Program
Pre-Conference (September 11, 2025)
TIME
3:00 - 3:10 PM
3:00 - 3:10 PM
EVENT
Welcome Remarks and Framing
Welcome Remarks and Framing
SPEAKER
Dr. Michael Caampued, MPM, MPH, MZP
President, Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians
3:00 - 3:10 PM
Introduction to the Speaker
Atty. Lee Edson P. Yarcia, MD, JD
Moderator
Senior Lecturer of Law
University of the Philippines Diliman
3:10 - 4:10 PM
Session 1:
Drug Use, Harm Reduction, and the Right to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health
Drug Use, Harm Reduction, and the Right to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health
Format: Presentation with a Panel of Reactors (15-min Keynote, 30 mins reaction and discussion, 10 minutes audience interaction)
Description: This session explores policies surrounding substance use and the public health consequences of the prevailing legal framework that emphasizes a criminal justice approach. Discussions will center on social determinants of health within the context of psychoactive drugs use, including poverty, education gaps, labor precarity, weak community cohesion, and lack of a comprehensive public health response to drug-related issues. It will highlight how weaving sectors traditionally outside of public health including justice, social development, education, and labor and employment actors, among others, can shift substance use responses from a punitive to supportive framework that is centered on public health and is based on human rights.
Description: This session explores policies surrounding substance use and the public health consequences of the prevailing legal framework that emphasizes a criminal justice approach. Discussions will center on social determinants of health within the context of psychoactive drugs use, including poverty, education gaps, labor precarity, weak community cohesion, and lack of a comprehensive public health response to drug-related issues. It will highlight how weaving sectors traditionally outside of public health including justice, social development, education, and labor and employment actors, among others, can shift substance use responses from a punitive to supportive framework that is centered on public health and is based on human rights.
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng
Special Rapporteur for the Right to HealthUnited Nations
Mr. Zaved Mahmood
Human Rights Officer
Mr. Zaved Mahmood
Human Rights Officer
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Reactors:
Prof. Raymond Marvic C. Baguilat
Prof. Raymond Marvic C. Baguilat
Head Legal Officer, University of the Philippines Law Center - Institute of Human Rights
Mr. Johann C. Nadela
Executive Director, IDUCare
Dr. Katherine Ann V. Reyes
Program Lead, Health Promotion Program National Institutes of Health
4:10 - 4:15 PM
Break
4:15 - 5:15 PM
Introduction to the Speaker
Format: Presentation with a Panel of Reactors (15-min Keynote, 30 mins reaction and discussion, 10 minutes audience interaction)
Description: This session highlights that the health workforce crisis is not just a health sector problem. Here we explore how migration policies, education systems, local economic development, and international labor agreements impact the global health workforce.
Session 2: The Interconnectedness of Global Human Resources for Health
Format: Presentation with a Panel of Reactors (15-min Keynote, 30 mins reaction and discussion, 10 minutes audience interaction)
Description: This session highlights that the health workforce crisis is not just a health sector problem. Here we explore how migration policies, education systems, local economic development, and international labor agreements impact the global health workforce.
Theo Prudencio Juhani Z. Capeding, MD, MPM, MSc
Secretary-General, Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Limon Rodriguez
Dr. Limon Rodriguez
Consultant, Global Skills Partnerships on MigrationWorld Bank
Reactor:
Dr. Manuel Dayrit
Former Secretary of Health
Reactor:
Dr. Manuel Dayrit
Former Secretary of Health
Former WHO Director, Department of Human Resources for Health
Kirsten Brubak, RN, PhD
Secretary General
Norwegian Nurses' Association
Day 1: September 12, 2025 (Morning Session)
Our journey to Universal Healthcare is the art of "Habi", weaving a stronger, more responsive health system for all Filipinos and exploring our "Hibla", the crucial threads of policy, providers, and people. To weave these elements together is to create a seamless fabric of care that leaves no one behind, truly responding to the health needs of our nation.
TIME
09:00 - 09:30
09:00 - 09:30
EVENT
Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony
Parade of Colors
Welcome Remarks
SPEAKER
Dr. Michael Caampued, MPM, MPH, MZP
President, Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians
09:30 - 10:15
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Dr. Anthony Rosendo Faraon, MD
Chair, Board of Trustees
Chair, Board of Trustees
Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians
Honorary and Keynote Address
Universal Healthcare - Responding to the Health Needs of Filipinos
Sec. Teodoro J. Herbosa
Secretary of Health Department of Health
Dr. Maria Rosario Singh
Health Advocate and Former Undersecretary for Health
10:15 - 10:20
Break
Panel Discussion
The Trailblazers of UHC: Health Governance in Practice
This session moves beyond tracking UHC implementation to understand how successful LGUs achieve their results. It will explore the "political and technical elements" of their success, including effective technical leadership, risk-taking behavior, strong management (corporatized) systems, and their crucial partnership with TA providers.
