In 1936, a group of physicians from the University of the Philippines, Afable Medical School and the University of Santo Tomas met together to take a stand on an obstetric issue on “therapeutic abortion”. In the presence of Rev. Fr. Francisco del Rio, OP, then Regent of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, then formed a new organization now known as the “Catholic Physicians’ Guild of the Philippines” (CPGP), the objective of which is “to spread Catholic professional ethics and strengthen the spiritual life of Catholic physicians”.
The first constitution was drafted by the secretary, DR. RENATO MA. GUERRERO. The first president was DR. JOSE MA. DELGADO, an obstetrician gynecologist, with DR. PEDRO LANTIN, a professor at the UP College of Medicine, as Vice President.
The CPGP’s activities were interrupted during the Japanese occupation in World War II.
On August 19, 1951, the guild was reactivated with Dr. Jesus Tan as its second President. Activities were held at the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary. The speakers invited, to name a few, were Senators Francisco Rodrigo and Ambrosio Padilla, Fr. Antonio Tan, UP President Dr. Vidal Tan and Education Secretary Manuel Lim. With several organizations joining in, the venue was transferred to the UST Medicine Auditorium.
In 1958, the first publication of the guild, “Medical Forum”, was born with DR. MARIANO ALIMURUNG as the first editor. This was circulated here and abroad.
The first Asian Congress of Catholic Physicians was held on January 7–9, 1960 in Manila during which Dr. Alimurung was elected the first Vice-President of the International Federation of Associations of Catholic Physicians (FIAMC). The first Diocesan Chapter in Baguio was also established. The guild grew as Diocesan chapters in Cebu, Roxas City and Dumaguete City followed suit.
The 1970’s was a decade of political uprising. Martial law was declared on September 21, 1972. In spite of this, the activities of CPGP continued. A symposium on drug abuse was held on September 30, 1972. On December 11, 1972, CPGP members attended the 5th Asian Congress for Catholic Physicians in Bangkok where 19 Asian countries participated. The Thailand Catholic Physicians’ Guild proposed the by-laws which paved the way for the creation of the Asian Federation of Catholic Medical Associations. In 1972, Dr. Remedios Goquiolay-Arellanobecame the FIRST woman President of CPGP, a position which she held for 8 years. On February 23, 1975, the biannual national convention with the theme, “The Challenge of the Catholic Doctor“ was held in UST. The “Most Outstanding Catholic Physician” was awarded to Dr. Jose Ma. Delgado and the “Outstanding Dedication of the CPGP Award “ to Dr. Mariano M. Alimurung. Numerous conventions were conducted.
The 1980’s saw a succession of terms of presidents who contributed in bringing the guild to greater heights through their accomplishments. Dr. Sabino Santos headed the CPGP during the first half of the 80’s. He organized three conventions. On November 9-11, 1984, the Philippines hosted the 8th Congress of the Asian Federation of Catholic Medical Associations. Dr. Emani V. Certeza succeeded Dr. Santos in 1986. She revived the practice of holding conventions outside the university. Asymposium on “In-Vitro Fertilization” was held in UE in June 1986, followed by another symposium on “Abortion” in FEU. The first out-of-town seminar was revived. A clinico-moral conference was conducted at the Virgen Milagrosa University in San Carlos, Pangasinan. During her term, more activities were conducted regularly. In 1989, Dr. Carmelita Belmonte-Cuyugan became the next president. The first seminar on “Christian Faith, Values and the Filipino Doctor” was held in Makati Medical Center on August 2, 1989 with prominent medical and religious personalities in attendance. Another seminar was held in UP-PGH in February 1990. On March 19, 1990, the third seminar was held in St. Louis University College of Medicine in Baguio City.
