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Central Visayas Chapter

 

The PPS Cebu Chapter was founded in February 28, 1963 by 20 pediatricians who were advocates for the welfare of children.

Dr. Pablo Abella was the first president of the chapter. Community service, child advocacy and continuing medical education were the cornerstones of the society right from the start.

The interhospital case conferences, pediatric advanced life support (PALS), neonatal resuscitation programs(NRP), residents in service examinations and annual postgraduate meetings form the basis of continuing educational program through the years. Due to the 2020 pandemic, innovative webinars with an attitude were added to the list.

Community projects ranged from GOBI (growth monitoring, oral rehydration, breastfeeding, immunization), asthma and epilepsy camps, kubeta sa barangay, parents for asthmatics, books of love program, and operation second chance. The latter was geared towards children in conflict with the law.

Our programs are funded through a wide variety of sources including membership dues and revenues from continuing medical education activities.

PPS CV with its 327 pediatrician members in Cebu, Dumaguete and Bohol dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well being of the Filipino child, as it has always done so from its inception.

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Bicol Chapter

 

Bicol Region

is one of the 17 regions of the Philippines. It is composed of four provinces in the Bicol Peninsula, the southeastern end of Luzon island, and two island-provinces adjacent to the peninsula. The region is composed of six provinces, namely, Albay (1st, 2nd , 3rd district), Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon.

Albay ( 1st,2nd,3rd district)
Legazpi City, the provincial capital & regional headquarter also boast of its landmark, Mt. Mayon, the jewel of the Pacific Ring. Its repeated eruption have repeatedly inflicted disaster on us. However, heritage, culture & disaster combined makes us resilient in every way with our inherent trait of “PAGKASARARO MASKI KAPOS.”(Unity in adversity.)

Camarines Norte
The northernmost province in Region V Bicol is Camarines Norte, with Daet as the capital. Known for its natives’ mining gold . Recently, Daet has become a destination for surfers with its white sandy beaches.
Camarines Sur
Northwest of Albay on the Bicol Peninsula is the Province of Camarines Sur,with Iriga and Naga City as highly populated. There are other thirty-five towns, of which Pili is the capital. It is said to be the seat of Religious activity, with INA, the Patron of Bicol, and the Peñafrancia Festival celebrated every 3rd week of September, makes Naga one of the sought after tourist destination.
Masbate
Masbate, the southernmost, lies quite near the center of the Philippine archipelago. Its largest island is Masbate, on which is located the town of Masbate, capital of the province. The islands of Ticao and Burias are large enough to support towns of their own.

Catanduanes
An island province located in the Bicol Region. It is the 12th-largest Island in the Philippines. Its capital is Virac and the province lies to the east of Camarines Sur across Maqueda Channel. Lying along the typhoon belt, the island is unsheltered from the ornery waters of the Pacific Ocean, hence known as the “Land of the howling winds.”

Sorsogon
The Province of Sorsogon occupies the end of the Bicol Peninsula. The province is divided into sixteen towns, of which the capital is also named Sorsogon. The chief tourist attraction is Bulusan Lake, in the crater of a volcano is a national park.

PPS – Bicol Chapter was one of the four chapters established in 1971 when expansion to the regions was one of the thrusts of the National Chapter.

In the 60’s, it was then PPS National President Dr. Carmelita Del Monte-Cuyugan who encouraged Dra. Naida Guballa to form the PPS Bicol Chapter. Being new in the province, Dra. Guballa sought the help of Dra. Bienvenida Cambarre, a native of Tabaco, Albay, to organize with her the local chapter. Since there were not much doctors with formal pediatrics training, the idea did not come into fruition.

It was not until in 1970, during the PPS National Annual Convention, that the National Officers again encouraged the formation of the chapter. With at least 20 members whose practice was 50% pediatrics, the PPS-Bicol Chapter was formed, with Dra. Cambarre as President and Dra. Guballa as Vice President.