Panelists:
Baguio City
Mr. Austere A. Panadero President/Executive Director
Zuellig Family Foundation
Session moderator:
Dr. Heidee Exconde-Buenaventura
Asian Development Bank
Likhain PH
Plenary Session
A Rational Examination of UHC: External Lens and National Response
This session is designed to provide a fresh, external perspective on the state of UHC in the Philippines. Instead of the usually a standard panel update from known DOH figures, a keynote speaker will offer an objective critique or a comparative analysis of the country's progress. Following this presentation, the key national implementers from DOH, DILG, and PhilHealth will be asked to directly react to the points raised. The goal is to move beyond self-reporting and foster a candid discussion about the real gaps.
Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Valerie Gilbert T. Ulep
Senior Research Fellow, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)
Reactor:
Dr. Mar Wynn D. Bello, CESO IV
Director IV, Bureau of Local Health Systems Development, Department of Health
Dr. Mary Antonette Y. Remonte
Head, Program Management Team - Primary CarePhilHealth
Session moderator:
Dr. Anthony Cu
City Health Officer, Valenzuela
12:35 - 13:35
LUNCH SYMPOSIUM
Knitting HPV Prevention in the Fabric of Universal Healthcare
Format: Panel Discussion
This panel discussion will provide a comprehensive, multi-dimensional perspective on cervical cancer prevention—bridging scientific discovery, clinical standards, community action, policy frameworks, and private sector partnerships—to accelerate progress toward a future where cervical cancer is no longer a public health burden in the Philippines. Primary prevention of cervical cancer through HPV vaccination, combined with health promotion and screening initiatives, represents a practical and impactful opportunity to exemplify the promise of Universal Health Care in the Philippines.
Format: Panel Discussion
This panel discussion will provide a comprehensive, multi-dimensional perspective on cervical cancer prevention—bridging scientific discovery, clinical standards, community action, policy frameworks, and private sector partnerships—to accelerate progress toward a future where cervical cancer is no longer a public health burden in the Philippines. Primary prevention of cervical cancer through HPV vaccination, combined with health promotion and screening initiatives, represents a practical and impactful opportunity to exemplify the promise of Universal Health Care in the Philippines.
Panelists:
Dr. Sheriah Laine de Paz-Silava MD, PhD
Lead Author
HPV DEFEAT Study - A Multi-OMICs Investigation into HPV Dynamics in Filipino Women
Dr. John Wong
Co-founder and President
EpiMetrics
Dr. Anthony Calibo
Session moderator:
Dr. Sheriah Laine de Paz-Silava MD, PhD
Lead Author
HPV DEFEAT Study - A Multi-OMICs Investigation into HPV Dynamics in Filipino Women
Dr. John Wong
Co-founder and President
EpiMetrics
Dr. Anthony Calibo
Technical Advisor
Jhpiego HAPPI Project
Jhpiego HAPPI Project
Hon. Dr. Chrislyn Abadilla
Mayor, Banna, Ilocos Norte
(First Municipality in the Philippines to reach 90% HPV VCR)
Mayor, Banna, Ilocos Norte
(First Municipality in the Philippines to reach 90% HPV VCR)
Session moderator:
Dr. Mary Ann Galang-Escalona
Country Medical Lead
MSD
Country Medical Lead
MSD
Day 1: September 12, 2025 (Afternoon Session)
Panel Discussion 1
Defining the Role of the Private Sector in Philippine Health
This session explores how the private sector can be an essential partner in achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) in the Philippines while surfacing key tensions in its engagement, from financing and service delivery to innovation and regulation. Panelists will clarify the strategic roles of corporate actors, insurers, and private providers within the UHC framework, provoke honest discussion on accountability, equity, and alignment between public goals and private interests, and define actionable pathways for managing private sector participation to strengthen the health system.
Keynote Speakers:
Mr. Paolo Borromeo
Lead Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) for Health
Dr. Aya Heiba
Capacity Building Curriculum Developer, Siemens Healthineers – Global
Reactors:
Mr. Ruben “John” Basa
Executive Director, Unilab Center for Health Policy
Session moderator:
Dr. Lei Camiling Alfonso
Consultant, BUILD UHC
Asian Development Bank
Asian Development Bank
14:40 - 14:45
BREAK
Panel Discussion 2
Achieving UHC from the Complexity Science Perspective Session
The session into complexity science, explaining why UHC implementation cannot be a simple formula and requires a more sophisticated approach, highlighting the importance of LGUs' ability to experiment and learn from failures. It seeks to explain how LGUs are able to "experiment" in their implementation, and highlight that initial attempts may not be perfect, encouraging confidence in "failures" as part of the iterative process. DILG's perspective is to bring insights into local government unit flexibility and autonomy.
