The Caduceus

23/08/2025

“Breaking Down Barriers: How Sign Language Can Connect Us to Each Other”
𝐵𝑦 𝐽𝑎𝑛 𝐴𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑖 𝐽. 𝑃𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑦 𝑏𝑦: 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑟𝑎

Language, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is the most principal method of communication between people. It’s what connects us to one another; our own way of sharing our humanity with other people. Through language, we share all information, and so, when language fails us, it feels as if our very existence has been erased. When a tree falls in a forest, and no one is there to witness it, does it ever really exist?

As the world’s focus shifts towards noncommunicable diseases, it’s become apparent that there is a glaring lack of access for people with disabilities. It’s begun to become clear to most of the world that this lack of access stems from the social stigma against people with disabilities—mostly because we perceive them as ‘different’ to us, not acknowledging that they are as much of a human as we are.

To be able-bodied is to be privileged. That is a fact. There should be no challenges and no barriers to prevent us from getting the adequate help we need. The world was designed to be easier for the able-bodied; stairs and little no to sidewalks are uncomfortable, yes, but not detrimental to our health. They are, however, big challenges to people with disabilities.

A lot of people with disabilities face significant discrimination, poverty, exclusion from education, and a lack of employment. The information that we all share so readily through our own language becomes inaccessible to people whose disabilities prevented them from attending school, as our education system often does not cater to those with disabilities. We all need to remember that disability is a part of human diversity. When the environment becomes inaccessible to a person, there becomes a need to recognize and rectify that.

Callie Tucker, a student from the University of Tennessee, is a passionate advocate for making services more accessible to those who need it the most. She graduated with a major in neuroscience, and a minor in public health, and aims to bridge the gap between science and health to deliver more effective care.

During the workshop, she shared with us a presentation on how to make rehabilitation more accessible to everyone. “[I believe that] rehabilitation is for everyone who needs it; it is not a luxury service only for those who can afford it, and it should be made readily available to the wider community.”

However, the road to a more accessible healthcare system is not simple. Due to the Philippines’ fractured healthcare system, the Local Government Units (LGUs) have the authority to determine what happens in their communities; as such, most LGUs do not have healthcare on the top of their priorities. Consequently, healthcare is not readily available to everyone. It is especially inaccessible to those that face language barriers in their everyday lives.

“Being Deaf disconnects you from the people. [It feels as if] there is a visible wall being placed in front of you when you are a Deaf person. It means you lose that connectivity with other people, as if your own humanity is being taken out of you,” is what Sir John Paul Maunes, the founder of the Philippine Accessible Disabilities Services, remarked upon in his powerful speech on the Deaf community’s lack of proper access to healthcare.

He continued, “The Deaf community does not have access to information. A lot of them suffer in silence, because the able-bodied do not learn their language.”

The Deaf have so limited access to information and healthcare; there is such a big gap in the data for Deaf people, with the most recent ones being around ten years ago. This lack of data and information about their community means that researchers and officials are unable to create effective programs to help them.

Their lack of access to healthcare does not end here—Deaf people often get misdiagnosed due to miscommunication between them and their healthcare providers. Simple stomach aches may be misinterpreted as something more serious, all because the doctors and nurses can’t understand their Deaf patient’s language.

This lack of awareness among healthcare professionals on the needs of the Deaf community is one of the main reasons why TORCH, in collaboration with PADS, held the Tulay Workshop: Bridging the Gap in Communication, which was a workshop on learning Medical Sign Language.

It was a beautiful and eye-opening experience; we all learned how to sign basic Filipino and medical signs, taught by the energetic Ms. Karen Jane Dionon. She led us through the different ways to sign, and how to respectfully approach our Deaf patients. Most importantly, she taught us that language barriers are easily broken down, if both parties are willing to understand each other.

Curious as to how this wonderful event came to be, I asked a couple of questions to the Presidents of the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of TORCH.

First, I asked them just how exactly TORCH got connected to PADS, and how the workshop came to be.