In 1971, the Chapter was fully recognized by the PPS with Dra. Guballa sworn in as President by Dr. Alikpala, then PPS National President. The 70’s saw the influx of doctors from Manila with formal training in Pediatrics. Among their activities were free clinics, lectures and projects to address the malnourished children of Bicol (Nutri-Ataman).

In the 80’s, the Bicol Medical Center Department of Pediatrics was accredited for their Residency Program.

Now, on its 49th year of existence, the PPS-Bicol Chapter has 101 members, with 91 active members, the 10 being out of the country or not in practice for health reasons.

Of the 91 members who are active, 35 are from Albay, 38 from Camarines Sur, 5 from Camarines Note, 9 from Sorsogon, 2 from Catanduanes and 2 from Masbate.

To date, we have 46 diplomates, 40 fellows, 3 emeritus and 2 active members.

68 are General Pediatricians, 23 are subspecialists: 1 Hema/Onco, 4 Neonatologists, 1 Critical Care, 2 Cardiologists, 4 Neurologists, 6 Pulmonologists, 1 Toxicologist, 2 Nephrologists, 1 Infectious Disease Specialist, 1 Gastroenterologist, 1 Ambulatory/Child Protection Specialist.

At present, 3 member diplomates are undergoing subspecialty fellowship in Manila.

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Northern Luzon Chapter BOT

PHILIPPINE PEDIATRIC SOCIETY
Northern Luzon Chapter
OFFICERS 2020-2022

EFREN V. BALANAG, MD
President
JOHN FERNANDEZ, MD
Vice President
ANNIE GRAIL T. LIDUA, MD
Secretary
ELAINE BELEN CORPUS, MD
Treasurer
JACQUELINE L. RAPACON, MD
Assistant Treasurer
MARY GRACE PADILLA, MD
Auditor
ELIZABETH GALLARDO, MD
P.R.O.
GERRY ACOSTA, MD
Immediate Past President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THEA PAMOCENO, MD
Pangasinan
MARIANNE G. MANANGAN, MD
La Union
JEREMIE MARIE A. DEL ROSARIO, MD
Baguio and Benguet
EDERLINA CALLANGAN, MD
Ilocos and Abra

COMMITTEE HEADS

ROSEMARIE RAPER, MD
Continuing Medical Education
IRENEA H. ARAGON, MD
Research
GWYNETH C. DIZON, MD
Subspecialty
LEAMOR D. FANGONILO, MD
Community Service
ELIZABETH MELANIE INES, MD
Constitution and By-Laws
LEANITH A. HAYA, MD
Sports and Socials
CLAIRE ANGELIE U. IMBISAN, MD
Hospital Accreditation

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Northern Luzon Chapter

PPS NORTHERN LUZON CHAPTER

The Philippine Pediatric Society Northern Luzon Chapter (PPS-NL) was organized on September 28, 1979 under the guidance of the late Dr. Perla Santos- Ocampo, then the PPS National President.

The chapter’s first official logo depicts a woman dressed in a Filipino costume carrying a baby. On the left, was a figure of the rice terraces that were carved mountains of Banaue, Ifugao, by the ancestors of the indigenous people. The Banaue Rice Terraces was once designated as one of the “Eight Wonders of the World”.

When it started in 1979, the PPS-NL was initially composed of the following Provinces: Pangasinan, Baguio-Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Isabela, La Union, Mt. Province, Ilocos Notre, Cagayan Valley, Nueva Vizcaya. Within a number of meaningful years of PPS-NL, the Chapter had been graced with exemplary leaders who embodied not only strength, and integrity but also benevolence and love for children.

The PPS had withstood the test of time and has remained undeniably steadfast because of the resilience of its leaders who embodied the Chapter’s credo: Excellence, Professionalism and Moral Integrity.

