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The Dermatopathology Society of the Philippines (DSP-PDS) held its General Assembly and Oath-Taking Ceremonies on January 28, 2025. The event showcased the society’s milestones, welcomed new members, and celebrated the induction of its new set of officers for the term 2025-2026.
The ceremony commenced with an invocation led by Dr. Maria Franchesca S. Quinio-Calayag, MD, FPDS, FDSP. This was followed by the warm welcome remarks of Dr. Daisy King Ismael, MD, FPDS, FDSP, who assumed office as the new President of DSP-PDS for 2025-2026. One of the key moments of the assembly was the Oath-taking of the DSP-PDS Board of Trustees for 2025-2026, officiated by PDS President Dr. Jasmin Jamora and outgoing DSP President, Dr. Eileen Cubillan. This was succeeded by the Oath-taking of New Diplomates, administered by Dr. Daisy King Ismael in her capacity as the Chair of the Board of Examiners 2024, Philippine Board of Dermatopathology together with Dr. Claudine Yap Silva. The new diplomates inducted were:
The event also marked the Oath-taking of New Fellows, presided over by Dr. Maria Katherina Lat-Herrin, MD, FPDS, FDSP, Chair of the Membership Committee. The new fellows inducted were:
These ceremonies highlighted the society’s commitment to fostering excellence and professional growth within the field.
Dr. Eileen Liesl A. Cubillan, MD, FPDS, FDSP, the outgoing President (2023-2024), presented the 2024 Accomplishment Report, reflecting on the society’s achievements and milestones over the past year. This was complemented by the Treasurer’s report delivered by Dr. Mara P. Evangelista-Huber, MD, FPDS, FDSP, providing a comprehensive overview of the financial health and activities of the organization. A highlight of the event was the formal Induction of New Officers for the 2025-2026 term:
A highlight of the event was the formal Induction of New Officers for the 2025-2026 term:
These dynamic leaders are set to steer DSP-PDS towards new horizons, with a vision of advancing dermatopathology practice, education, and research in the Philippines.
The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Past Presidents Dr. Gina Pastorde, Dr. Arnelfa Paliza, and Dr. Eileen Cubillan. Adding to the honor of the occasion was the presence of Dr. Jasmin Jamora, President of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS).
The assembly concluded with heartfelt Closing Remarks by Dr. Johannes F. Dayrit, MD, FPDS, FDSP, emphasizing the society’s commitment to professional growth, collaboration, and excellence.
The 2025 General Assembly and Oath-Taking Ceremonies underscored the DSP-PDS’s vibrant community spirit, its dedication to dermatopathological excellence, and the seamless transition of leadership that will continue to uphold the society’s mission and values.
Induction of New Diplomates:
(L-R) Dr. Zacaria Pario Jr, Dr. Rahina Galvez, Dr. Marian Caligayahan, Dr. Aizlynn Robledo, Dr. Erickah DyCalayag, Dr. Daisy King-Ismael (President), Dr. Claudine Yap-Silva (Secretary)
Induction of New Fellows:
(L-R) Dr. Len Cabaclang-Balmores, Dr. Catherine Go-Teodosio, Dr. Riza Milante-Taruc, Dr. Maria Katherina Lat-Herrin (Membership Committee Head)
2025-2026 DSP Officers with DSP Past Presidents and Current PDS President
(L-R) Maria Franchesca S. Quinio-Calayag, MD, FPDS (PRO), Johannes F. Dayrit, MD, FPDS (Vice President), Eileen Liesl A. Cubillan, MD, FPDS (Outgoing President, 2023-2024), Daisy K. Ismael, MD, FPDS (President), Georgina C. Pastorde, MD, FPDS (Past President), Arnelfa C. Paliza, MD, FPDS (Past President), Maria Jasmin J. Jamora, MD, FPDS (PDS President),Claudine Yap Silva, MD, FPDS, FDSP (Secretary), Andrea Bernales-Mendoza, MD, FPDS, FDSP (Treasurer)
The Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center – Department of Dermatology has successfully completed its 22nd Dermatologic Surgical and Medical Mission last January 8-10, 2025 in Banaue, Ifugao.
This initiative, led by esteemed Dermatologist Dr. Ida M. Tiongco, an active faculty and consultant at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and an active visiting consultant of the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, reflects our department’s unwavering dedication to providing high quality medical and surgical care to our indigent highland brethren.
Dr. Tiongco, who has partnered with the Good News Clinic and Hospital (GNCH) for the past 25 years, collaborated with its current director, Dr. Carol Abayao for this year’s mission. Together with the steadfast support of GNCH’s former director, Dr. Antonio Ligot, and his wife, Sylvia Ligot, the 22nd iteration of the apolitical Dermatologic Surgical and Medical Mission commenced.
