the excitement and innovations of those who are joining us afresh. And we have many young and fresh leaders here tonight in the persons of our incoming chapter presidents. Like many of you, I was reluctant to accept the role of president. I was happy to support President Kaye as her vice president, doing what I was asked, and going where I was sent. How much she has accomplished – quite a tough act to follow! I realized her responsibilities, and this gave me palpitations. The good thing though is that here we all are. No matter what happened, how each of us felt, we all said YES. And with that simple commitment an oath will follow. I accepted my role and sealed it with an oath. Like me, you have accepted your roles this will be followed also by a pledge. Let us work well together.

The first big challenge we need to deal with is to make our organization, the �鶹ֱ��, (to borrow the term of a dear friend), SEXY – o, alam niyo na kung sino siya! She would often use the term SEXY which I interpreted to mean something to be desired… to be confidently proud of being a member and officer of this Academy! Member and chapter satisfaction will both be a goal and an indicator. As leaders, we need to know how our members feel about being a part of this organization and then address their concerns. We touch members through our chapters – so far, 53 of them. It is through the chapters that we can reach out to our members. Thus, let us strengthen our chapters.

We live in what has been called a VUCA world – Volatile – Uncertain – Complex – Ambiguous. More than anything we need to be able to consolidate our efforts to be able to face the challenges ahead. Changes within our Academy have already started with the ratification of the 2021 Constitution and By-Laws. Transitory provisions have been put in place. Some may have considered this overwhelming even unacceptable because they are unfamiliar and may seem like leaving comfortable traditions. Changes, however, are inevitable if we want to grow further and develop. The �鶹ֱ�� is the recognized professional specialty organization for Family and Community Medicine by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) and the Department of Health (DoH). As such, we are in an optimal position to play a major role in making the Universal Health Care Law a reality for our people. The transformation of our health system could really happen, and we can contribute significantly to this endeavor. So let us get our act together to live up to the highest standards we can achieve as an organization.

We already have a five-year strategic plan, and we are in the middle of its completion. Much has been done before but much more still needs to be accomplished. We just need to continue the good that has been started and modify what has proven ineffective. Gaps and difficulties have already been identified and the work is cut out for us. The indicators for its fulfillment have already been written down with all the beautiful words often used for such objectives. That big bold audacious goal of ours of “becoming the physician of choice of Filipino families” with former President Kaye even adding “that Family and Community Medicine be the career of choice of young medical students” will really demand much from our Academy. How can we make it happen so that our members live up to standards of health care that make them the “chosen ones?” How can we make all of us the so-called diamond physicians? The challenge is daunting but perhaps with little steps and all of us working in the same direction, we can make it happen.

Sapat na ‘yan for now.

Finally, I must admit that I am not good with very long speeches and lots of promises. I just want to appreciate this opportunity given to me by saying my yes and pledging my oath. I repeat my request to all of you – let us work well together and let us try to give our very best so that our members will feel satisfied and be proud to be family doctors and members of �鶹ֱ��. Let us continue the work that has been started towards making Universal Health Care a transformative means to improving the health status of Filipino families and communities. We can do this by fulfilling our strategic goals and then preparing for the next five years again. The upward spiral movement of continuing growth and development must come about for our Academy.

Maraming Salamat sa lahat.

Nagmamahal,

Josie S. Isidro-Lapeña, MD, MFM, F�鶹ֱ��

�鶹ֱ�� President’s Speech at the 10th Presidents Night

pafp — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 01:42:56 +0000

Long before the enactment of Universal Health Care Act, the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians have been espousing and practicing primary care approach. Provision of accessible, continuous, comprehensive, and coordinated care is at the core of Philippine Academy of Family Physicians principles. Our creed is to manage patients holistically, from womb to tomb, adhering to the patient-centered, family-focused, and community-oriented care. Five thousand family physicians across the country have always been at the forefront, navigating and providing primary health care, even in the most hard-to-reach communities, and at the same ensuring that patients are referred to and taken care of by other specialists, when necessary. Upon signing of the Universal Health Care law, the �鶹ֱ�� is quick to respond by setting a new direction in embracing the provisions of the law and anticipating implementation challenges. The Academy has engaged in feasibility research and develop programs addressing the implications of the Act both in government and private family practice. To develop competency-enhancement framework for family physicians ascribing to the needed competencies of a primary care provider, we conducted a mapping of competencies of family physicians which resulted in the development of a blueprint of competencies for knowledge and skills training and the crafting of competency manual for primary care physicians. The pliot run for the Certification Assessment Tool for PCP is scheduled to be implemented this year to the first batch of the DTTBs who underwent our national training program in 2021.

