Long and Winding Roads:
INMS Diverse Paths to Greater Heights...
By: Miramar DL. Bumanglag, MD
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Contributors:
Estella Ganir-Mingoa, MD, Petrus Calope, MD, Reynaldo Mamaclay, MD, Robert Francis Luzod, MD
ABOUT US
The Ilocos Norte Medical Society (INMS) was born at a time when health of the people was in the hands of the non-medical healers or folk doctors whose methods of curing ailment involves superstitions, recitation of prayers and religious rituals accompanied by the mediation of the Holy Spirit. Because of this, the physicians of Ilocos Norte thought that it was their moral obligation to deliver proper medical treatment and prevention of diseases to the community. Thus, they organized a medical society that would preserve and protect the health of the people.
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In 1930, the Ilocos Norte Medical Society, the first PMA Component Society in North Luzon was founded with the effort of Dr. Cyrus Pickett and Dr. Domingo Samonte Sr., who became the first President and Vice-President of INMS respectively.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF INMS HISTORY
1930-1940
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INMS was founded with the following objectives
-foster fellowship among members of the medical profession and to safeguard and defend their best interests.
-coordinate with other paramedical agencies, government and private, for the preservation and protection of the health of the people.
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1941-1945
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Most of the period was under the Japanese occupation and the INMS became inactive during World War II.
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Post-World War II, the INMS doctors felt the need to regrouped and revived the society. They hold community projects like Barrio Clinics in depressed areas, education & health information campaign among the barrio folks.
​1957-1967
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In 1957, Proclamation No. 330 was signed by President Ramon Magsaysay declaring September 15-21 as Medicine Week and in 1966, Proclamation No. 439 was signed by President Carlos P. Garcia declaring the 4th week of September every year as Medicine Week and authorizing the PMA to take charge of the observance thereof.
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It was in 1957, during the leadership of Dr. Ramon dela Cuesta, that INMS won for the first time the PMA Most Outstanding Physician Award. Other INMS Presidents during this decade who were given this recognition by PMA as Most Outstanding Physician Award were Drs. Damaso Samonte, Victorino Datoc (1962), Alfonso Aligo, Rebecca Cabanos, Bonifacia Albano (1961-1962), Felino Palafox (1965), Modesto Tumaneng (1966) and Mariano Bueno (1967).
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In 1958, during the term of Dr. Emmanuel Bumanglag, he pioneered the Ilocos Norte Chest Center, a government facility for diagnostic and treatment of tuberculosis in the province of Ilocos Norte.
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The Medical Forum in 1962 was the first weekly radio program anchored by Victorino Datoc over DZJC. Several society members were scheduled as guest anchor to tackle different medical topics. This was adopted by Dr. Felino C. Palafox over DZYY (1963-1966) and Dr. Alfonso Aliga over DZX (1967-1970)
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In 1965, INMS launched their Inter-Collegiate Oratorical Contest among the students of the different colleges in Ilocos Norte, topic of which was the theme of the Medicine Week for that year and later on was adopted by the succeeding administration until 1976.
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INMS also won the PMA National Award in Highest Percentage Increase in Membership in 1965.
1968-1978
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Every administration strived to keep and fulfill the objectives of the Ilocos Norte Medical Society. This was realized by holding community outreach to far-flung barrios, health information dissemination, lay fora and seminars. Coordination with non-government organization on health projects implementation were strengthened.
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Continuing Medical Education (CME) of members were given priority thru scientific meetings & symposium in order to deliver effective & updated medical treatment.
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INMS Presidents during this decade were applauded for their dedication & worthwhile endeavors by the PMA that contributed to the upliftment of health status of the nation. Once again PMA Most Outstanding Physician Award were given to Drs. Cuadrato Julian (1968), Jaime Camiña (1969), Caridad Cid (1970-1971), Dr. Purisima Bueno (1974, 1975, 1976) and Juanito Rubio (1977-1978).
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Dr. Felino Palafox was given the PMA Loyalty & Service Award, Most Active PMA District Councilor, Most Valuable Councilor at-Large and Most Active PMA Committee Chairman.
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Dr. Caridad Cid was awarded by PMA as the Most Active Component Society Secretary – Treasurer.
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Drs. Purisima Bueno and Caridad Cid also served as District Governor to PMA Board of Governors.
