The leadership of the Philippine Heart Association has emphasized the urgency of expanding cardiology services to underserved areas.
In an interview at the sidelines of the induction of the new PHA Central Luzon Chapter officers at the Clark Marriott Hotel, Dr. Walid Amil, the first Mindanaoan and Muslim cardiologist to head the 73-year-old organization, told media that “every Filipino heart should feel the presence of the PHA close to home.”
With this, he encouraged members to return to their hometowns to address regional imbalances in cardiac care.
According to Dr. Walid, Pampanga continues to have the highest concentration of cardiologists serving cities like Angeles, San Fernando, and Guagua while Aurora only has one cardiologist.
This is a geographic disparity the PHA seeks to address, he said.
The PHA’s long-term goal is to have a cardiologist in every city to ensure equitable, life-saving care for all Filipinos — wherever they live.
Meanwhile, newly inducted PHA Central Luzon President Dr. Jerome Reymatias vowed to unify the seven provinces of the region — Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, and Aurora — under the theme “Pusong Central Luzon: Binding Provinces, Building Heart Health.”
The oath-taking was administered by Dr. Amil, accompanied by National Board Members Drs. Aurora Muriel Gamponia (VP), Luigi Pierre Segundo (Treasurer), and Rodney Jimenez (Immediate Past President).
The new PHA Central Luzon Officers are: President: Dr. Jerome Reymatias; Vice President: Dr. Michelle Nieve; Secretary: Dr. John Levi Daluz; Treasurer: Dr. Paula Erika Reyes-Del Rosario;
Provincial Representatives: Aurora & Nueva Ecija: Dr. Paula Erika Reyes-Del Rosario; Bataan & Zambales: Dr. Mary Rose Anne Lacanin; Bulacan: Dr. Sandy Elfa; Pampanga: Dr. Alica Marie Hizon; Tarlac: Dr. Mary Julienne Therese Oliveros; Nueva Ecija (additional): Dr. Angelica Dela Cruz; CPR Liaison Officer: Dr. Jeffrey Patawaran.
The Central Luzon Chapter committed to bolstering ongoing initiatives, including continuous medical education, public awareness campaigns like PHA PUSO MUNA, and lifestyle and wellness programs such as fun runs and CPR training.