“From the beginning of our service year, we had already decided that PADS would be the beneficiary for our Anniversary Month. The idea of organizing a Medical Sign Language workshop came to life after a meaningful encounter during our visit to Dubby’s Burgers, where we met with Sir JP, the owner of PADS,” said Ramcarl Banquirigo, President of the TORCH Brotherhood.

He continued, “There, we saw firsthand that some of the staff were members of the Deaf community, while others were amputees. Witnessing Sir JP’s unwavering passion for fostering an inclusive community—where disability and communication barriers are never seen as limitations—truly moved and inspired us.”

”It made us reflect deeply: what about our future patients? How can we genuinely empathize with their experiences and provide the best possible care if we aren’t equipped to understand or communicate with them? That realization sparked the idea of hosting a workshop specifically designed for medical students—to open their eyes to a part of the community that is too often overlooked, yet equally deserving of compassion, respect, and quality healthcare.“

“We believe this initiative will not only raise awareness but will also encourage future healthcare professionals to become more inclusive, understanding, and committed to going the extra mile for every patient they serve,” he finished.

The President of the TORCH Sisterhood, Noreen Feb Nave, added, “PADS has been a partner of TORCH for many years. TORCH has always wanted to have a sign language workshop, and over the break, we realized now is the time to make that happen. We were fortunate that Sir JP of PADS was with us in the planning process of the workshop. Given how the event turned out, I am hopeful that there will be another workshop soon.”

Second, I wanted to know the exact message and feelings they wished to convey to the community that this initiative serves.
Ramcarl expressed, “To our fellow medical students, joining this workshop speaks volumes about your character. You are not only taking your first steps toward becoming a great doctor—but also choosing to be a champion of inclusivity in healthcare.”

“Some of the most meaningful lessons can’t be found in textbooks or lectures. They are discovered through real experiences—by stepping out of your comfort zone, meeting people from different walks of life, and opening your heart to stories that are different from your own. I hope this workshop sparks in you a deeper passion to serve, and a greater kindness toward every person you will one day care for—especially your future patients. This workshop is rooted in inclusion and understanding. Because when we truly understand someone, our capacity to love and care for them has no limits.”

“To the Deaf and PWD community: we want you to know that there is a generation of future physicians who are ready to go above and beyond—who are willing to learn a new language, adapt, and listen—if it means saving a life or changing the course of someone’s health for the better. Healthcare should be for everyone and no one should ever be denied that right just because of a barrier in communication,” he finished.

Noreen continued, “The clear purpose of this workshop was to address the language barriers between healthcare workers and the Deaf community. We may be a long way from making healthcare completely inclusive, but this is one of the few steps that we are taking to make healthcare more inclusive and of quality to the Deaf. In the words of Mark Twain, ’Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.’ I believe there is much kindness to give, but sometimes, it takes initiative for that kindness to make an impact that can be felt. It is high time that more healthcare workers learn sign language to connect with the Deaf, and I hope the right authorities get this message so that it can be implemented on a larger scale.”

Hearing their responses, I felt moved. They were both so passionate and earnest about this event, and it made me feel so much hope for the future of healthcare. Their efforts to advocate for and bring awareness to the Deaf community was truly amazing, and I know that this workshop has inspired many of us to do the same.

After the event, I decided to ask two of the attendees their biggest takeaway from the workshop. Kia Kirsten Alonzo from PMYL-1 said, “My biggest takeaway from the medical sign language workshop is the importance of accessible communication in healthcare. Even learning the basics of sign language reminded me that for many patients feeling understood [makes] a world of difference between receiving adequate care and being overlooked. This experience opened my eyes to the barriers that Deaf patients face, and made me realize how much trust and comfort can be built by making even small efforts to bridge those gaps.”

“I plan to carry this mindset with me throughout my career, that I should always strive to meet patients where they are, learn from their needs, and advocate for more inclusive care,” she continued. This, I believe, is something we all resonate with. TORCH’s workshop on medical sign language fanned the flames of our desires to be better healthcare providers, focusing on care that meets the needs of our patients at every turn.