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1979-1989
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1980, was the 50th Foundation Anniversary of the INMS, a year-long celebration led by the President, Dr. Mariano Bueno.
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In 1981, the officers led by Dr. Petrus Calope were determine to reach-out to fellow INMS regarding the activities and advocacies of the society, personal visits to every INMS doctor is a must for him and this entails a lot of energy, time and resources to contact as much as possible personally all “known” members.
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In 1989, Dr. Purisima Labio revived the live interview of the society members over DZHP anchored by “Grandpa” about various health topics that is of interest to the public.
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INMS members led by its President Dr. Purisima Labio rendered free Medical and Surgical Services to San Lorenzo Medical-Dental Charity Clinic for the indigents twice a week.
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Members of INMS who served as PMA Executive Councils: District Governors to PMA Board of Governors representing Ilocos Norte Northwestern Luzon (composed of Pangasinan, La Union, Mountain Province, Abra, Ilocos Sur & Ilocos Norte Medical Societies) were Drs. Purisima Bueno, Reuben Salvador and Emmanuel G. Bumanglag.
1990-2000
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INMS earned PMA National Award such as: Community Service Award (1990) and Innovative Reporting and Community Service Award (1991) under the leadership of Dr. Reuben Salvador and Dr. Venancio Pastor respectively.
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In 1998, the INMS Secretariat was created thru the initiative of Dr. Francis Manolito Dacuycuy and his officers in order to keep track of the records and communications of INMS. This served as the focal point of all INMS activities.
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In 1999, Dr. Francisco Ranada III initiated the incorporation of Family Day as a commencement activity during the Medicine Week Celebration which enjoined doctors and their families to renew fellowship and foster camaraderie.
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Another esteemed recognition is the Most Outstanding Physician Award which is given by the PMA to all nominated out-going component society presidents. Such a worthy reward embodies true gratefulness of our mother organization for all selfless efforts and dedication exerted by these leaders for the association.
​
The objectives of INMS had been translated in terms of services thru various activities.
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Health Education, information dissemination thru radio program, lectures and seminars in schools and NGO groups; community service like medical & surgical missions in depressed areas; adopt-a-barangay projects & child advocacy.
-
The society also aimed to enhance the professional development of physician thru monthly medical updates and weekly scientific symposium.
-
Executive council meetings and general assemblies were held to plan & evaluate activity and to address concerns of the members of the society.
-
Fundraising activities were done to support the different programs of the society like raffle draws, photography exhibits and souvenir advertisements.
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The leadership of Dr. Estella M. Ganir-Mingoa was a great year for INMS. She succeeded in bringing the Ilocos Norte Medical Society in the forefront during the 96th PMA Annual Convention and Centennial Celebration.
-Most Outstanding Society in Community Service – 3rd Place
-Most Outstanding Society in Culture & Arts – 2nd Place
-Most Outstanding Society in Adopt-a-Barangay Project – 3rd Place
-Most Outstanding Society in Environmental & Sanitation – 3rd Place
-Given a Citation of Leadership – 2002-2003
1968-1978
-
Every administration strived to keep and fulfill the objectives of the Ilocos Norte Medical Society. This was realized by holding community outreach to far-flung barrios, health information dissemination, lay fora and seminars. Coordination with non-government organization on health projects implementation were strengthened.
-
Continuing Medical Education (CME) of members were given priority thru scientific meetings & symposium in order to deliver effective & updated medical treatment.
-
INMS Presidents during this decade were applauded for their dedication & worthwhile endeavors by the PMA that contributed to the upliftment of health status of the nation. Once again PMA Most Outstanding Physician Award were given to Drs. Cuadrato Julian (1968), Jaime Camiña (1969), Caridad Cid (1970-1971), Dr. Purisima Bueno (1974, 1975, 1976) and Juanito Rubio (1977-1978).
-
Dr. Felino Palafox was given the PMA Loyalty & Service Award, Most Active PMA District Councilor, Most Valuable Councilor at-Large and Most Active PMA Committee Chairman.
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Dr. Caridad Cid was awarded by PMA as the Most Active Component Society Secretary – Treasurer.
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Drs. Purisima Bueno and Caridad Cid also served as District Governor to PMA Board of Governors.
