05/07/2026
An evening of fellowship, friendship, and renewed commitment marked the Acquaintance Party of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians - Negros Occidental Chapter.
The gathering was filled with meaningful conversations, shared stories, laughter, and opportunities to strengthen the bonds that unite us as one chapter. A highlight of the evening was the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) lecture on the management of non-communicable diseases delivered by the chapter president Dr. Elijah Blaise Bimbao, which was accredited by PAFP with 2 CPD Units (Category I).
The chapter also proudly welcomed its newest Associate Member through Residency, Dr. Monika Pagcaliwagan, witnessed by our regional board of trustee via Zoom, Dr. Ophelia Saad during the induction ceremony, a testament to our continued commitment to nurturing the next generation of family physicians.
We were honored by the presence of distinguished leaders from our partner medical societies, including Dr. Fel Abejar, President of the Negros Occidental Medical Society, accompanied by the chapter’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Dolor Abejar; Dr. Filipinas Ganchoon, President of the Canlaon Medical Society, accompanied by its Past President, Dr. John Dominic Trinidad. Also joining the celebration were Dr. Lesel Ganancial, President of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine – Negros Occidental Chapter, and Dr. Bysshe Fernan, National Secretary of the Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine, both component societies of PAFP whose partnership continues to strengthen our shared mission of advancing primary care.
The evening became even more memorable with fun-filled games thoughtfully prepared by the Family Medicine residents of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital and Adventist Medical Center - Bacolod, exciting door prizes generously provided by our sponsors, and the joyful reunion of both longtime and new members.
More than a social gathering, the event symbolized a new beginning, one that fosters a stronger, more united, and more connected chapter where every member feels welcomed, valued, and inspired. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing Family Medicine and delivering compassionate, comprehensive, and quality healthcare to the people of Negros Occidental and beyond.