Another attendee, Thomas Realiza from PMYL-1 said, “As someone who is not quite familiar with sign language, the Tulay workshop taught me the importance of communication. Before today, I had never learned any sign language, and to be honest, I never thought about what it feels like to live in a world where your voice might not be heard. But even learning a couple signs quite literally opened my eyes. I was reminded that medicine is not only about knowledge and skills, but also compassion and understanding.”

He added, “This experience made me realize that as a future physician, I am not just responsible for treating symptoms and diseases, but I am also responsible for making every patient feel seen, heard, and understood. If something as simple as learning basic sign language can give a person comfort, then it's something worth learning.”

Language, as we all know, is dynamic and constantly changing. When the very basis of communication is unmet, we won’t be able to deliver effective care towards our patients. It’s important that we all recognize these gaps in communication, and do our best to bridge that gap as much as we can. Learning basic Filipino sign language and knowing the different medical signs makes all the difference when delivering care.

Knowing sign language is important – it's not just a language for the Deaf community, it includes those who feel as if English or Filipino cannot fully encapsulate what they wish to convey. Filipino sign language gives people another way of expressing themselves, and gives them more opportunities to share who they are with other people in a way that is more comfortable to them. Sharing our patient’s language gives them space to be more comfortable and more expressive.

In the words of Sir JP, “When everyone knows sign language, then that means healthcare is fully accessible.”

Total OutReach for Community Health - TORCH
Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. - PADS
CIM - Medical Student Council

𝐶𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑠:
𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜 𝐸𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑘: 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑟𝑎

17/08/2025

16/08/2025

𝗖𝗜𝗠-𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗛, 𝗣𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗳
𝐵𝑦: 𝐴𝑙𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑇𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑦 𝑏𝑦: 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑟𝑎

The Total OutReach for Community Health (TORCH) of the Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM), in collaboration with the Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. (PADS), held the “𝑇𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑦: 𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑎𝑝 𝑖𝑛 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛" workshop today, August 16, 2025, in Cebu City, gathering 148 students and faculty to equip future medical professionals with basic Filipino Sign Language (FSL) for improved communication with the Deaf community.

The workshop aimed to address the significant communication barriers faced by persons with disabilities (PWD), especially the Deaf, in accessing medical services in the Philippines. Participants were introduced to medical sign language essentials, including common greetings, patient responses, symptoms, and other health-related terms specifically in history taking, to foster more inclusive healthcare delivery.

PADS Founder John Paul E. Maunes, a registered nurse, delivered a talk on the persistent challenges in medical care access for PWDs, particularly the Deaf, due to language and systemic barriers. He emphasized the urgent need for inclusivity in the healthcare system, noting that there are only around 100 qualified sign language interpreters in the country, with even fewer trained in medical contexts.

“Majority of healthcare is inaccessible to the Deaf because of language barrier and even discrimination… so the government, public or private sector, should provide the same range, quality, and standard of free or affordable healthcare programs across all disabilities,” Mr. Maunes said.

Ms. Karen Jane S. Dionon, President of the Talisay City Deaf Association and Program Officer of the Break the Silence Program, captivated the audience with her message delivered through FSL. Her presence amplified the urgency of bridging language gaps in healthcare, as she demonstrated signs from 𝑀𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑆𝐼𝐺𝑁, a quick-reference handbook developed by the University of the Philippines (UP) Medical Students for Social Responsibility, in collaboration with the UP College of Medicine and the Asian Medical Students Association of the Far Eastern University Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation.

In an interactive session, Ms. Dionon taught participants the FSL equivalents for the alphabet, numbers, greetings, and common patient complaints. Her teaching aimed to prepare future healthcare providers to take patient histories more effectively from Deaf individuals.