1979-1989
-
1980, was the 50th Foundation Anniversary of the INMS, a year-long celebration led by the President, Dr. Mariano Bueno.
-
In 1981, the officers led by Dr. Petrus Calope were determine to reach-out to fellow INMS regarding the activities and advocacies of the society, personal visits to every INMS doctor is a must for him and this entails a lot of energy, time and resources to contact as much as possible personally all “known” members.
-
In 1989, Dr. Purisima Labio revived the live interview of the society members over DZHP anchored by “Grandpa” about various health topics that is of interest to the public.
-
INMS members led by its President Dr. Purisima Labio rendered free Medical and Surgical Services to San Lorenzo Medical-Dental Charity Clinic for the indigents twice a week.
-
Members of INMS who served as PMA Executive Councils: District Governors to PMA Board of Governors representing Ilocos Norte Northwestern Luzon (composed of Pangasinan, La Union, Mountain Province, Abra, Ilocos Sur & Ilocos Norte Medical Societies) were Drs. Purisima Bueno, Reuben Salvador and Emmanuel G. Bumanglag.
​1990-2000
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INMS earned PMA National Award such as: Community Service Award (1990) and Innovative Reporting and Community Service Award (1991) under the leadership of Dr. Reuben Salvador and Dr. Venancio Pastor respectively.
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In 1998, the INMS Secretariat was created thru the initiative of Dr. Francis Manolito Dacuycuy and his officers in order to keep track of the records and communications of INMS. This served as the focal point of all INMS activities.
-
In 1999, Dr. Francisco Ranada III initiated the incorporation of Family Day as a commencement activity during the Medicine Week Celebration which enjoined doctors and their families to renew fellowship and foster camaraderie.
-
Another esteemed recognition is the Most Outstanding Physician Award which is given by the PMA to all nominated out-going component society presidents. Such a worthy reward embodies true gratefulness of our mother organization for all selfless efforts and dedication exerted by these leaders for the association.
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The objectives of INMS had been translated in terms of services thru various activities.
-
Health Education, information dissemination thru radio program, lectures and seminars in schools and NGO groups; community service like medical & surgical missions in depressed areas; adopt-a-barangay projects & child advocacy.
-
The society also aimed to enhance the professional development of physician thru monthly medical updates and weekly scientific symposium.
-
Executive council meetings and general assemblies were held to plan & evaluate activity and to address concerns of the members of the society.
-
Fundraising activities were done to support the different programs of the society like raffle draws, photography exhibits and souvenir advertisements.
-
The leadership of Dr. Estella M. Ganir-Mingoa was a great year for INMS. She succeeded in bringing the Ilocos Norte Medical Society in the forefront during the 96th PMA Annual Convention and Centennial Celebration.
-Most Outstanding Society in Community Service – 3rd Place
-Most Outstanding Society in Culture & Arts – 2nd Place
-Most Outstanding Society in Adopt-a-Barangay Project – 3rd Place
-Most Outstanding Society in Environmental & Sanitation – 3rd Place
-Given a Citation of Leadership – 2002-2003
​
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In the mid 2000’s Medicine Week Celebration was highlighted by other worthwhile events endorsed by PMA like Thanksgiving Mass, Wreath-Laying Ceremony, Greening Program, Child Advocacy Day & Parents Day and Senior Physicians Day.
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In 2006, INMS President Dr. Robert Francis Luzod felt that it’s time to give honors to the society’s elderly population. Dr. Luzod incorporated the PMA Senior Physician’s Day during the week-long celebration of the medicine week. INMS recognized and showed appreciation for the value and contribution of elderly doctors to home, family & society.
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It was also during Dr. Luzod’s leadership that Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) was formulated because Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) has appointed the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) to register physicians for PhilHealth accreditation, and COGS from the component society was one of the requirements. Likewise, it was during Dr. Luzod’s term that a regular Sunday afternoon program entitled “Dr. Bombo” was aired through Bombo Radyo.
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In 2008, PMA has implemented the computerization of membership & CME data of the members.
-INMS Secretariat had all files reviewed and directory of membership were updated.