Its first president, Dr. Eliza F. Ramos (1979-1981), started Child Advocacy Day on December 1980. It was also in the same year where a Charity clinic was opened. During this time, Dr. Rolando Songco was a regular Scientific lecturer. In 1981- 1982, it was Dr. Irene M. Dimalanta’s turn as PPS Northern Luzon President. It was during her time where there was increase in the number of recruited members from Baguio and Benguet. It was also during her term where Scientific Meetings and Community oriented projects were started.

In 1982-1983, Dr. Lourdes F. Jacinto, then the President, institutionalized the lectures of Dr. Rolando Songco‘s continuing clinical conferences. In the same year PPS Wyeth Professional Visits was inaugurated. It was in the year 1982-1983 where PPS Pediatrica Regional Systems Network for Child Advocacy (RESYNET) was started. In 1983-1984, Dr. Maeva Lalas served as the PPS-NL President where PPS Pediatrica Regional Systems Network for Child Advocacy (RESYNET) was conducted by members of the Chapter. In the same timeline, the Chapter started the Training of Elementary teachers in the recognition of common health problems among children.

In 1984- 1986, It was during the term of Dr. Manuel B. Antolin when RESYNET was held in Tuguegarao and Baguio City. It was also during this time where the PPS president and some board of directors joined the chapter members, who served as instructors to the participants of RESYNET. In 1986- 1988, with Dr. Maria Herminia B. Cariaga as the PPS N-NL president, the RESYNET program started with courses on fluids and electrolytes, the initial discussions of which eventually became the program on “Control Diarrheal Diseases”

From 1988-1989, during the term of Dr. Estrellita J. Uson, the Community projects of the Chapter, in consonance with the projects of Department of Health, were started. Scientific meetings were continued. In 1889 -1991, during Dr. Agnes A. Bautista’s term as President, the region was fraught with challenges as it was during her term where occurrence of major calamities such as the July 16, 1990 earthquake and floods had severely affected many families. It was during her term where the Chapter undertook rehabilitation efforts for these calamities. She was also then the PPS National Representative for Luzon.

In 1991-1993, PPS-NL was headed by Dr. Hazel A. Balbido. During her term, the Pediatric Residency Research Contest was initiated. It was also during this significant time where the five (5) residency training hospitals were accredited by the PPS. These Hospitals were Ilocos Regional Hospital, Baguio General Hospital, Don Teofilo Sison Provincial Hospital, St. Louis University Hospital and Cagayan Valley Regional Hospital. The PPS-NL under the banner of Dr. Estela G. Mingoa, launched the community project “Operation Kalusugan”. She was also able to acquire accreditation for the Department of Pediatrics of Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center and the commencement of the first PPS Northern Luzon Residency Scholarship Program, which allowed aspiring pediatricians to be admitted and trained in the pediatrics residency program.

Within the span of Dr. Mardave Martinez’s term in 1994-1995, he fortified a myriad of network through the enhancement of the society’s membership. Various scientific meetings were conducted in different provinces throughout Northern Luzon. One of the mission statements of the Association is to provide leadership in training, teaching and research, and expertise in medical and community aspects of child health. It was during Dr. Wilfreda Villanueva’s term in 1995-1996 when this mission statement was realized through the effective implementation of the periodic hospital case presentations, quarterly resident’s review fora, regional written evaluation examinations for training residents, and research fora. She also established a plethora of programs that enhanced child and infant care and support which are known by many as: Down Syndrome Parent Support Group, RF/RHD Prevention Program and the Preventive Nephrology Program in partnership with the Department of Health. Dr. Nelly S. Simon was the first and only Chapter President from Cagayan. She implemented the Resident’s Review Forum and Astra Circuit Course. She also continued the lectures conducted by Dr. Rolando S. Songco a well-renowned pediatrician in the country.