The current number of primary care providers would not be enough to ensure that all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services and protected against financial risk as stipulated in the UHC law. Hence, the Academy has been working hard in establishing more residency training programs in all provinces of the country. Currently, there are 139 residency training programs, almost half are practiced based /innovative programs on the average producing 150-200 family physicians per year, and we vow to continuously create more family physicians to meet the increasing demand. One of the principles of the law is to have an integrated and comprehensive approach to ensure that all Filipinos are health literate, provided with healthy living conditions, and protected from hazards and risks that could affect their health. Establishment of healthcare provider networks is paramount to achieve integration of health care delivery system. To support this, the Academy developed a UHC-ready Family Physician Practice Networks through crafting of organizational management manual for a primary care practice network, establishing certification standards, and primary care service packages. Konsulta is a comprehensive outpatient benefits as mandated by the Universal Health Care Law which aims to protect the health of every Filipino against chronic illnesses, avoid complications through early detection, and provide affordable drugs and medicines. However, accreditation of Konsulta providers has shown slow uptake particularly among private practitioners. To support Philhealth, the Academy is currently conducting Konsulta caravans in different regions to help our members in navigating the accreditation process and encourage more family physicians to become Konsulta providers. At the �鶹ֱ��, it is a continuous learning process to imbibe the policies of Universal Health Care, and to enable our members to be part of the Department of Healths’ 8-Point Agenda to achieve universal equity, access and financial risk protection – para sa Bawat Pilipino, Komunidad at Health worker.

I would like to underscore that prevention and early intervention have always been �鶹ֱ��’s strength, and this fits exactly with the basic principles of UHC. We advocate wellness through preventive and regular screening as well as counseling on health and health-seeking behavior of patients. �鶹ֱ�� together with its 3 Sup-specialty Societies ( Philippine Society of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (PSHPM), Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine (PCGM) and Philippine Society of Primary Care Physicians in Tropical Medicine (PSPCPinTM) ) and 7 Affiliate Specialty Societies ( Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM), Philippine College of Emergency Medicine (PCEM), Philippine Society of Clinical and Occupational Toxicology, Inc. (PSCOT), Philippine College of Medical Nutrition Physicians (PCMNP), Philippine Society of Venereologist Inc. (PSV), Philippine Academy of Physician in School Health, Inc. (PAPSHI), Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine (PCLM) are staunch advocates of disease prevention, control and public health. This is best demonstrated during the COVID crisis where many family physicians remained in primary care facilities as well as hospitals to help manage patients when hospitals were burdened by the surge of COVID cases. Primary care as defined by the law refers to initial-contact, accessible, continuous, comprehensive and coordinated care that is accessible at the time of need including a range of services for all presenting conditions, and the ability to coordinate referrals to other health care providers in the health care delivery system, when necessary. Considering the competencies of family physicians, I would like to believe that our specialty is the rightful implementing body to become navigators, gatekeepers, and primary care providers. In the seemingly unorganized cascade of care and highly specialized care, it is the right time for primary care to receive the recognition it truly deserves. The fulfillment of the vision of Universal Health Care Act depends on a framework that fosters a whole-of-system, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach in the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of health policies, programs and plans. The Academy is one with all the other medical specialty organizations as one PMA with the goal of implementing the Universal Health Care Act successfully. I call everyone to embrace the law. As citizen of this country, it is our right to enjoy the benefits the law aspires to achieve but at the same time as duty bearers, it is our responsibility to create frameworks and structures to enable implementation of the provisions of the law. Lastly, the �鶹ֱ�� vows to collaborate with all other stakeholders to achieve a whole-of-society approach. The Academy confirms development and engagement of family physicians as primary care providers. The Academy believes that only in unity and working together we can achieve universal health to all Filipinos.

Karin Estepa-Garcia, M.D., F�鶹ֱ��

President

Karin Estepa-Garcia, M.D., F�鶹ֱ��

President

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT – INAUGURATION SPEECH – 6 – 5 & 6 – 2022

adminares — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 02:52:01 +0000

To the Philippine Medical Association President, Dr. Maria Minerva P. Calimag, the newly inducted and outgoing Officers and Board of Trustees, Dr. Marivic Cruz our immediate past president, and the rest of the �鶹ֱ�� Past Presidents, our guests from UNILAB headed by Mr. Pergentino Sumampong- Professional Relations Director Unilab, guests who are physically present and those who are with us virtually……. Good evening and thank you for joining us.

