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The St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine William H. Quasha Memorial (SLMCCM-WHQM) officially opened its General Faculty and Student Assembly (GFSA) 1 on July 29, 2026, bringing together faculty members and medical students for an informative morning centered on the evolving landscape of Philippine healthcare.

Following the invocation, the Philippine National Anthem led by the SLMCCM Chorale, and welcome remarks from Dean and Chief Academic Officer Maria Isabel M. Atienza, MD, MHPEd, participants proceeded to a series of simultaneous sessions featuring leaders from key healthcare institutions.

Designed to complement medical education with practical insights into the country’s healthcare system, the sessions explored the roles of national agencies and hospital services that future physicians will encounter throughout their professional practice.

One session focused on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), where Alfred Philip O. De Dios, MD, Vice President of the Quality Assurance Group, discussed PhilHealth’s role in ensuring accessible healthcare and quality assurance within the country’s health financing system. Moderated by Gina Antonia S. Eubanas, MD, the session provided participants with a deeper understanding of how national health insurance supports both patients and healthcare providers.

Another session featured the Social Security System (SSS), with Karen T. Pablo, MD, MOH, MMPA, DPCOM, Supervising Medical Specialist III of the SSS Makati Chino Roces Medical Evaluation Center, who discussed the agency’s medical evaluation processes and the benefits available to Filipino workers. The session, moderated by Minda Z. Perez, MD, highlighted the physician’s role in supporting patients through government social protection programs.

Participants also learned about the services provided by the St. Luke’s Medical Center Social Services and Out-Patient Department through presentations by Romel T. Songcayaon, RSW and Gilmyr Jude G. Maranon, MD, Head of the Out-Patient Department of St. Luke’s Medical Center – Quezon City. Moderated by Jeff James P. Alega, MD, the session emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, patient-centered care, and accessible outpatient services in delivering holistic healthcare.

Each session concluded with an open forum, allowing students and faculty to engage directly with the speakers, clarify key concepts, and gain valuable perspectives from experienced healthcare professionals.

The assembly concluded with closing remarks, the awarding of Certificates of Appreciation to the speakers, announcements from Maria Luisa S. Acu, MD, and the singing of the College Hymn by the SLMCCM Chorale.

Through discussions that bridged healthcare policy, social protection, and patient care, GFSA 1 reaffirmed the College’s commitment to preparing future physicians with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem—equipping them not only with clinical knowledge but also with the broader perspective needed to serve patients and communities effectively.