In May 1990, the first issue of the CPGP Newsletter was published replacing the original journal with Dr. Felix Estrada as the FIRST Editor-in-Chief. The fourth seminar was held at the Perpetual Help College in Binan, Laguna. In September 1990, an Ad Hoc Committee was formed to present the position paper of the CPGP on the “population control program”. This was chaired by Dr. Antonio O. Gisbert with Drs. Felix Estrada and Dr. Vicente JA Rosales as among the members. The fifth seminar was held again at the Virgen Milagrosa Medical Center. From January 20 to February 17, 1991, the CPGP participated in the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines.
In 1996, the CPGP celebrated its 60th Anniversary with a Marian exhibit led by Dr. Raul G. Fores. The first Bioethics Training Module was held at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Rivera was elected Vice-President of the Asian Catholic Medical Association. Other bioethics modules were held in Davao and Iligan City. In 1997, Dr. Gregorio Moral Jr. was appointed Editor-in-Chief of the CPGP Newsletter. Sister Jean de Blois CSJ of the Catholic Health Association of the US became the 7th Francisco del Rio, OP Memorial Lecturer. The theme of the convention was “The Virtuous Physicians: Finding Meaning in Medicine” with Dr. Corazon T. Lim as over-all chairperson. The second Bioethics Training Module was held in Tagaytay with Dr. Mayumi Bismark as chair. The Tuguegarao chapter was also formed with Dr. Eduardo Taguba as the first President. Other seminars were held in different provinces.
In 1998, the theme of the annual convention was “ The Physician towards Moral and Spiritual Renewal” chaired by Dr. Mayumi Bismark. In 1999, Dr. Jocelyn Yambao-Franco chaired the annual convention with the theme, “The Role of the Catholic Physician in Promoting the Culture of Life”. The first Jose Ma. Delgado Memorial lecture was delivered by Sir Knight Sabino Santos, MD. Dr Milagros C. Fernandez was posthumously awarded the Most Outstanding Catholic Physician. This year saw the launching of “Operation Sunshine” for elderly diocesan priests by Dr. Ophelia SM Manlapit and the “Adopt a Priest Movement” spearheaded by Dr. Estrella de Leon. Several training modules were also conducted.
The 2001 Annual Convention was chaired by Dr. Martina Tirona Certeza with the theme “ Challenges to the Catholic Physician in the New Millenium”. In August 2000, Dr. Ophelia SM Manlapit was appointed editor of the Asian Federation Catholic Medical Association Newsletter. The CPGP insigne was officially displayed in front of the CPGP office at the St. Martin de Porres Building by the guild’s ecclesiastical adviser Rev. Fr. Jerry Manlangit, OP. On July 12-14, 2000, the CPGP was represented in the 12th AFCMA Congress in Malaysia. Bioethics training modules continued to be conducted in the different medical centers. In December 2000, the Binan Chapter was inaugurated.
In 2002, Dr. Charito Corpuz chaired the national convention with the theme “Family Values and the Catholic Physician” held at PCMC.An annual recollection, special projects and nine (9) scientific sessions were among the activities in the same year. Training modules were held in Angeles City and Batangas City. A CPGP mission-vision workshop was conducted on August 30, 2001 followed by a strategic planning workshop in November 8, 2001. Two new chapters, Dagupan and Daet were formed.
In 2003, the theme of the annual convention was “Professionalism in Medical Practice” chaired by Dr. Nerissa D. Santos. Scientific activities were held in three medical centers; two training modules conducted in PCMC. Drs. EF Rivera, CD Corpuz and JY Franco attended the 21stFIAMC World Congress in Seoul, Korea. The paper of Dr. Sabino Santos on “ The Mission of the Catholic Doctor in a Developing Country of old Christian Tradition” was read by Dr. EF Rivera.
In 2004, Dr. Oscar V.A. Tagulinao was at the helm of the annual convention with the theme, “Changing Role of the Physician in the Third Millenium”. Fifteen more chapters where added to the guild. In 2005, the annual convention was again chaired by Dr. Tagulinao with the theme, “The Filipino Doctor at the Crossroads”. A lenten recollection was held in Quezon City and a training module, this time, in the Calaruega Retreat House in Batangas.