It was in 1998-2000, during the term of Dr. Susie Castano where pediatricians from Region II separated from the PPS-NL Chapter and organized their own PPS North Eastern Luzon Chapter. It was during her term which was regarded as the transition period of the Chapter, wherein she continued the thrusts of the PPS-NL. Her successor, Dr Aurea D, Matias (2000-2002) bagged the award “Most Outstanding Chapter in Child Advocacy”. In the advent of her term, the first PPSNL directory concomitant, with the revision of the constitution and by-laws, was written and published. She spearheaded the CME Activity known as PPS goes to Abra, and made a mark on different communication platforms. She was involved in the broadcasted television show “MEDISCENE”, as well as hosted the Radio Program DWRS in Vigan City. In so far as the community service is involved, she implemented the “Adopt a Barangay” in Tagaytay, San Juan, Abra, and held the Synchronized Community Outreach Program in Bangued East Central School, Abra.

The 25th Anniversary of the Chapter was celebrated during Dr. Jeisela Gaerlan’s term in 2002-2004. It was during her time that opened doors to a plethora of scientific workshops such as NALS, PALS, IMCI, PPS Modules and UMED lecture series. Her penchant for community work was exhibited through the various community projects she had led, like her project “Piso Para sa Batang Ilokano”, a fund-raising activity the proceeds of which was used to finance community projects. In the culmination of her term, the ITRMC was awarded the 2004 PPS IMCI Advocacy award because of the multitude of monthly themed activities which are patterned with the DOH’s various health programs. Dr. Nieves Macaranas (2004-2006) initiated the PPS Community Program “Kalusugan ng Kabataan, ating Kinabukasan (KKK)”, a medical home program for the entire community. During her presidency, she was able to continue the “Adopt an Orphanage” Project.

Dr. Marvin Callanta (2006-2008) was the first president who made use of modern technology by using the internet as a means of information dissemination and notifications to the members. He created the “Eliza F. Ramos Award” which is given to outstanding PPS-NL members who showed exemplary performance, and also initiated funds for research projects. Dr. Ma. Elena C. Lahoz’ (2008-2010) incumbency had made major changes and numerous accomplishments for the Chapter such as the revision of the PPS-NL Constitution and By-laws, the launching of the new PPSNL logo (seen below) and directory, and the PPS-NL scientific lectures with PPS CME units. She was also the president when the association celebrated its Pearl Anniversary.

It was in Dr. Eliseo Laron’s term where an esteemed professional in the field of pediatrics, Dr. Jeisela Gaerlan, had been awarded the “PPS Most Outstanding Pediatrician in Community Service” in the year 2011. Dr. Rainelda Runez ((2012-2014), aside from continuing the community services and child advocacies of the Chapter, started PPS-NL Scholarship. Royette Cuyo from Ilocos Sur, was chosen to pursue his dream to be a Medical Technologist for free. Video conference was also started to reach out to other doctors who cannot physically attend the meeting.

Under the helm of Dr. Ma. Rosario Bernal (2014-2016), the PPS-NL rose to fame again as the Chapter was given back-to-back awards as the “PPS Outstanding Chapter in Continuing Medical Education” and “PPS Outstanding Chapter in Child Advocacy and Community Service Award” in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Dr. Joan Viado’s term (2016-2018) continued the Chapter’s sterling performance when the Chapter garnered the most coveted awards, PPS Outstanding Chapter in Child Advocacy and Community Service Award in 2017, and consecutively, in 2018. She pioneered YOLO lectures on Child Advocacies, which up to now a continuing effort of the Chapter. It was also during this term when another stellar pediatrician, Dr. Miramar D. Bumanglag was awarded the PPS Most Outstanding Pediatrician in Community Service in the year 2017.