Also present was Ms. Callie Tucker, a B.S. Neuroscience graduate from the University of Tennessee and Master of Public Health candidate, who highlighted the importance of rehabilitation access for PWDs through sports. Having worked with organizations such as the VOLeaders Academy and now with PADS, Tucker emphasized the interrelationship of health, inclusivity, and physical activity.

CIM-Medical Student Council President Pamela A. Ybañez remarked on the life-saving potential of medical sign language. "Medical sign language is not just a tool, it is a lifeline," she said.

TORCH Sisterhood President Noreen M. Nave echoed the sentiment, adding, “Our efforts to learn sign language may one day mean life or death for someone.”

The workshop is summed up by a promotional video from PADS that encapsulated the event’s message: “𝐾𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑎f 𝑐𝑎𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑒.” “𝑇𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑦” marks a crucial step in fostering a more inclusive medical practice in the country, one sign at a time.

Total OutReach for Community Health - TORCH
CIM - Medical Student Council
Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. - PADS

Credits:
Photo Editing and Watermark: Christianne Cabrera

15/08/2025

25/07/2025

"A Fresh Chapter: CIM’s Academic Year Begins!"
By: Eloine Red Gudelosao
Photography by: CIM Medical Student Council (MSC)

The start of the new academic year at the Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM) marks not just the return of routines and all-nighters, but a renewed commitment to the journey of becoming a physician with a heart. With over 190 students enrolled in PBL 1 and 50 in the PRECISE program, the halls were once again abuzz with anticipation and energy. In the early morning of July 21, 2025, the different student bodies and organizations of CIM coordinated a long-standing tradition: the Welcome Walk.

Both new and old students were greeted warmly by the CIM Medical Student Council (MSC) together with The Caduceus representatives, at the CIM Lobby. As the students made their way up to the Main Social Hall (MSH), they were welcomed by more groups, including PRECISE 2 representatives and members from the different student organizations: Alpha Mu Sigma Phi (AMSP), Total Outreach for Community Health (TORCH), and Asian Medical Students’ Association - Service-Oriented Medical Advocates (AMSA-SOMA).

The Welcome Walk can truly be an overwhelming experience, but definitely in a good way! New PRECISE student Lee Vincent S. Papellero shared: “It’s my first time to have people greet and welcome me to a school. And it’s a great feeling — to be welcomed by your seniors and peers.” Fellow PRECISE entrants Trishan C. Lepiten and Stephanie Lauren P. Ong expressed similar hopes in the capability to handle the eventual workload and ability to maintain a work-life balance.

For PBL-1 student Julie Pavadora, she expects to learn and see other people’s perception in school. “It’s different for all of us,” she explains. “And it’s nice to hang out and get to know people who have the same goal as you.” On a light-hearted note, Micole Shevah T. Detalla, another PBL-1 student, shares that her family’s take on her becoming a CIM student was that she was “gonna have so much fun.” With this, Ms. Detalla looks forward to learning new lessons and gaining lifelong friends along her journey.

The Mass, which was held at the Main Social Hall (MSH), started shortly after. During which, the celebrant reminded the students — a mix of PBL-2 students, PBL-1 and new batch of PRECISE entrants — of the deeper purpose behind their chosen path: “Each of us is given a mission. Sometimes we are so hesitant [...] But let us remember that we should trust in God no matter what”.
Each student — whether returning for their second year, newly admitted to the first year, or taking the accelerated PRECISE program — steps into their own mission as the new academic year begins.

As the students disperse from the MSH, they’ve also begun their journey that extends far beyond the walls of CIM. To quote the wise words of CIM Dean Dr. Martiniano C. Zanoria: “While admission marks an important milestone, it only serves as the beginning of a greater commitment. [...] CIM is [just] a stopover,” Dr. Zanoria said. “It is just a station, a milestone in your career as a doctor.”