In 2007, Dr. Conrado P.Banzon was elected president of the CPGP. The annual convention was spearheaded by Dr. Manuel M. Po at the University of Perpetual Help and Medical Center in Binan, Laguna with the theme, “ Filipino Family under Seige”. On March 1, 2007, a big event, “Induction Ceremonies and Dance-For-A Cause” was held at the Ramon Magsaysay Hall in Roxas Boulevard, Manila with His Excellency Archbishop Fernando Filoni DD, the former Papal Nuncio to the Philippines as guest of honor. The CPGP board held a meeting on June 21, 2007 in San Juan, Metro Manila regarding the CPGP’s compliance to the FIAMC requirements for the use of the financial support from Singapore to the typhoon stricken Bicol region badly damaged by typhoon Reming. Dr. Rodriguez gave a comprehensive report. On November 16-18, 2007, the CPGP in cooperation with the Aquinas High School batch of our Ecclesiastical adviser, Rev. Fr. Rodel E. Aligan, OP, conducted a medical mission at the Busay chapel in Legaspi City. Almost 600 members of the community were benefited by this charitable project.
In 2008, Dr. Victoria Edna Garayblas-Monzon became the 18th CPGP President. The annual convention was held in Angeles University in Pampanga with Dr. Romeo Yu Enriquez as chairperson. The theme was “Spirituality in Medicine: the Doctor that Heals the Spirit. The Delgado Memorial lecturer was Bishop Socrates Villegas with Dr. Lourdes Gabriel-Llamas receiving the “Outstanding Catholic Physician” award. The annual Lenten recollection, training modules and Christmas gift-giving to street children were continued
In 2009, the second year of Dr, Monzon’s term, the national convention was organized by the Baguio chapter with Dr. Benito V. Sunga as chairperson. The memorial lecturer was Dr. John Lee, Vice –President of FIAMC and Chairman of the Medical Missions APCMA. On February 26, 2009, the CPGP in collaboration with the Philippine Heart Center Human Resources Division held a seminar on “The Effect of Media and Sex Education in the Family”.The CPGP joined the activities of LAIKO of the Archdiocese of Manila. This was followed by a Lenten recollection held at the UST Clinical Division Chapel with Rev. Fr. Aligan as retreat master. Another training module was held in Calaruega on October 29 to 31, 2009. Among other activities also were Bioethics lectures , an Advent Recollection and a thrift bazaar as a fund raising event.
On January 22, 2010, the guild held its 74th Anniversary and 2010 Annual Convention with the theme, “The Catholic Physician in a Secular Community”. Former Dean of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and multi-awarded medical educator, Angeles Tan Alora, MD was the memorial lecturer. She was also the “Second Woman Dean” of UST and former Director of the UP National Teacher’s Training College and the Southeast Asian Center for Bioethics. Eustacia M. Rigor, MD, the “First Woman Dean” of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery was awarded the 2009 Most Outstanding Catholic Physician. Dr. Edwin V. Rodriguez, then Secretary of the guild was at the helm of the 2010 Annual Convention.
On January 14, 2011, CPGP celebrated its 75th Anniversary together with an Annual Convention with the theme, “ The Catholic Physician as an Advocate in Health Care” at the Dr. Fe del Mundo Memorial Medical Center. Dr. Manuel Po was over-all chair. Rev. Fr. James McTavish, FMVD delivered the memorial lecture. Dr. Lutgarda Celestino-Quito received the 2010 Most Outstanding Catholic Physician Award. She was cited for being a living example and an inspiration to the community for her untiring efforts in setting up an active Catholic community in her workplace.