Tonight you are witnessing the baton being passed, from one set of officers and board to another. And before we, the new board, run off, excited to take the organization to new heights, we want to acknowledge what the past board and presidents achieved. As we grab the baton, we recognize its weight – it is not light. While we consider this, we look back and we saw how far you took the �鶹ֱ�� in your time. And tonight we marvel at what you have accomplished; thank you for taking us where we are now. You are passing �鶹ֱ�� to us as a better organization, giving us a stronger foundation to make it better, and we hope that when it is our time to pass the baton, the new officers and board will find the �鶹ֱ�� a much greater organization.

I would like to take this opportunity to take stock and express my appreciation and gratitude to the people who supported me. I want to start my leadership in �鶹ֱ�� with an attitude of gratitude and humility. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and in my context this holds true – the whole community brought me to where I am right now.

I would like to thank my super fans – my husband, son, and daughter, who allow me to be the best I can be every day. I thank my father, sister, and nephews, who are rooting for me on the sidelines – I hear you loud and clear. To my colleagues, It is a rare gift to have this kind of intimate support professionally, and I treasure all of you. I also thank the hospitals and organizations which I am currently the chairperson of the UP-PGH and the Manila Doctors Hospital Department of Family and Community Medicine, and the Philippine Society of Hospice and Palliative Medicine where I served as its president for 3 years. Your trust and confidence in me gave me a venue to hone and refine my ability to lead, and it carried me to where I am now.

I thank my past and present mentors and our past presidents for paving and preparing the way for me and my colleagues. Because of you and what you built, some of the stars are now closer and within my reach. I am grateful to the people I work with. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with warm, passionate, dedicated, hopeful, proud, pragmatic, imaginative, attentive, supportive, enthusiastic, and mission-focused people who unselfishly gave their time, talent, and friendship to make my professional journey better and lighter. Because of you, I have something to build on to help others reach higher stars. I hope I can be that kind of mentor in other people’s journeys.

Speaking of stars, the only way we can see them is to look up…. That is how we should look forward to our future – with heads held high, looking at what is bright, what is hopeful, and what gives us purpose.

This is how I started my journey in �鶹ֱ�� – with my head up and filled with hope. I was elected as one of the Board of Trustees way back 2014 and I held that position for 7 years. I served on various committees, namely on basic medical education and continuing professional development. I was also part of the convention committee even before entering the board and served as its chair last year during our 60th Anniversary. I had the privilege of serving as an Executive Secretary under 2 past presidents and as a Vice President for the last 2 years.

Now as an incoming President of �鶹ֱ��, I take on the role with the same attitude as I joined �鶹ֱ�� – with my head up and full of hope. I invite the incoming board of trustees and officers to join me in this perspective of looking up with hope…

Our vision, to be the Physician of Choice of Filipino Families, has become crucial now more than ever. The last 2 years were a crucible for our profession, and our vision has never been more real than it is now. Just as we see the crucible separate the metal from its impurities, we saw where we excelled (pause) and we also saw where we lacked…

With this, we now identify and recognize opportunities for how we can be Physicians of Choice of every Filipino Family.

So I encourage the board of trustees and officers, my fellow Family Medicine Specialists, to think, breathe, and act as one in facing these challenges and use what we learned over the last years to Advance Holistic Health Care for Individuals, Families, and Communities, which is the organization’s strategic goal.

This We start by establishing the first order of business: to know the society’s constitution by heart and mind and to act according to it. (repeat) the first order of business: to know the society’s constitution by heart and mind and to act according to it.

Let us aim to be examples of �鶹ֱ��’s values of integrity, commitment, compassion, excellence, and social responsibility. Let us not just be leaders by name (pause) but also leaders by action. To be the Physicians of Choice of every Filipino Family, we have to give them a reason why they should choose us. And it starts by setting ourselves apart from the rest, by modeling our values and constitution for the members to follow. When members follow our lead, we are helping them become a better option for Filipino families. We help them become that “Physician of Choice”.

