Page 5 - SC1Q 2020

Balat Alagaan Laban sa Sakit: Libreng Konsulta

at Gamot para sa sakit sa balat

by: Dr. Angela M. Lavadia FPDS and Dr. Wilsie M. Salas-Walinsunduin FPDS

he Department of Health in the National Skin Disease Detection and a message from the dynamic and beautiful
collaboration with the Philippine Prevention Week was proclaimed in 2000 President of the Philippine Dermatological
TDermatological Society recently and officially launched in 2001. In 2005, a Society, Dr. Ma. Purita Paz-Lao, FPDS
celebrated the National Skin Disease Memorandum of Agreement was signed by reiterated all the facts about the rekindled
Detection and Prevention Week also known Dir. Yolanda Oliveros of the National Center partnership between the DOH and the
as SKINWEEK. The activity was highlighted for Disease Prevention and Control and Philippine Dermatological Society.
by a grand Re-Launching of the DOH-PDS then PDS President Dr. Lorna Frez. In 2010,
Partnership at the East Avenue Medical another Memorandum of Agreement was The event was capped by a Ceremonial
Center Main Lobby last November 13, 2019. signed between Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Handshake to commemorate the DOH-PDS
Ona and former PDS President Dr. Georgina Partnership led by our esteemed guests from
The event was spearheaded by the EAMC Pastorfide. Most recently, another MOA was the Department of Health; Undersecretary
Department of Dermatology and was signed between USEC Myrna Cabotaje and of Health Dr. Gerardo V. Bayugo, Dr. Leda
graced by Undersecretary of Health Dr. current PDS President Dr. Peachy Paz-Lao Hernandez, Dr. Julie Rubite and Ms. Pacita
Gerarado V. Bayugo. The program was that spurred the Grand Re-Launching of the Alano; and the President of the Philippine
started by Dr. Alfonso G. Nunez III, the DOH-PDS Partnership. This annual month Dermatological Society, Dr. Peachy Paz-Lao
Medical Center Chief II of EAMC, as he long celebration highlights a skin awareness together with the Board members of the
delivered key messages to address common education and information campaign directed Philippine Dermatological Society.
misconceptions on Leprosy and its social to the general public, community outreach,
stigma, as well as issues on treatment and continuing medical education, and research. This program ended with the closing
availability of free Multi-drug therapy (MDT). remarks of Dr. Francisco C. Rivera IV, Vice
He restated that people with leprosy can The program was stirred by an inspirational President of the PDS.
lead a normal life in a non-judgemental message from the Undersecretary of Health
community. Dr. Ma. Angela M. Lavadia, and Head of the Field Implementation and Let this commemorative partnership be
FPDS, Chairperson of the EAMC Dermatology Coordination Team, Dr. Gerardo V. Bayugo. a delightful reminder of the importance
Department and immediate past president of He elucidated some quick facts about of teamwork between the DOH, and PDS.
the Philippine Dermatological Society, then Leprosy, how it affects the society and the Indeed, the grand re-launching of the
presented a brief history and background Philippine healthcare. He also acknowledged DOH-PDS Partnership during the National
of the National SKINWEEK Celebration and the hard work of the PDS in terms of treating SKINWEEK Activities was a momentous and
DOH-PDS Partnership. She explained that and eradicating the stigma of Leprosy. Lastly, successful event.

The Skin Museum Exhibit The Skin Museum with the medical mission team MOA signing of USEC Myrna Cabotaje and
of East Avenue Medical Center current PDS President Peachy Paz-Lao

Ribbon Cutting with the Philippine Dermatological Society East Avenue Medical Center officials with the Department of Dermatology and
the board of the Philippine Dermatological Society

Volume 16 Number 66 • SC1Q 2020 • 5