THE PALAWAN MEDICAL SOCIETY
From Humble Beginnings to a Community of Healers
The story of the Palawan Medical Society (PMS) reaches far beyond what formal documentations can fully record. Available annals and narratives trace its beginnings to as early as 1954 as shown on an original seal that recently came to light. Back then, a small group of dedicated physicians had already began organizing themselves, meeting informally – discussing clinical cases, exchanging knowledge and collaborating to address the medical challenges of a growing, geographically expansive and resource-limited province.
The members of the society were united by a shared vision: to promote and advance the medical profession through continuing medical education and the continuous elevation of standards in medical practice and healthcare delivery. Through regular meetings, peer discussions, and collective initiatives, they cultivated a culture of collegiality, mentorship, and service – values that continue to define the organization today. These early efforts eventually laid the groundwork for a structured and organized medical practice in Palawan.
Over the years, the Palawan Medical Society has grown into a vibrant organization of more than 450 members dedicated to continuing medical education, professional development, and community service. A significant milestone was achieved in 2007 under the leadership of Dr. Adelito Posas, when fifteen physicians incorporated the Palawan Medical Society with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit organization. That same year, the Annual Convention was revived and institutionalized as a yearly event, establishing a lasting tradition that reinforces fellowship and shared purpose among members.
During the term of Dr. Editha Miguel (2010–2011), the PMS launched the first Bulilit and Teen Health Workers Program, an initiative that empowered young community volunteers to participate in health promotion and outreach activities. Many of the program’s early participants have since pursued careers in the medical and allied health professions, while others have become accomplished professionals in various fields – demonstrating the program’s impact on youth leadership and community service.
Since it was reinstated in 2019, it has earned two Bronze Medals in the 2019 Bulilit Quiz Bee and achieved Three-Peat Overall Championship titles in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Additional recognitions were achieved in Sabayang Pagbigkas, Quiz Bee, Poster Making contests, Zumba, Epilepsy Return Demo and the Peer Presenter competitions – demonstrating the strengthened training framework and sustained excellence of the program.
The Palawan Medical Society has demonstrated strong leadership within the Southern Tagalog Association of Medical Professionals (STAMP) by producing two distinguished Governors- Dr. Editha C. Miguel and Dr. Reynaldo Frederick Quicho. It has earned six Icasiano Awards from the Philippine Medical Association for the Most Active Component Society: two awards during the two terms of Dr. Reynaldo Frederick Quicho (2017–2019), and one award each under the leadership of Dr. Fe Joan F. Demegillo (2019–2020), Dr. Karen Ann Josol-Dalingding (2022–2023), Dr. Arnaldo S. Favila Jr. (2024–2025), and Dr. Janice Dale G. Tadeo-Portales (2025–2026).. Each PMS President continues the tradition of dedicating a flagship advocacy that is sustainable, collaborative, and designed to be strengthened and carried forward by succeeding leaders, ensuring continuity of impact for physicians and communities throughout Palawan.
Currently, the Society regularly conducts medical and dental missions, blood donation drives, disaster response initiatives, and health outreach programs that bring essential care to underserved and remote communities throughout the province. These efforts reflect the belief that the practice of medicine extends beyond clinics and hospitals into the broader responsibility of public service. PMS initiatives are strengthened through close collaboration with specialty societies, partner hospitals, government and non-government agencies, academic institutions, ensuring coordinated healthcare programs and CME activities across the province. It has also expanded its partnership through media. Among its notable endeavor is the monthly radio program “The Doctor is In”, over Radyo Pilipinas’ FB page, which provides accessible and reliable health education to the public, promoting prevention, awareness and informed decision-making.
From its modest beginnings, the Society steadily grew, guided by the collective aim of advancing medical knowledge, ethical practice, and quality healthcare delivery. Today, the Palawan Medical Society stands as a living legacy of those physicians who came before – built on quiet leadership, strengthened through fellowship, and sustained by a shared commitment to compassionate, ethical, and excellent healthcare for the people of Palawan.