But beyond being the Physicians of Choice of every Filipino Family, we should aim to be the “Career of Choice among medical students and the Residency of Choice among young physicians.” We need to take this on as our vision because this will secure the future of the �鶹ֱ�� and Family Medicine in the generations to come. Admittedly, our calling is not the easiest one, and that is why we need to inspire the next generation. We have to inspire them so they see the nobility of the profession… the difference they can make in society…and the impact that they can leave in this world. We inspire them that despite the difficulties of medical school and training, they still choose to become Family Medicine Specialists.

I hope that within my term, I and my fellow board of trustees can produce something concrete towards the vision – to be the Physicians of Choice of Filipino families, the Career of Choice for Medical Students, and the Residency of Choice for young physicians. While doing so, we will strive to be the leadership you can look up to and who will fill you with hope.

Thank you very much for this opportunity, and we, the new �鶹ֱ�� officers and Board of Trustees, now run off with the baton.

We hope to hear you cheer for us.
We hope that you will support us.
And we hope that you will work with us.
Only when we work together…the load becomes lighter…problems easier solved… challenges becomes more bearable…goals faster to reach…and
success is sweeter when collectively shared.

And God bless us all.

Karin Estepa-Garcia, M.D., F�鶹ֱ��

President

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS – 04-14-2020

adminares — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 09:20:58 +0000

Greetings all!

This is the time when the country needs us, the��FAMILY PHYSICIANS��and the primary care providers, the most. I salute all �鶹ֱ�� members, especially those who are in the frontline of this COVID-19 Crisis— the resident trainees,trainers, private and public practitioners. To continue our sworn duty to serve, let us ensure that we keep our risk of exposure low.��Let us follow and comply with the DOH guidelines for healthcare workers.

To address the challenges brought by this epidemic, we have created a��TASK FORCE ON COVID-19��to address the needs of our members, and the families and communities we serve.

The Task Force aims to:
-to provide continuing education on COVID-19 and related topics

-to assess the needs of our trainers and trainees and provide the��necessary support within our resources
-to provide materials for educating families and communities
We have released two guidelines during the past 3 weeks to help you take care of the families and communities affected by COVID-19. You may view the following through the links on our Home Page:

I.��Consensus Statements on Family-focused Care Plan During A COVID-19 Epidemic

II. Consensus Statements on Community-oriented Care Plan During A COVID-19 Epidemic

People draw strength from us in these situations.��Encourage everyone to stay calm but prepared, start with your families and household members, your clinic staff, and your communities. Educate them on specific preventive measures that are evidence-based. Ensure not only their physical but also their mental well-being.

We can only win against COVID-19 if we, the Primary Care Physicians, in partnership with other members of healthcare workforce and other stakeholders, and all the Filipino families cooperate to save the future of this nation.
We continue to pray for everyone’s safety and good health!

We will all see this through as one FAMILY!
God be with us!!!

Maria Victoria Concepcion Pilares- Cruz, M.D., F�鶹ֱ��

President

Dr. Louella Patricia D. Carpio

adminares — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 03:31:35 +0000

FEATURED FAMILY PHYSICIAN: DR. LOUELLA PATRICIA D. CARPIO

LOUELLA PATRICIA D. CARPIO, M.D., DFM

Ella is a spirited fighting maroon. Born to simple government employees of UP Diliman, she enjoyed the peaceful environment and academic culture of the campus since elementary. She initially dreamt to be a scientist and completed her degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in UP Diliman as cum laude. A call to serve eventually led her to pursue medicine instead. She then obtained her medical degree from the University of the Philippines Manila. After moonlighting for one year, she realized that training in family and community medicine was imperative to provide the best care for her patients.

She excelled in her residency training in Family and Community Medicine residency from the UP-Philippine General Hospital and was unanimously selected as chief resident. Her interest in public health and research eventually led her to serve in the Department of Health as a health policy and systems research fellow. She was involved in the development of evidence-based policies and projects related to service delivery networks and primary care while in DOH. At the same time, she continued her practice and teaching in Family Medicine as a visiting consultant at UP-PGH. She thinks that while public health serves greater number of persons through policies, there is greater fulfillment in being armed with the stethoscope and seeing patients getting well.

To further improve her competency in public health and research, she is taking a masters degree in Epidemiology in Public Health in the University of the Philippines Manila. She was awarded an academic recognition as College Scholar and continuously strives to complete the course. While taking her masters degree and serving as junior faculty in UP-PGH, she pursued the diplomate examination and was awarded as the Diplomate Board topnotcher.