Under Dr. Gerry Acosta (2018-2020), he continued the YOLO Program by his predecessor, which further tackles bullying, drug addiction, smoking, and teenage pregnancy to elementary students. YOLO 2 was also added and focused on mental health, suicide prevention, depression, and screen time for teenagers. Another version of YOLO (Rated PG) focused on parents rearing. Other advocacies include: PEDIAs (Parents, Educators, Doctors in Action Symposium), Annual Flu Immunization for neurologic patients and children with special Needs, Plogging (jogging with picking up of litter to raise awareness of environmental health, Reach Out And Read (ROAR) in cooperation with Ambulatory Services, Hands Only CPR, Bulilit/ Teen Health Workers, Global Latch on, Nutrition Program for Disaster, Teenage Pregnancy and Adolescent Programs, Dengue and Tobacco Prevention, among others. It was also during his term when the PPS-NL held its 40th Year Celebration. He ended his term with a Plaque of Appreciation granted to the Chapter for a decisive and responsive action during the measles outbreak. Presently, as the Chapter is overwhelmingly burdened by the Covid-19 pandemic under Dr. Efren V. Balanag’s term, the legacy of the PPS -Northern Luzon, to uphold the care of Northern Luzon Child to utmost level, lives on…

Efren V. Balanag, MD, FPPS, FSPCCMP, FPSCCM, MMgmt (Excerpts from the PPSNL 40th Anniversary)

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Northeastern Luzon Chapter


The Philippine Pediatric Society, Inc. (PPS), established in 1947, is a nationwide organization of formally trained accredited pediatricians with the mission of organizing to champion child advocacy, continuing medical education (CME) for its members, overseeing the formal training in pediatrics of doctors, and encouraging the advancement of the specialty through research.
When the national Philippine Pediatric Society, Inc. formed chapters based on geography, the Luzon area was divided into Northern, Central, Southern Luzon chapters and the National Capital Region (NCR). The Northern Luzon Chapter included Pangasinan, the Ilocos region provinces, the Cordillera provinces, and the Cagayan Valley provinces. The area was actually divided by the Cordillera and Caraballo mountain ranges, and the travel to and fro was long, tortuous, sometimes punishing up and down mountains. Communication was not at its best then. Membership distribution was skewed, making real chapter-wide affairs difficult.

This problem became more pronounced when the very first Norther Luzon Chapter president form Cagayan Valley was elected in 1996, Dr. Nelly S. Simon from Ilagan, Isabela. Because there were more members on the other side of the mountains, activities were centered in the Baguio-Ilocos area, and the hardship and impracticality of long travel became more glaring. Thus, the idea of having a chapter for this side of Luzon started to brew and conditions and circumstances jelled together. Inquiries for requirements were made during her term and by its end in 1998, she started to tirelessly organize Cagayan Valley members, encouraged candidates for diplomates to take their examinations, and took the initiative to draft the chapter constitution and by-laws with the help of Dr Eduardo T. Taguba.

With 21 charter members and a newly ratified constitution and by-law, the chapter, now composed of the Cagayan Valley provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya (NV), Quirino, proximal areas of Ifugao and Kalinga-Apayao was chartered in 1999 by then PPS President Zenaida L. Antonio with then Northern Luzon President Susie R. Castano representing our mother club. Dr. Stephen C. Callang of Santiago City was inducted as the Charter President and Dr. Nelly S. Simon was established as our Founder. The machinery in starting to have chapter activities was ignited. PPS-initiated subspecialty modules and workshops and community service activities were conducted during his time. Beefing up the membership by encouraging board- eligible to take their examinations was topmost priority. The region had only one PPS- Accredited residency training program (IB) during the time which was at Cagayan valley medical center (CVMC) in Tuguegarao City.

During 2003-2005, Dr. Marilyn C. Padre of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya took the helm. Community activities such as adopt-an-orphanage with hepatitis b vaccinations in selected communities were accomplished. From 2005-2007, Dr. Stella Y. delos Santos of Tuguegarao City led the chapter. The CVMC training accreditation was upgraded to IIB. The medical home initiatives satellite health center was implemented in Tuguegarao. Most notable during her term was the initiation of conducting post-graduate subspecialty lecture seminars meant for our local doctors and health workers. Our members served as lectures during the series which were held in Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya. In 2007-2008, Dr. Bonaleth M. de Vera from Isabela took over. She opted to have a one year tenure which effectively synchronized the chapter leadership with that of the national leadership term. Her time was marked by child advocacy projects linked with government and NGOs. Noteworthy are: a nutrition program with the Santiago City local government, a health assessment and clinics memorandum of agreement with the Gawad Kalinga (GK) selected communities, a special education (SPED) program with the De Vara Medical Center, and radio exposures in Santiago City (Itanong Mo Kay Doc) and Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (Buhay Kalusugan) and free clinics.