Credits:
Watermark and Frame: Anne Therese Jumao-as and Greg Hernand Pesca III
Photo Editing: Greg Hernand Pesca III
Edited by: Maria Jose Almodiel and Jose Mathew Murillo Roble

20/07/2025

🩺 “𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝓮𝓭𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭, 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓪𝓵𝓼𝓸 𝓪 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓾𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓽𝔂.” — 𝓗𝓲𝓹𝓹𝓸𝓬𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓼 🩺

Welcome, PBL 1 and Precise 1! Today marks the beginning of a lifelong calling; one of healing, service, and purpose. The Cebu Institute of Medicine community is happy to welcome you into a legacy defined by excellence, compassion, and integrity.

This is the start of fulfilling the dream; not just to wear the white coat but to grow into physicians with a heart. Ahead of you lies a journey that will challenge your mind, shape your character, and ignite your purpose. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝒾𝓉 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝑒𝑔𝒾𝓃𝓈 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒.

As part of your welcome, MSC in collaboration with The Caduceus invites you to visit the CIM lobby Freedom Wall — a space where you can write your thoughts, feelings, or hopes on your very first day. Your words matter and they mark the start of a story we’re honored to witness.

𝓦𝓮𝓵𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓒𝓘𝓜! 🩺🎖️💙

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CIM-MSC x The Caduceus

𝒞𝒶𝓅𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒷𝓎: Pamela Gen Ybañez
𝒫𝓊𝒷𝓂𝒶𝓉 𝒷𝓎: Anne Therese Jumao-as
𝒯𝒶𝓇𝓅𝒶𝓊𝓁𝒾𝓃 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝒾𝑔𝓃 𝒷𝓎: Greg Hernand Pesca III

20/07/2025

𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷!

Whether you’re starting out or coming back for more, there is no better way to kickstart the new semester with a round of 𝓑𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓽𝓸 𝓢𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓸𝓵 𝓑𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓸! — because nothing says “welcome back” like shared chaos, caffeine, and clinicals.

As we step into another year of growth, challenge, and discovery, let this bingo card remind us that we’re all in this together — figuring things out one task, one lecture, and one laugh at a time.

𝓗𝓮𝓻𝓮’𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓳𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓼 𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀! 💙🩺✨

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CIM-MSC x The Caduceus
𝒞𝒶𝓅𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒷𝓎: Roberto Uy
𝒫𝓊𝒷𝓂𝒶𝓉 𝒷𝓎: Greg Hernand Pesca III

18/07/2025

Today we proudly celebrate one of our very own, Margarita Rigor, a brilliant writer, dedicated creative, and now, our very first alumnus since the revival of The Caduceus, officially graduating from medicine! ⚕️

Your journey reminds us that words and healing can go hand in hand. You’ve shown us how a sharp mind and a kind heart can leave a mark both on paper and in people’s lives.

One of her standout pieces, “CIM Medical World Congress 2024: Breaking Medical Boundaries,” showcases her ability to capture the heart of medical discourse with clarity and depth.

Read the full article here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16YZjjuWZt/

Congratulations, Dr. Rigor. As you carry your stethoscope, bring the core of The Caduceus with you. We can’t wait to see where your story leads next. ✨

25/06/2025

"Women’s Health in the Philippines: Bridging Gaps in Reproductive Rights and Maternal Care”
By: Jillian Marie P. Villagonzalo

In the heart of Southeast Asia, the Philippines stands as a nation rich in vibrant culture, deeply rooted traditions, and resilient people. But beneath its beauty lies a persistent crisis, one that continues to claim the lives and rights of thousands of women every year.

Despite legal advances, Filipino women are still fighting for equitable access to reproductive health services and safe maternal care. It is a story that spans decades. And it is one that, sadly, is far from over.

A Law That Promised Change

In 2012, after years of contentious debate, the Philippines passed the Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10354, also known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act. It was hailed as a breakthrough: finally, a law that guaranteed access to modern family planning, maternal care, and s*x education.

On paper, it was a win for every Filipino woman. But even a decade later, many are still waiting to feel the impact. The problem isn't the lack of laws. It is the lack of follow-through. Implementation has been slow and uneven, especially in poorer and more rural regions.

