#A Century of Care: Iloilo Medical Society Marks 100 Years

For its centennial celebration, the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel became more than a convention venue—it served as a gathering place for a medical community reflecting on a century of service while looking decisively toward the future.

The Iloilo Medical Society (IMS), one of the Philippine Medical Association’s oldest component societies, marked its 100th year alongside its 24th Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting. The two-day gathering carried the theme “IMS CARES: Integrated Medical Science—Collaboration for Advancement, Research, Excellence and Service.”

Physicians, specialists, allied health professionals and medical students convened for scientific lectures, research presentations and clinical updates. Beyond providing Continuing Professional Development units, the program encouraged a deeper exchange of ideas around emerging healthcare concerns and evidence-based practice.

For IMS President Dr. Rhodelyn B. Almeñana, the centennial was as much about renewed purpose as institutional longevity. She emphasized the society’s commitment to strengthening professional collaboration, supporting research and raising the standard of patient care across Iloilo and Western Visayas.

That purpose came into elegant focus during the formal closing dinner and awards ceremony. Against the evening’s celebratory setting, IMS honored physicians, institutions, local governments and civic organizations whose work has advanced medicine, public service, community health, and arts and culture.

Internist and pulmonologist Dr. Rollin P. Tabuena received an IMS Research Award for fiscal year 2026, recognizing his contributions to scientific inquiry and evidence-based clinical practice. His work also extends into medical education. Together with Drs. Gerald Penecilla, Gene de Jesus, Charity Catamora and Thomas Saiton, he coached the IMS Quiz Bowl team to a third-place finish at the national level. Team members Drs. Luzel Mytchz C. Casidsid, Christian Erwin Bondoc and Glenn L. Grecia Jr. received the IMS Quizzers Award.

The evening’s distinctions reflected the breadth of medical leadership. Dr. Candice Tupas received the Community Service Award, while Dr. Marie Bambi Tupas was recognized for outstanding nutrition activities. Dr. Malbar G. Ferrer Jr. earned the Clinical Practice Award, and Drs. Ramon C. Zarceno and Lucita Jalbuena were honored for their academic contributions. Research recognition also went to Dr. Anjuli May P. Jaen, while Dr. Florentino A. Sulla received the Outstanding Physician Award.

The society conferred its highest distinction, the PMA Most Outstanding Physician for IMS, on Dr. Christopher Rey G. De Guzman. Partner institutions were likewise acknowledged, with Concepcion Mayor Maynard Villanueva accepting an award on behalf of the municipality for its support of healthcare initiatives. Dr. Mark Anthony Celestial of Concepcion was also recognized for facilitating medical missions.

Founded in 1926, IMS has endured because it has continued to evolve—linking scientific advancement with mentorship, clinical excellence and public service. Its centennial celebration honored not merely the passage of time, but the generations of physicians whose knowledge and compassion have shaped healthcare in the region. As the society enters its second century, its legacy remains firmly alive: medicine practiced not in isolation, but through shared purpose.