Last year, January 20, 2012, Angelita Miguel- Aguirre, MD chaired the 2012 Annual Convention with the theme, “Injustice in the delivery of Medical Care Among Equals”. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, DD delivered the Memorial lecture. Dr. Jocelyn J. Yambao- Franco, Past President and pediatric stalwart was the 2012 Outstanding Catholic Physician. Dr. Manuel M. Po started his term as President in 2011. The Newsletter was relaunched under the editorship of Dr. Edwin V. Rodriguez. Activities during his term included monthly board meetings, two bioethics modules in Calaruega, seminars, workshops and symposia. Several medical missions were also conducted including yearly visits to the Women’s Correctional, Homes for the aged in Tayuman, Rizal and Bulacan. Other projects were feeding program, lay fora and Christmas gift giving. A delegation led by Dr. Belen Bonus-Santiago, represented the guild in the AFCMA on October 17-21, 2012 in Bali, Indonesia.
Last year, January 20, 2012, Angelita Miguel- Aguirre, MD chaired the 2012 Annual Convention with the theme, “Injustice in the delivery of Medical Care Among Equals”. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, DD delivered the Memorial lecture. Dr. Jocelyn J. Yambao- Franco, Past President and pediatric stalwart was the 2012 Outstanding Catholic Physician. Dr. Manuel M. Po started his term as President in 2011. The Newsletter was relaunched under the editorship of Dr. Edwin V. Rodriguez. Activities during his term included monthly board meetings, two bioethics modules in Calaruega, seminars, workshops and symposia. Several medical missions were also conducted including yearly visits to the Women’s Correctional, Homes for the aged in Tayuman, Rizal and Bulacan. Other projects were feeding program, lay fora and Christmas gift giving. A delegation led by Dr. Belen Bonus-Santiago, represented the guild in the AFCMA on October 17-21, 2012 in Bali, Indonesia.
In January 18, 2013, the 77th Anniversary celebration and the 2013 Annual Convention was held at the National Children’s Hospital with Dr. Ma. Julita D. Debuqueas over-all chair. The theme was “The Catholic Church and Health Care in the Philippines – a Call for Closer Collaboration”. The Delgado Memorial lecturer was Rev. Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas Manila and President of Radio Veritas. The awardee for the Most Outstanding Catholic Physician for 2013 was Dr. Oscar Victor A. Tagulinao. As a result of this convention, a memorandum of agreement was signed between the Catholic Physicians’ Guild of the Philippines through Dr. Manuel Po and the Caritas Manila through Rev. Fr. Anton CT Pascual for a closer collaboration between our guild and the social arm of the Church.
Substantial cash donations from Catholic Doctors Association of Malaysia and Indonesia were spent for drug procurement in the various projects of CPGP.
CPGP adopted malward of UST Hospital Pediatrics Department as well as children of poor parishes and public schools for deworming, supplemental feeding, DOTS treatment of PTB and surgical procedures.
In 2014, for the 2nd time (1st was in 1966) the XXIV Federation Internationale Des Associations Medicales Catholiques (FIAMC) World Congress was hosted by CPGP, held at Manila Hotel, October 1-4, 2014. There were almost 300 attendees.
Pope Francis visited the Philippines January 15-19, 2015. CPGP organized medical volunteers and were assigned 2 tents at the Luneta Park for the full-packed mass and blessing. Twenty five doctors responded to our call and were literally on their feet attending to patients for almost 12 hours.
CPGP conducted Bioethics module in Lucena City and eventually established the Lucena Chapter with 35 members, in collaboration with Bishop Emilio Marquez of the Diocese of Lucena.
It is the direction of this present board to encourage participation of the old members and to invite new younger members in order to make our distinguished guild more dynamic and vibrant as witnesses of our Catholic faith in our profession as Filipino physicians.
In 2018, CPGP became an affiliate member of the Philippines Medical Association. As president of AFCMA, Dr. Manuel M. Po attended the Malaysia Catholic Medical Association 25th Anniversary and fund raising activity October 2017. Delegation to FIAMC Congress held in Zagreb, Croatia May 30-June 3, 2018 included Doctors Belen Bonus Santiago, Julita D. Debuque, Manuel M. Po, Aniceta F. Po. Sustained various community service activities with medical missions to underserved areas as donations to charitable institutions.
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