Speaker:
Dr. Jason CH Yap
Vice Dean for Practice, National University of Singapore (NUS), Saw Swee Hok School of Public Health
Hon. Alfredo M. Coro II
Mayor
Del Carmen, Siargao
Mayor
Del Carmen, Siargao
Reactor:
Anna Liza F. Bonagua, CESO III
Director IV, Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD), Department of Interior and Local Government
Session moderator/discussant:
Harvy Joy Liwanag, MD-MBA, PhD
Senior Research Fellow
National University of Singapore
National University of Singapore
16:00 - 16:50
Plenary Session
PSPHP Fellowship and Inaugural PSPHP Fellows
PSPHP Fellowship and Inaugural PSPHP Fellows
17:00 oonwards
Fellowship and Networking Activities
Day 2: September 13, 2025 (Morning Session)
Introduction
The Asian Journal of Public Health Practice
Ms. Diana Dalisay A. OrolfoProgram Director, De La Salle Medical & Health Sciences Institute;
The Asian Journal of Public Health Practice
09:00 - 11:00
Research Event
Translating Research to Policy: 3-minute Pitch to Policymakers
Translating Research to Policy: 3-minute Pitch to Policymakers
Session facilitator:
Lee Edson Yarcia, MD, JD
Lee Edson Yarcia, MD, JD
Senior Lecturer of Law
University of the Philippines Diliman
BREAK
11:15 - 12:15
PARALLEL SESSIONS
Type: Parallel Sessions
Format: Lectures/Keynotes
This session is designed to "ring the alarm" on the future health crises. Instead of the usual discussion of current programs, it will use prognostication to show the severe societal and economic impact in 10 years if current trends continue. The goal is to create urgency and a call for radical, society-wide responses, including a focus on prevention and integrated care.
Panel A: Communicable Diseases
Mr. Arnyl G. Araneta
Panelists:
Dr. Loyd Brendan NorellaProgram Manager, HIV Protects
Pilipinas Shell Foundation
Mr. Arnyl G. Araneta
Program Director, Global Fund TB Project
Philippine Business for Social Progress
Session Moderator:
Dr. Ryan Guinaran
Country Program Manager
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
---------------------------
Panel B: Non-Communicable Diseases
Panelists:
Dr. Ces Acuin
World Bank Consultant
Session Moderator:
Dr. Mianne Silvestre
President
Kalusuan ng Mag-ina
Kalusuan ng Mag-ina
Day 2: September 13, 2025 (Afternoon Session)
13:00 - 14:00
Healthy Urbanization
Session type: Lecture
Format: Illustrated keynote with Philippine and global case studies with Reactor Panel
Picking up the challenge set by the morning’s Foresight: Emerging Threats session, Architect-Urban Planner Jun Palafox Jr. shows how the battle against HIV, non-communicable diseases, and widening health inequities is literally being won or lost through environment design. The lecture will translate these principles into quick-win policy and design levers LGUs can embed in Comprehensive Land- Use Plans and Local Investment Plans for Health, offering a practical roadmap for weaving health directly into the urban fabric.
Lecturers:
Felino “Jun” Palafox
Principal Architect-Urban Planner, Founder of Palafox Associates
Reactors:
Robert Siy
Convener, Move As One Coalition
Ralph Degollacion
Managing Director, HealthJustice Philippines
Alyannah Lagasca
Lead Convenor of the Healthy Pilipinas Alliance Youth Network
Chair, Mental Health Coalition
Session Moderator:
Dr. Miguel Dorotan
Senior Health Manager
Economist Impact
Economist Impact
14:00 - 14:15
BREAK
14:15 - 15:30
Plenary Session 4
Weaving: Multisectoral Orchestration
Session type: Plenary Lecture with Expert Discussion
This high-level session aims to break out of the traditional health silo by inviting leaders with experience in weaving various government agencies for public health outcomes. The focus is on practical orchestration, and governance models that go beyond the health sector to create a healthier society.
Presenter:
Usec. Rosemarie Edillon
DepDEV Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Group
Asec. Dexter A. Galban
Assistant Secretary for Strategic Management
Department of Education
Department of Education
Session moderator:
Katherine Ann Reyes, MD, MPP
Lead, Health Promotion ProgramNational Institutes of Health
Closing Ceremony
Synthesis
Teaser for PHCON 2026
Synthesis
Teaser for PHCON 2026
Lester Sam Geroy, MD, MIH, MSc
Former Chairman of the Board, Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians
Former Chairman of the Board, Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians
BUSINESS MEETING