A team of distinguished Board certified Dermatologists from the Philippine Dermatological Society, including Dr. Ma. Jasmin Jamora, the current President, Dr. Ma. Encarnacion Legaspi, current Board Member, Dr. Benedicto Carpio, OMMC Dermatology Department Chair, Dr. Gina Eubanas, and Dr. Odette Alonzo, helped complete the roster. They were likewise joined by Dr. Linda Valdelleon, former Dean of the UERM – College of Medicine and Surgery, and OMMC Dermatology residents Dr. Leanna Caylao, Dr. Reinard Wilopo, Dr. Tricia Amora, Dr. Eloisa Lobo, Dr. Michael Gunawan, Dr. Leonard Cua, and Dr. Jhudielle Eusebio, and SIMC Dermatology Chief Resident Dr. Janine Lovino-Ty.
Months prior to the event, Dr. Tiongco herself meticulously prepared surgical instruments and essential medical supplies, and ensured the safe transportation of the said supplies from the United States to the Philippines. Additional medications were generously provided by the Philippine Dermatological Society.
Figure 1. The Good News Clinic and Hospital Chapel converted into a consultation area.
On the morning of January 8, 2025, the team began the mission after a lengthy but scenic 12-hour journey to Banaue, Ifugao. The hospital chapel was converted into a consultation area, the delivery room into a four-bed operating room, and the patient rooms into electrocautery stations. Over the course of two and a half days from January 8 to 10, the team managed a total of 364 patients. Meanwhile, a total of 158 dermatologic surgical procedures were performed, consisting of 84 electrosurgical procedures, 38 excisions, 7 snip excisions, 22 intralesional steroid injections, 5 skin punch biopsies, and 2 incision and drainage procedures. The surgical diagnoses included Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra, Verruca Vulgaris, Seborrheic Keratosis, Acrochordons, Sebaceous Cysts, Ganglion Cysts, Lipomas, and various Nevi. Twenty patients whose provisional diagnoses included Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Tuberculosis Verrucosa Cutis, and Melanoma had their samples sent for further dermatopathologic examination. Lastly, the most common dermatologic diagnoses during medical consultations were Pityriasis Versicolor, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Acne Vulgaris, Atopic Dermatitis and Scabies Infestation.
Figure 2. Images of the Dermatologic Surgical Team performing procedures on the patients of Banaue, Ifugao
Throughout the mission, Dr. Ida Tiongco and the volunteer Dermatologists provided an adequate venue for service learning, ensuring that the dermatologic needs of the community are met, while providing a venue where dermatologic surgical skills can be taught. Dr. Encarnacion Legaspi also shared her expertise in cosmetic procedures, particularly demonstrating techniques for repairing earlobe keloids.
During the Fellowship Night of the Banaue Medical Mission, a special moment was dedicated to celebrate the birthday of a distinguished guest volunteer, Dr. Jasmin Jamora, President of the Philippine Dermatologic Society (PDS). Amid an evening filled with camaraderie and celebration, Dr. Jamora presented two prestigious awards—the PDS Diamond Award and the PDS Award of Distinction for Humanitarian Service—to Dr. Ida Tiongco, in recognition of her more than 20 years of dedicated service in organizing dermatologic surgery and medical missions for underserved communities in Ifugao. Certificates of Appreciation were also given to Dr. Antonio and Sylvia Ligot, for their years of invaluable support to the current and previous missions.
Figure 3. Group picture to honor and celebrate Dr. Jasmin Jamora’s birthday during the Fellowship Night.
Figure 4. Awarding ceremony of the PDS Diamond Award and PDS Award of Distinction for Humanitarian Service to Dr. Ida Tiongco, and Certificate of Appreciation to, Dr. Antonio Ligot and wife, Sylvia Ligot.
This initiative was made possible through the support of Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, particularly their Department Chair Dr. Benedicto Carpio, Department Training Officer, Dr. Eileen Regalado-Morales, and the rest of the OMMC Dermatology Consultant Staff, together with generous grants from the Philippine Dermatologic Society through PDS President Dr. Jasmin Jamora and contributions from Dr. Tiongco’s friends and relatives.
Figure 5. Group picture of the 22nd Dermatologic Surgical Medical Mission Team for January 8-10, 2025
All biopsy samples from the dermatologic surgical mission in Banaue, Ifugao, led by the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center Department of Dermatology, have been meticulously documented and secured. As the team eagerly prepares for an upcoming review of the data, the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology looks forward to unveiling a comprehensive analysis to bridge clinical observations with clinicopathological and demographic insights. This upcoming analysis report hopes to shed new light on dermatologic conditions in the region, providing valuable insight for future missions. Stay tuned for the exciting findings!
Figure 6. The 22nd Dermatologic Surgical Medical Mission Team at the Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoint in Banaue, Ifugao
With the success of this year’s mission, the organizers look forward to future endeavors, ensuring that more communities across the Philippines gain access to essential dermatologic care. The 22nd Dermatologic Surgical and Medical Mission Trip stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, dedication, and the shared goal of making healthcare accessible to all.