In gratitude to the country and the university that taught her, she is presently a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. She is an active member of the �鶹ֱ��’s committees and subcommittees including the Quality Assurance Committee, the In-service Exam Committee, and the Legislation and Advocacy Committee. She also works in partnership through projects with technical working groups and bureaus of DOH. She believes that Family Medicine should not be confined to the four corners of the clinic and hospitals. Rather, she thinks that family physicians should take the challenge in improving patient lives through good clinical and interpersonal care at the individual level and by having a systems-perspective at the population-based level.

While she continues to study and work, she allots time for running, mountain hiking and spending time with her family. She plans to join an international marathon and climb the Mt. Everest base camp in the future.

Dr. Jose Karlo L. Tirante

adminares — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 05:47:51 +0000

JOSE KARLO L. TIRANTE, M.D.

Dr. Jose Karlo L. Tirante, a Family Medicine specialist is the current president of the Las Pinas Muntinlupa Pasay Paranaque (LAMPPARA) chapter. He obtained his degree in Medicine from University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center(UERMMMC) and his Family Medicine residency at Veterans Memorial Medical Center. He is a member of the UERMMMC- Institute for studies in Diabetes Foundation as a diabetes care educator and is currently finishing his Diploma in Diabetes Studies.�� He is an active consultant at Unihealth Paranaque Hospital and Medical Center, Clinica Caritas Sucat and SMS Clinic in Paranaque City. He handles outpatient and general medical in-patient cases.

Dr. Tirante strives to continue enhancing his value to benefit the patients in his community. He encourages every Family Physician to achieve excellence and compassion when dealing with patients and their families. He enjoins everyone to work on their skills, to learn, grow and care.

He believes that we all derive our happiness from the benefit gained by the people we serve, and from the person we have become. Dr. Tirante promotes that at every opportunity we should always strive to do something remarkable in the spirit of relevance and distinction as members of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Noel M. Laxamana

adminares — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 07:06:02 +0000

NOEL M. LAXAMANA, M.D., F�鶹ֱ��, DPCOM

Noel, as fondly called by his peers, is a Kapampangan who grew up from a family of educators. His mom, Milagros, was a former Education College Dean at Angeles University Foundation. His dad, Pablo, served as a Scoutmaster at their neighborhood school.

He was a proud member of the Pioneer Class of Angeles City Science High School and later pursued his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, graduating as Magna Cum Laude at Angeles University Foundation. Though he passed admissions in Manila to pursue his Degree in Medicine, he was offered a scholarship at Angeles University Foundation College of Medicine and finished as the Class Salutatorian and Most Outstanding Junior Clinical Intern on 2005.

Following his Postgraduate Internship at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), he applied and was accepted as a resident trainee of the Department of Family Medicine in the same institution. His consultant-mentors included Dr. Susan Rosalia Mateo and Dr. Balthazar Villaraza Jr., who shared their expertise in holistic ambulatory care, communication and relational skills in primary care. Further, Dr. Elnora Villanueva and Dr. Martha Nucum were his sources of practical knowledge in Adult Pulmonology and served as inspirational leaders during his stay at VMMC. On his final year as a Chief Resident, he also served as the Auditor of the Academy’s Residents’ Organization (�鶹ֱ��RO). Prior to his exit from training, he was awarded as a Finalist on VMMC’s Employee of the Year Award (Resident of the Year), as a testament of his contributions to the hospital and to the department’s adopted community.

Noel was conferred as a Certified Family Physician (CFP) at the 18th WONCA Asia Pacific Conference on February 2011 at Cebu City. While preparing for the diplomate exams, he joined the Faculty of the Department of Preventive, Family and Community Medicine of the Angeles University School of Medicine as a full-time instructor. Together with his former professors, Noel made sure that the Principles of Family Medicine and Family Practice were introduced early to the medical students. At about the same time, he was also a Primary Care Physician at The Medical City-Angeles.