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The INMS effort to do well for the benefit of others was not deprived of prestige and acknowledgements. INMS earned several National Awards from the PMA during the term of Dr. Lorna Bueno such as:
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Most Active Component Medical Society (Icasiano Award) Category IV-Second Place, 2009
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PMA Leadership Award-Second Place 2009 (Dr. Lorna D. Bueno)
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PMA Most Outstanding Secretary-Second Place 2009 (Dr. Mary Ann Luis)
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PMA Most Outstanding Treasurer-Second Place 2009 (Dr. Ofelia Victoria Luis)
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The birth of the INMS Annual Convention in 2011 was conceptualized under the term of Dr. Reynaldo B. Mamaclay. Its purpose was to provide CME opportunities to members who cannot attend out-of-town conventions.
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It was also during Dr. Mamaclay’s term that the Guidelines of CME for Ilocos Detailman’s Association & the different drug companies was formulated by the INMS officers.
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INMS under the leadership of Dr, Reynaldo Mamaclay won the following PMA Awards:
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PMA Most Active Component Medical Society (Icasiano Award-Category IV) 3rd Place
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PMA Most Outstanding Leadership Award – 3rd Place (Dr. Reynaldo Mamaclay)
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PMA Most Outstanding Secretary - 3rd Place (Dr. Sinamar Abando)
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PMA Most Outstanding Treasurer – 3rd Place (Dr. Maritess Padaca)
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PMA Award for Adopt-A-Barangay Project – 1st Place
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PMA Award for Most Number of Attendees-Regional Assembly 2010
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INMS Overall Chairman PCP Annual Convention held in Ilocos Norte-2011
​2012-2015
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The INMS had a truly memorable feast on this very valuable accolades garnered by a chosen few from our society, that inspired INMS especially the succeeding Presidents during the 20th century.
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Dr. Gretchen Bonita V. Ranada, INMS President initiated a Pre-Convention forum which catered not only INMS members but also to the education of the community. Dr. Bombo was revived during her term.
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It was also during Dr. Ranada’s time that INMS bagged the Most Active Component Society in Child Advocacy because of her “Lakbay Aral” for their adopted daycare pupils.
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Other PMA National Awards won by INMS under the administration of Dr. Ranada were the following:
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PMA Most Active Component Medical Society (Icasiano Award-Category IV) 3rd Place
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PMA Most Outstanding Leadership Award-3rd Place (Dr. Gretchen Bonita V. Ranada)
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PMA Most Outstanding Secretary Award-3rd Place (Dr. Emma Joy Bareng)
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PMA Most Outstanding Treasurer-3rd Place (Dr. Rhome Arlyn Pacis)
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PMA Most Outstanding Adopt-A-Barangay Project
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Under Dr. Ma. Constancia Celina G. Ferraris term in 2012, the 1st BLC-ACLS was conducted in cooperation with Philippine Heart Association at MMMH&MC to train doctors and nurses for basic & advance life support.
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INMS First Strategic Planning was initiated by Dr. Ferraris administration to discuss and tackle about the year-long activities using the SWOT Analysis which were later on adopted by the succeeding Presidents of the society.
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In 2013, Dr. Ma. Constancia Celina G. Ferraris received the Certificate of Merit for INMS given by PMA for submitting complete progress reports and Testimonial of Merit as President.
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Dr. Rhome Arlyn B. Pacis was the President 2013-2014, INMS won the following awards:
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PMA Most Active Component Medical Society (Icasiano Award-Category IV) 3rd Place
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PMA Most Outstanding Leadership Award-3rd Place (Dr, Rhome Arlyn B. Pacis)
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PMA Most Outstanding Secretary Award-3rd Place (Dr. Liza Marie Paz-Tan)
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PMA Most Outstanding Treasurer Award-3rd Place (Dr. Ederlina G. Callangan
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PMA Award for Community Service in Component Society-2nd Place
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PMA Most Active Component Society in Child Advocacy-1st Place
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PMA Most Outstanding Adopt-A-Barangay Project-2nd Place
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PMA Most Active Component Society in Environmental & Sanitation Project-First Place
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The very successful 2014 PMA Northwestern Luzon Regional Assembly held at Plaza del Norte was hosted by INMS under the term of Dr. Liza Marie Paz-Tan.
