The Philippine Society of Oncologists (PSO) 26th Midyear Convention, themed “PSO Connects,” was held on May 9, 2026, in the City of Malolos, Bulacan, chaired by Dr. Ana Lea V. Lava, MD, the full-day scientific program brought together oncologists, multidisciplinary specialists, patient advocates, and health policymakers for a series of sessions covering multidisciplinary cancer care, patient navigation, cancer screening, palliative medicine, and local health policy.
Scientific Program Sessions
1. Synergy In Care: Multidisciplinary Strategies for Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Care in Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Speakers: Dr. Paulo Angelo Catindig, MD (Head and Neck Surgeon); Dr. Clarissa Marie M. Cruz, MD (Medical Oncologist); Dr. Jayson L. Co, MD (Radiation Oncologist)
Moderator: Dr. Arthur Jason S. Go, MD
2. Bridging Boundaries: Multidisciplinary Approach in Colorectal Cancer
Speakers: Dr. Kristine G. Tejada, MD (Medical Oncologist); Dr. Raphael Angelo C. Madarcos, MD (Cancer Surgeon); Dr. Mark P. Dumago, MD (Radiation Oncologist)
Moderator: Dr. Ana Lea V. Lava, MD
3. End of Life Care in Cancer Patients: Principles and Practice of Palliative Management
Speaker: Dr. Luzviminda S. Kwong, MD (Pain and Palliative Care Medicine)
4. Cancer Screening and AKAP Module
Speakers: Dr. Herdee Gloriane C. Luna, MD (Medical Oncologist, PCS); Dr. Kristine G. Tejada, MD (Medical Oncologist)
Moderator: Dr. Ma. Carmela M. Maminta, MD
5. Cancer Patient Navigation and Ordinance Making
Speakers: Atty. Allan Chester Nadate (TESDA Deputy Director General; UP College of Law & Medicine Lecturer); Dr. Maricar R. Sabeniano, MD (Palliative Medicine Specialist; PCS EAT Oncology Manager);
Moderator: Dr. Carlo Miguel G. Matanguihan, MD
6. Breast Cancer Lay Forum
Speaker: Dr. Elsie L. Lim, MD (Medical Oncologist)
Moderator: Dr. Angela D. Tagle
Closing Remarks: Dr. Ana Lea V. Lava, MD, Chair, PSO Midyear Convention
Dr. Herdee Gloriane C. Luna, Medical Oncologist, served as the primary resource speaker for the Colon Cancer 101 patient education module, part of the AKAP: Abot Kamay Ako at ang PSMO series. Her comprehensive presentation walked participants through the full spectrum of colorectal cancer care — from recognizing early warning signs such as blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss, to understanding modifiable risk factors, lifestyle-based prevention strategies, and available screening methods including FOBT, FIT-DNA, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. She also covered the diagnostic workup, cancer staging, and the multidisciplinary approach to treatment encompassing surgery, systemic therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy), palliative care, and post-treatment surveillance. Delivered in Filipino to maximize reach and health literacy among the broader audience, Dr. Luna's session reinforced the PSMO's commitment to bringing oncology education closer to communities across the country.
Dr. Maricar R. Sabenano, Palliative Medicine Specialist and PCS Executive Action Team Oncology Manager, delivered a comprehensive lecture titled "Community to Hospital: Patient Navigation," tracing the history and principles of patient navigation from the landmark Harlem experience to its evolving application in the Philippine setting. She presented the nine core principles of patient navigation, highlighted the significant burden of cancer treatment delay in the Philippines — where over a third of patients experience delays beyond 30 days — and showcased PCS's pioneering navigation programs, including CSPMAP, and the ACT NOW initiative. Under her leadership, PCS has certified 121 navigators across 33 CSPMAP sites nationwide, achieving an average knowledge gain of 23.5% among trainees.
Atty. Allan Chester Nadate, Deputy Director General for Finance and Legal Affairs of TESDA and Lecturer at the UP College of Law and UP College of Medicine, presented on "Local Policy Development for Public Health: Basic Frameworks and Guiding Principles." Drawing from his direct experience crafting the Quezon City Integrated Cancer Control Ordinance, the QC Cervical Cancer Elimination Ordinance, and tobacco control ordinances in Baguio and Balanga, Atty. Nadate outlined five guiding principles for effective health legislation at the local government level — covering the scope of police power, health as a human right, whole-of-government approaches, active citizen participation, and the political realities of public health advocacy.
The PCS and PSMO presence at the PSO 26th Midyear Convention—spanning clinical education, patient navigation, cancer screening, palliative care, and health policy—underscores the Society’s unwavering commitment to bringing cancer navigation, community engagement, and policy reform to the forefront of oncology practice across the Philippines. Through the collective contributions of its resource persons and the exemplary leadership of Dr. Ana Lea V. Lava as Convention Chair. PSO, PSMO, and PCS continue to fulfill their mission of a cancer-free Philippines through education, advocacy, and service.