The Silent Toll of Motherhood

One of the most devastating consequences of this gap is the country’s stubbornly high maternal mortality rate. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 2,478 women died from maternal causes in 2021 alone. That is six to seven mothers dying every single day, many from preventable complications like hemorrhage, infection, and hypertensive disorders.

What makes it even more tragic is that most of these deaths occur in areas where health services are either limited or completely absent. In some rural provinces, women still give birth at home, without the help of trained health professionals. Emergency care, if needed, is often hours away. It is not just a health issue; it is a matter of life and death.

Innovation and Hope

Despite these challenges, stories of innovation and resilience offer glimmers of hope. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns made it nearly impossible for women to access health centers, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) found creative solutions. They used social media analytics to identify which communities were struggling most, and then coordinated door-to-door delivery of contraceptives.

This kind of grassroots, data-informed approach proves that real progress doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it just takes listening, adapting, and showing up for the people who need help the most.

As future physicians with a heart, we have to educate ourselves and others. Understanding the legal, cultural, and clinical dimensions of reproductive health in the Philippines is the first step. Sharing that knowledge, whether in community outreach programs or social media, comes next. It starts with awareness, but it does not have to end there.

Moreover, we have to speak up for reproductive rights by encouraging peers and mentors to support equitable access to family planning and maternal care. Most importantly, we have to lead with empathy.

If we are serious about improving women’s health in the Philippines, we need more than good laws. We need healthcare systems that reach every woman, no matter where she lives. And we need to normalize conversations about s*x, health, and rights without fear or shame.

The work starts now.

Credits:
Artwork: Henry Ford Hospital by Frida Kahlo (1932)
Edited by: Kate Gaylil Galvan
Visual Curation by: Jose Mathew Murillo Roble

21/06/2025

“What KALASAG 2025 Taught Us About Public Health”
By: Maria Jose Almodiel
Photography by: Naegil Acinas, Anthony Luis Chua, and Greg Hernand Pesca III

The sun had barely risen over Cebu City when eager students, young professionals, and seasoned experts gathered at USC-Talamban on April 5, 2025. Driven by a shared commitment to public health, they came together under one banner—Kalasag: Safeguarding Health, Protecting Futures. This was the AMSA-SOMA Public Health Forum 2025.

The theme carried more weight than a slogan. In a world still reeling from the aftermath of a global pandemic, and in a country where health inequities remain deeply rooted, the forum became a space for critical thought, introspection, and inspiration.

Early in the program, Dr. Michael Caampued, who delivered the opening remarks, said, “Maging kalasag tayo sa kalusugan. This is not just an idea but also a tangible goal as we try to address political hurdles and ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of health equity,” setting the tone for the entire event.

“Together, I believe that we can actually build our health system better,” he continued. His speech highlighted the importance of future physicians as leaders of our country. We have the power to shape our public health system in the right direction, and our voices are needed now more than ever to uphold the integrity of our health care sector.

As the event opened, one might ask questions such as, “Where are we failing?” or “Who is being left behind?”

The first keynote speaker, Dr. Leilanie Nicodemus, took the audience beyond clinic walls and into the structural wounds of the health care system. She unpacked the deeply entrenched inequalities and how the Universal Health Care (UHC) law aims to address them.

“What is our role as professionals? We need to look into social justice. Our profession is for public service,” she said. She urged future physicians not only to treat diseases but to advocate for the dismantling of unjust systems. Her words served as both a wake-up call and a challenge to everyone in the room.

Following her, Dr. William Tiu Jr. shifted the focus from patients to the caregivers themselves. He emphasized the growing crisis of healthcare worker migration. Health care providers choose to work abroad for better opportunities, leaving our hospitals understaffed and overworked.

In a room full of medical students and aspiring health leaders, his message struck a chord as he said, “We should improve our working conditions here. So when a health professional decides to work abroad, it is because of their own choice, not because of necessity.”

