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By Badette Cunanan
The Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) commemorated its 89th Foundation Day with a grand gala dinner on Sept. 12, 2025, at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. The elegant black-tie affair was led by PCS president Jose Rhoel L. De Leon, MD, and vice president Joselito M. Mendoza, MD. The evening opened with pre-gala cocktails and a captivating photo gallery showcasing the diverse initiatives of PCS chapters nationwide.
The program began on a festive note with an invocation by Rouel Mateo Azores, MD, chair of PCS External Affairs and Public Relations. President De Leon then delivered a heartfelt welcome, followed by the introduction of dignitaries by PCS secretary and host for the evening, Orlando Ocampo, MD.
Media meets medicine for a shared mission: Manila Bulletin’s Barbie Atienza, PCS External Affairs and PR chair Dr. Rouel Azores, and AMOPHI secretary-deneral Lee da Silva come together in support of PCS Foundation Week, highlighting the power of collaboration in advocacy and public service.
Dr. Rouel Azores, MD, PCS director for Public Relations and head of 89th foundation week activities, opened the gala night with a heartfelt invocation, setting a tone of unity and purpose for the celebrations ahead.
Leadership at its finest: The driving force behind the success of PCS’s 89th foundation day celebration—vice president Joselito M. Mendoza, MD, and president Jose Rhoel C. De Leon, MD—whose vision, dedication, and teamwork made the milestone event truly unforgettable.
Setting the tone for celebration and purpose: PCS president Jose Rhoel C. De Leon, MD, delivers his inspiring welcome message, opening the gala dinner with gratitude, pride, and a shared vision for the future of Philippine surgery.
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments was the presentation of the prestigious Legend of the Knife Award, honoring fellows who have made groundbreaking contributions and demonstrated exceptional leadership in the surgical field. This year’s honorees were Theodor S. Vesagas, MD; Maximo H. Simbulan Jr., MD; Jose Luis J. Danguilan, MD; and Nelson D. Cabaluna, MD.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was also conferred upon distinguished surgeons whose enduring impact has shaped the surgical landscape in the Philippines. This recognition underscores PCS’s commitment to excellence in surgical care and its role in nation-building. Honorees included Vicente Q. Arguelles, MD; Ponciano M. Bernardo Jr., MD; and Ellewellyn G. Pasion, MD.
A legacy of dedication: PCS executive secretary Annette Tolentino was honored with the Loyalty Award, a heartfelt tribute to her unwavering service and enduring commitment to the College and its mission
Honoring surgical excellence across generations: Standing tall as Legends of the Knife are Drs. Theodor S. Vesagas, Maximo H. Simbulan Jr., Jose Luis J. Danguilan, and Nelson D. Cabaluna—recognized for their ground-breaking contributions to the field. Seated are Lifetime Achievement Awardees Drs. Ponciano M. Bernardo Jr., Vicente Q. Arguelles, and Ellewellyn G. Pasion, whose enduring legacy continues to shape Philippine surgery.
Leading with vision and purpose: The 2025 PCS Board of Regents stands united in their commitment to surgical excellence and nation-building. (From left) Dr. Bobby Bandolon, Dr. Bok Ocampo, Dr. Bingo Torre, vice president Dr. Joey Mendoza, AMOPHI secretary-general Lee da Silva, president Dr. Rhoel C. De Leon, Dr. Rica Lumague, Dr. Dures Tagayuna, and Dr. Bob Sarmiento.
In a particularly moving moment, PCS executive secretary Annette Tolentino received the Loyalty Award for her years of dedicated service. Her recognition was met with heartfelt applause, reflecting the deep appreciation of PCS members nationwide.
The gala dinner served as the culminating event of PCS’s Foundation Week activities, headed by PCS director for Public Relations, Rouel Azores, MD. The weeklong celebration featured a series of nationwide events highlighting camaraderie, service, and wellness.
Highlights included the National Surgical Outreach Day, a simultaneous medical mission conducted by PCS committees across the country; a cycling event and pickleball tournament; a healing mass for the healers at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center Ecumenical Chapel; a camaraderie golf tournament at Camp Aguinaldo; a fun shoot in Batangueño Gatileros, Lipa City, Batangas; Operation Bukol at the Philippine Medical Association; a tree-planting ceremony at Paco Park with Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza; a feeding program at Asociación de Damas de Filipinas; the Stop the Bleed and Bloodletting Drive with the Philippine National Red Cross; and the Residents Got Talent Competition. Each activity reflected the dedication and spirit of PCS members, culminating in a night of celebration and recognition at the gala dinner.
Greening the city, one tree at a time: The Philippine College of Surgeons held a meaningful tree planting activity at Paco Park, joined by Manila City Vice Mayor Chi Atienza as guest of honour together with Dr. Grace Padilla, Manila City Health Officer of Manila—celebrating sustainability and community spirit during foundation week.
Pedalling with purpose: The PCS Cycling Team hit the road in full force during Foundation Week, promoting wellness, camaraderie, and the spirit of surgical excellence on two wheels.
United for a healthier nation: The organizing team and dedicated volunteers of the National Surgical Outreach Day pose with Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa—celebrating collaboration, compassion, and the power of service in advancing surgical care across the Philippines.
The Philippine College of Surgeons is a premier umbrella organization representing over 3,000 members across 12 surgical subspecialties, 15 affiliate organizations, and 13 chapters nationwide. Beyond its clinical mission, PCS is committed to elevating professional standards, advancing the science and art of surgery, and promoting ethical practice. Through sustained outreach and advocacy, PCS continues to play a vital role in nation-building and in enhancing patient care across the Philippines.