It was on 2011 when he first applied as an ER Medical Specialist at Bataan General Hospital in the City of Balanga, Bataan. The Chief of Hospital, Dr. Glory Baltazar, exhibited her trust and confidence on the role of Family Physicians on Urgent and Acute Care. She emphasized that Family Physicians are competent in managing patients at the Emergency Room, given the adequate training and exposure on cases from all life stages. Even with his hectic schedule, he managed to enroll and finish the Basic and Advanced Courses in Occupational Medicine offered by PCOM on 2011, and was conferred as a Diplomate on March 2019. As for Family Medicine, he was conferred Diplomate in Family Medicine on 2012. It was also on 2012 when he presented his research at the 1st World Congress on Health Ageing at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

With a heavy heart, he had to leave the academe and his family practice on 2012, and was absorbed by Petron Corporation – Refining Division (Petron Bataan Refinery) in Limay, Bataan as its lone Medical Officer. Having both proficiency in Family Medicine and Occupational Medicine, his duties included the continuing implementation of the Occupational Health Services, monitoring the work environment for health hazards, medical and surgical interventions for the personnel and their dependents, home visits or house calls for the PBR Housing (a nearby community which included the personnel’s residence and their families), as well as hospital visits in Balanga City for the staff who were admitted for various illnesses. He also made certain that the Hearing Conservation Program was fully implemented, with monitoring and evaluation, among the affected cohort of employees. He was a witness on the expansion of the Refinery Master Plan Phase 2 (RMP 2), where he conducted pre-employment physical examination for almost 600 new employees, over a period of two years, doubling the company’s population to about 1,200. Further, he was instrumental in the licensing and eventual launch of the Petron Clinic in Limay, which had served as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He was also involved in the consistent accreditation of the company’s OHSAS 18001, QMS ISO 9001 and EMS ISO 14001.

However, on 2014, the Bataan General Hospital was slowly expanding to a 350-bed Level 2 DOH hospital, which needed to hire additional specialists and medical officers. At about this time, Noel gracefully exited and thanked the Petron Bataan Refinery for the one-of-a-kind experience in the practice of Occupational Medicine. He applied as a Medical Specialist III, and was immediately designated as the Head of the Emergency Department. Committee chairmanships were also given to Noel, in particular, the Hospital Accreditation Committee, Medical Records Committee, and the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Bids and Awards Committee.

Further, Noel was given the huge task to lead the Internal Quality Audit (IQA) Committee, which secured Bataan General Hospital’s continuing accreditation as a QMS ISO 9001 Certified Government Hospital.

On 2015, he was made as the hospital’s Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) Coordinator, and since then, took part as a National Responder for Pope Francis’ Visit to the Philippines, APEC Bagac, APEC Clark and APEC Manila, ASEAN Cebu and ASEAN Manila (Close-in Medical Team for European Union). Part of his duties as a HEMS Coordinator (DRRM-H Manager) were crafting and testing the hospital’s annual disaster plan, ensuring health emergency preparedness activities such as conduct of the Basic Life Support (BLS) Courses for the hospital staff, and coordination with Metro Bataan Development Authority (MBDA) for the seamless integration and referral mechanism of pre-hospital care to emergent care at Bataan General Hospital. It was in his term that the hospital was annually awarded with the Office of the Civil Defense’s (OCD Region 3) Gawad KALASAG (National Government Category) since 2016. The Gawad KALASAG is an annual event recognizing the efforts of various government agencies involved in the exemplary demonstration of a systematic and orderly standard emergency response mechanism and for mainstreaming and ensuring institutionalization of Health Emergency Management (HEM).

At around the same time, Noel volunteered to be one of the pioneers in Primary Care Training on Adult HIV Infection and HIV Counseling and Testing at BGH. Following the adequate training, the clinical and nursing staff institutionalized Bataan HAVEN – the first DOH Designated HIV/AIDS Treatment Hub in the province, offering counseling and testing services, enrollment to free antiretroviral treatment, client navigator for specialist referrals, as well as conduct of advocacy programs outside the hospital, including mobile HIV testing. Noel had served as the pioneer, and concurrently, the HACT (HIV/AIDS Core Team) Physician of Bataan HAVEN. Noel also offers palliative care among the clients of the treatment hub.

Recognizing the demands as a healthcare manager, Noel enrolled in Masters in Hospital Management (MHM) at Saint Joseph’s College of Quezon City on 2015. He is currently finishing his feasibility study, as a requirement for the completion of the graduate program.

This has not stopped Noel on the creation of a service and a training department in Family and Community Medicine, following the expansion of the now Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center, making it a 500-bed Level III DOH Retained Hospital. After the significant ocular inspection and visit of Dra. Dada Leopando, he facilitated the institutionalization of the hospital’s Department of Family and Community Medicine. He served as the department’s first Residency Training Officer in 2016, with two trainees enrolled in the Practice-Based Family Medicine Residency Training Program. The program was recognized as the first residency training program in the hospital and in the Province of Bataan. The department eventually expanded, now offering the Traditional Track since 2018. Noel assumed Chairman of the DFCM on 2019, with a competent line-up of faculty, and with four trainees in the PB-FMRTP and ten trainees in the Traditional Program.