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PMA Awards garnered by Dr. Tan’s term were the following:
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PMA Most Active Component Medical Society (Icasiano Award-Category IV) 3rd Place
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PMA Most Outstanding Leadership Award-3rd Place (Dr. Liza Paz-Tan)
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PMA Most Outstanding Secretary-3rd Place (Dr. Miramar DL. Bumanglag)
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PMA Most Outstanding Treasurer-3rd Place (Dr. Baldomero Tapia)
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PMA Award Most Outstanding Component Society Cancer Project
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PMA Special Award for Community Service Category IV-3rd Place
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The most coveted and prestigious award for Filipino Physician, the Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial Award was garnered by Dr. Alfredo Valdez Jr. in 2011, Dr. Ma. Lourdes K. Otayza in 2012, Dr. Purisima Bueno, 2014. Dr. Isaias Alipio Jr. in 2015 and Dr, Reuben Salvador in 2016.
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2015-2016
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The echoes of the past had inspired the INMS tremendously, bringing us to the realization of laudable accomplishments at present despite its diverse paths. Armed with sheer passion and well-determined efforts among the officers and members of INMS led by its President Dr. Miramar De Leon Bumanglag, brought INMS to its greater heights.
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INMS Special Projects initiated by the officers and members led by its President Dr. Miramar de Leon Bumanglag were the following:
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INMS Website: inmedsoc.org was created to deliver online educational program and for an ease of access to its members for upcoming events and activities of PMA as well as INMS
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INMS joined the First PMA Webinar Session when it was launched last August 17, 2015.
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iRAB (INMS Reaching Out their Adopted Barangay)
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INMS Walk-Thru-the-Community Program
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INMS Child Bulilit Health Workers: Kid’s Empowerment, an important health tool in the community.
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INMS Kiddie Asthma Club
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INMS Diabetes Day Clinic every Wednesday of the month and Monthly INMS Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening at Batac Puericulture Charity Center Batac City, Ilocos Norte.
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INMS Pediatric Day at San Lorenzo Ruiz Medical & Surgical Charity Clinic Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
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It was during Dr. Miramar DL. Bumanglag’s term that the INMS CHOIR was organized and joined by 25 singing doctors of Ilocos Norte Medical Society.
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INMS Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) was revised by the Committee on CME to conform with the objectives of the mother society and INMS.
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First DOH Plaque of Recognition was given to Dr. Miramar DL. Bumanglag for her invaluable commitment, passion and outstanding leadership as President of Ilocos Norte Medical Society in the upliftment of health status of the Province of Ilocos Norte.
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It was a shining glory for the society during the 109th PMA Annual Convention because INMS was the Most Awarded Component Society of 2016. For the INMS, it was unprecedented and historic, because after more than 8 decades of its existence, INMS won the coveted and highest award, the PMA ICASIANO AWARD FIRST PRIZE.
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A Testimonial of Recognition for “The Most Active Component Medical Society” Category IV 2016 was awarded to INMS by PMA for the great number of activities of the society, that faithfully reflects the ideas and objectives of the PMA and the society’s outstanding compliance with the implementation of the PMA special activities, and community projects as well as with the administrative and organizational requirements which rebound to the component society in particular and to the national organization in general.
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Dr. Miramar Bumanglag won the PMA ICASIANO Outstanding Leadership Award 2016 as President of INMS-FIRST PRIZE, achieved through diligence, initiative and innovativeness in planning the activities of the society.
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Most Outstanding Component Society Secretary and Most Outstanding Component Society Treasurer for 2015-2016 likewise won PMA ICASIANO Award First Prize by Dr. Ederlina G. Callangan and Dr. Jomelyn A. Bolompo respectively.
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PMA Special Awards won by INMS 2015-2016 were the following:
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First Prize, PMA Most Active Component Society in Child Advocacy Project.
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First Prize, PMA Most Active Component Society in Nutrition Project.
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First Prize, PMA Most Active Component Society in Community Service.
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First Prize, PMA Most Active Component Society in Adopt-A-Barangay Project.
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First Prize, PMA Most Active Component Society in Cancer Project.
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First Prize, PMA Most Active Component Society in Environmental & Sanitation Project.
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Special Consolation Prize – INMS Blood Donation Project.
From a humble beginning of a few physicians in 1930, INMS has grown in number to more than 420 membership.
As we enter the twenty-first century INMS continues to uphold its mission, visions and core values as exemplary component society of the Philippine Medical Association which enhances & nurtures the well-being of its members and improves the health of the community.
The Ilocos Norte Medical Society marches on…