As discussions progressed, the forum zoomed in on the ground realities of governance. Ms. Miraflor Enescio, with years of experience in local health implementation, spoke candidly about the challenges LGUs face. “We believe leadership and governance are important for our system to be sustained,” she noted. Responsive leadership and governance, she emphasized, lead to responsive programs.

The last speaker for the morning, Ms. Cherrie Atilano—an advocate for food sustainability and CEO of AGREA—approached public health not through the eyes of a doctor, but as a businesswoman. Her talk resonated deeply with the audience as she demonstrated the importance of food security and the role of farmers in public health.

“Kahit isang simpleng solusyon, we can move our country forward and bring more people with us to have better access to health care,” she said, reminding the crowd that food justice is health justice.

It’s easy to romanticize medicine—the white coats, the gratifying title, the noble calling. But for many students at the forum, a deeper question lingered: What does public health truly mean?

“I think it’s about time students are exposed to public health, so in the future, there will be more public health workers. It’s like answering and responding to a call to help the Filipino people,” said Neils Henri II Thom Remo, a PRECISE student.

PHF is a great platform for budding students to be exposed to public health, as it shows them an alternative path in medicine. Last year, the Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM) launched the PRECISE program to encourage and train future doctors to pursue preventive health.

“One of the things that CIM really needs to improve is our impact in the public health sector. Most CIM graduates who end up in public health do so by accident,” said Prinz Alvich O. Gangazo, another PRECISE student.

“This time, it is intentional because we (PRECISE students) are like a solution to the deficiency of physicians going into public health. I think it’s really important that all of us attend PHF so we can have an overview of what is happening in public health, what is being done, and what still needs improvement,” he continued.

As the afternoon sun lit the halls of USC-Talamban, the forum shifted to smaller parallel sessions—spaces for focused dialogue and hands-on insight. Participants moved between classrooms where experts shared their knowledge on key public health issues. Topics included Mpox (Dr. Buscato), climate change (Dr. Paler), digital health (Dr. Lava), vaccine hesitancy (Dr. Labitad), teen pregnancy (Dr. Amdora), children’s mental health (Ms. Lua), disaster management (Mr. del Rosario), and health misinformation (Ms. Quibod Castro). These breakout sessions invited students not just to listen but to engage deeply with real-world challenges.

Organizing such a comprehensive forum was no small feat. AMSA-SOMA president Adam Kellock shared the behind-the-scenes effort. “We had a PHF core team working since October. It’s a massive task—from speakers to sponsors—but it’s fulfilling.” He hopes events like PHF continue to open doors. “You build connections, learn deeply, and foster future public health leaders.”

Among the attendees was Paulo Kokichi P. Ishiwata, a PT student from Velez College. “Dr. Leilanie’s talk on equity really stuck with me,” he said. “We need to make laws that actually uplift people.” For now, he plans to use his social media presence to raise awareness, but dreams of advocating for structural change through policy.

As the forum drew to a close, Dr. Roel Z. Cagape, known for his work in underserved areas, delivered the synthesis speech titled “The Path Less Traveled: Caring for the Last, the Least, and the Lost.” He reminded attendees that true public health work happens beyond clinics, in far-flung communities where help rarely arrives. “Public health is not just a service. It is a commitment to reach those no one else will,” he said. His words urged future health workers to go where the need is greatest, even when the path is difficult.

“It is an opportunity for us to become stewards and shields—KALASAG, ika nga. In uncertain times, we are called to protect the Filipino people, to continue advocating for public health not just locally, but nationally,” said Dr. Miguel Tristan B. Rebalde.

In a single day, PHF 2025 transformed students and professionals into future health warriors—equipped with knowledge and purpose to take on the challenges of public health.

[Editor's Note: This article was the fruition of a Memorandum of Agreement between AMSA-SOMA and The Caduceus to be partners in the KALASAG 2025 Public Health Forum]

Credits:
Edited by: Jose Mathew M. Roble
Watermark by: Greg Hernand B. Pesca III