The 2008-2010 was the tenure of Dr. Maria Isabel N. Venturina from Bayombong , Nueva Vizcaya. She started the publication of “The Nelly”, the simple official quarterly newsletter of the chapter. The Nelly is a tribute to our founder. In 2008, a 3-province (Cagayan, Isabela, Vizcaya) swing series of pediatric multisubspecialty conference with our subspecialist members as speakers was organized and Conducted for doctors and paramedics. NRP courses were performed on Tuguegarao City and Vizcaya. Weekly talks by members to discuss pediatric issues and illnesses in the “Buhay Kalusugan” then “Tandem” radio show over DWRV (radio Veritas) were aired live in Bayombong, N.V. which effectively reached the masses and “Back to Basics” lectures for parents were done.

CVMC our 1st accredited HA0V hospital posted a 100% passing rate of its first pediatric residency training program graduates in the 2010 Diplomate examinations, effectively raising our membership to more than sixty.

For 2010-2012, Dr. Minerva B. Mallillin of Tugueagarao City was elected as President. Some great accomplishments were achieved having won the most outstanding chapter for CME. We adopted a scholar in the person of Ms. Jamaica Butacan now a third year Medical student in St. Paul College, Tuguegarao. Dr. Donald L. Cadelinia, 2012-2014 took over and started “Kariton para sa Batang NEL” that targets school age children in the remote schools of Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera. Activities included in the program are wellness programs on nutrition and anemia, disaster preparedness lectures, environmental friendly activities such as tree planting and proper waste disposal, material health teachings on immunization, breastfeeding and newborn care.

Dr. Rachel Rebecca B. Bunuan, 2014-2016 president continued the Kariton sa batang NEL and continued several CME activities. The Padyak sa Pamilyang Pinoy was a family oriented advocacy of NEL, that aims to have a holistic approach in educating identified families adopted by our HAB accredited training facilities The NEL adopted the community of Vista Alegre, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, and Namabbalan Sur, Tuguegarao, Cagayan. The Veterans Regional Hospital was granted Level I training facility in pediatrics by the HAB committee.

In 2016 to 2018, Dr. Geraldine Anne S. Ramirez took over the presidency and spearheaded several medical missions in the region. Trainings on BLS, PALS, NRP, STABLE were done and conducted hands on work shop on Disaster Preparedness for grade 7 students in public schools in collaboration with Bureau of Fire Protection Region 2. Dr. Dennis Dio, 2018-2020 president, focused on membership empowerment increasing the 20K one time illness benefit and PPS NEL directory of members. Pearls in Pediatric Practice, the 4th Post graduate sym0posium was done in Cordon, Isabela on September 26, 2019 with more than 600 attendees from the region.

In July 27, 2020, Dr. Florita A. Villamor II, became president for 2020 to 2022 and was inducted virtually in the midst of Covid 19 pandemic . She resurrected the radio program of DWRV Radio Veritas to effectively reach the masses, and live streaming for those with internet access. Basic lectures were done every Tuesday and Thursday 9 to 930am, which streamlined the DOH activities and current issues. The Training on Basic of Organic Farming conceptualized by Vice president Dr. MarIssa P. Mallonga was started on August 28, 2020, then on Sept 11, 2020. It aims to help families to be self-sufficient thereby addressing malnutrition and poverty.

The Ayuda para sa Batang NEL will start on Sept 21, 2020 at Nueva Vizcaya Provincial hospital. This is a term- long child advocacy that aims to provide Batang NEL attain his holistic well-being.
And the colorful story of the PPS NEL continues to unfold