With the advent of the Family and Community Medicine training program, this has revitalized the �鶹ֱ�� Bataan Chapter, with Noel being elected as Vice-President on 2017, and currently as the chapter’s President. Together with Dra. Anabella Gallardo-Robles, they had infused energy into the chapter, with the members attending various scientific, civic and social events in the province.

Lastly, Noel is a recipient of the 2018 Civil Service Commission (CSC) Pagasa Honor Awards Program (Regional Nominee) and Bataan General Hospital’s Employee of the Year for 2015. He is a member of the PMA-Bataan Medical Society, �鶹ֱ�� Bataan Chapter, International Member of AAFP and the Vice-President of the AUF-School of Medicine Alumni Association.

Noel has also graced numerous speaking engagements with subject matter on Health Emergency Management, Urgent and Acute Care, and HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control.

To end this brief personality sketch, Noel leisurely spends his quality time with his parents and friends, enjoys watching Netflix shows, listening to Spotify music and playing games with his PS4. He also enjoys traveling both locally and abroad.

Dr. Antonio Dizon

adminares — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 02:12:18 +0000

ANTONIO DIZON, M.D.

Becoming a doctor is a long and a difficult journey, to say at the least. One must endure all those years of studying, training, a tiring workload and riding an emotional rollercoaster. However, there is an absolute difference between asking “How does one become a doctor?” and “What makes a good doctor?” Searching through articles, one might see some qualities that society defines as being a good physician are; Compassion, Professionalism, Knowledge, Confidence, Humility, Passion, etc. If so, then one particular person might just fit those criteria, Dr. Antonio Dizon.

Starting with his primary and secondary education at the Paco Catholic School in Manila, his thirst for learning was an important factor that would make this student an exemplary physician in the future. This was more evident when “Tony” took up Bachelor of Science in Zoology in the College of Science of the University of Sto. Tomas (1974). His interest in the health sciences continued as he took the step and received the title Doctor of Medicine, from the Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (1978) and presently a Life Member of the Philippine Medical Association.�� As a passionate lifelong learner, he continued his journey in the field of medicine where he became a Diplomate in Family Medicine (1999), and further down the road, a Fellow-Life as well in the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians. All these titles were given justice by his work ethics and his unwavering principles in both the clinical and social aspects of his profession.

Doc Tony’s journey for excellence continued as he aimed to to acquire more knowledge and skills even with his worthy achievements. He obtained his MBA in Health Care Management (MBA/H) from the Ateneo School of Business (2005) and even took a certificate course in Strategic Management and Planning, UP College of Public Health (2014).

Having served as medical director in several hospitals, Dr. Dizon was known for always engaging his residents and colleagues to work for the best of their patients. His dedication in advocating for the welfare of the community’s stakeholders is evident as he exercised prudence in his practice, and always aimed to advise and provide the best treatment. His professionalism and work ethics has always inspired both young and senior physicians and even other health care professionals to be provided quality health care with compassion.

Apart from being quiet and a calm listener he was regarded to give wise and sensible decisions when he could, which made him an outstanding member and an admirable head of the organizations he was part of. He became a Past President of the Angeles City Medical Society (1987), and was the Chapter President for the years 1993-1996; 2000-2001, of the �鶹ֱ�� Angeles City Chapter. Even at present, he is always trusted for his sound and fair judgement as an Executive Board Member of the local chapter. As a visionary leader, he commanded respect by standing firm with what is right. He always follows through with the meaningful projects he fastidiously held, and led the organizations to achieving their objectives.

Dr. Dizon would not also miss a chance in fulfilling his role in the society he belongs to. He was a member of the Angeles “Kuliat” Jaycees, a charter member of the Angeles City Executive Toastmasters Club, and even became a past director for service of the Rotary Club of Angeles North.

His work is, safe to say, not limited to the confines of the hospital, clinics, and meeting rooms for he brings his values and caring attitude to his home as well. He is happily married to Carmelita Mendoza Dizon, and is always a loving father to Michael John (39), Marie Therese (36), and Joseph Allen (35), and his beautiful granddaughter Zoe (4).

What he displays and lives by in the workplace, are principles that all doctors should embody. As physicians, we may all thread through different life situations. Nevertheless, as Doc Tony continues to work for the servitude to man and God , we will always be inspired to uphold the nobility of our profession. Indeed Doctor Antonio Dizon will constantly be a strong pillar in our chapter and society, worthy of emulation by his family, colleagues, and friends.

Dr. Ricardo Alarilla San Diego

adminares — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 03:07:47 +0000

Ricardo “Ding” Alarilla San Diego, M.D., F�鶹ֱ��

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.

Steve Jobs

Becoming a doctor and to serve his fellow Plaridelenos was once a dream for Dr. Ding San Diego. Being a man for others and living a simple life, imbued to him by his parents, Dr. Pedro Lipana San Diego, Sr, the centenarian doctor of Bulacan and Eulalia Alarilla of Meycauayan, Bulacan. Born and raised in Plaridel, Bulacan, Ding graduated with honors from St. James Academy and eventually pursued his studies in Manila where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1972 from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. He became a doctor to the barrio just like his father, riding the tricycle to the different barrios in Bulacan.�� He was a Certified Family Physician in 1981, became a diplomate, fellow and Life Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians in 1984, 1987 and 1997 respectively. He has been in active practice of family medicine for 40 years in Plaridel following the footsteps of his father, Dr. Pedro until 2012, due to health reasons, he had to retire and pass on to his two daughters.

As a respected medical practitioner, he has always been regarded as a dedicated, well-disciplined, and compassionate physician. He was the school physician of St. James Academy from 1990-2005 and was able to provide free tuition fees to deserving students of St. James Academy from 1990-2002 thru SJA alumni association. Awarded with a Plaque of Appreciation for Scholarship to the Poor by St. James Academy of Plaridel in 2004 and Outstanding Alumni achiever in 2005. He was a past president of the Bulacan Medical Society 1999-2000 and the Bulacan chapter of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians 1996-1997. He has not been only involved in medical activities but also in various civic and religious-oriented events in his hometown. He has served as NAMFREL municipal chair, past grand knight, past district deputy, past faithful navigator of the Knights of Columbus Council 6613 and president of the Plaridel Tennis Club. Through these organizations, he was able to organize medical-dental missions annually.

One of the highlights of his career was when he became the charter member of the Rotary Club of Plaridel in 1981, becoming president in 1983 and bringing in more than 32 members into the club with the theme “Share Rotary, Serve People”. He was the DGSR for the Rotary Club of Plaridel South and Rotary Club of Pulilan in Bulacan. He was two-time Paul Harris Fellow Major Donor, Paul Harris Society member, GSE team leader to Brisbane, Australia in 1998 and recipient of Presidential citation from RI President Bill Skelton in 1983. An exemplary Rotarian, Dr. Ding has the distinction of having a 100% home club attendance for 35 years in Rotary. His devotion, exemplary performance, dedication to the Rotary Club of Plaridel propelled him to be the District 3770 governor for 2009-2010 with the theme, “The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands”. Throughout his term, he always observes time management, coming on time during meetings and events whenever his presence is needed.�� This was his top priority during his term, indeed leadership by example. He led all the clubs under District 3770 in various projects such as Medical/Dental Missions, tree planting and building safe water systems in public schools and towns With the above achievements, hardwork, and dedication to the community, he was awarded the Gawad Parangal sa Larangan ng Kalusugan given by the Municipality of Plaridel (2007) and Gawad Dangal ng Lipi ng Bulacan for Community Public Service last September 15, 2015 at the Hiyas Convention Center given by the Provincial government of Bulacan. A commemoration of his unselfish service not just a family physician, civic leader but a dedicated son of Bulacan.

Dr. Ding is happily married to Lourdes O. Jimenez of Cabanatuan City for 44 years. They are blessed with four accomplished children: Anna Rosalia, a family medicine specialist and diplomate of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians; Margarita is the plumber in California, an HRM and culinary arts graduate, who manages her own pastry shop, Symphony of Desserts and married to Mark Luxa. Micaela, a licensed pharmacist and diplomate/fellow of the Philippine College of Physicians and Raymond, an MS Human Resource graduate of the University of Santo Tomas and currently working in a private company in BGC Taguig, married to Eileen Marquez.

Presently, Dr. Ding is enjoying the fruits of his labor, a retired family physician, survivor of major stroke, and a doting grandfather to her two granddaughters, Quinn Catriona and Gabrielle Elise Laxa.