Davao Doctors Hospital - KALEIDOSCOPE

Celebrating the Colors of Life, Vibrant Stories of Hope and Love in Davao Doctors Hospital

Celebrating the Colors of Life, Vibrant Stories of Hope and Love in Davao Doctors Hospital

KALEIDOSCOPE Celebrating the Colors of Life, Vibrant Stories of Hope & Love in DDH

Messages

DDH Ten-Point Agenda

Vibrant Stories of Hope & Love

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DDH History

13

Golden Rules and Brand of Care

15 DDH Company Events

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Message from the Pioneers

14 DDH Calendar of Anniversary Events Statistical Data

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52 CSR Activities: Alagang DDH

54 DDH Healthcard

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48 DDH’s Firsts 50 DDH’s Happy Storie

Timeline of DDH 58 Milestones DDH Company Profile

03 Title Page

13 DDH Vision, Mission, Core Values,

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53 DDH at Forefront Davao Doctor’s College

01 Cover Page

04 Table of Contents

46 Digital Transformations

OF CONTENTS

12

26 The Medical Service Organization

TABLE

55 Marketing & Patients’ Events 60 DDH Tomorrow 62 Acknowledgment & Credits

My warmest greetings to Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH) on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.

Over the years, DDH has served as reliable and dependable private medical institution for the people of Davao City and nearby areas. The hospital’s excellent roster of specialists and dedication to quality patient care has contributed to the overall well-being of the city and the region.

Let this milestone inspire and encourage its management and personnel to maintain the highest level of professional and ethical standards in the industry. Your continuing efforts to upgrade your competencies in healthcare management will be crucial in achieving the Philippine Health Agenda for the benefit of our people.

Congratulations!

RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE President of the Republic of the Philippines

Madayaw!

My warmest congratulations to the men and women of the Davao Doctors Hospital on the occasion of your 50th Anniversary! Indeed, this significant milestone is a testament to the quality care and service you have given the people throughout the years.

As one of the prime health care institutions in Davao City, the Davao Doctors Hospital is one of the important components in making sure the health and wellness of the people in Davao City is secure. That is why the City Government of Davao trusts that you will always endeavor to bring quality health care and health services to the people.

May this 50th celebration reinvigorate each member of the DDH family to continue in your commitment to serve those who are sick and in need to the best of your abilities. I urge you to continue embodying excellence in service, integrity, and compassion in your respective roles in the institution.

Let us move forward together in ensuring a brighter future for the people of Davao City and of Mindanao.

Congratulations and more power to the Davao Doctors Hospital!

Republic of the Philippines OFFICE OF THE CITY MAYOR City of Davao SARA Z. DUTERTE City Mayor

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 5

My warm greetings to the owners, employees, health care practitioners and physicians of Davao Doctors Hospital on your 50th Foundation Anniversary!

I rejoice with you who thank God for walking with you over the years as you dedicate yourselves to the ministry of assisting the sick and the suffering, the injured and the dying - a healing ministry of loving service to our brothers and sisters.

I hope and I pray that on your 50th Foundation Anniversary, the Divine Healer will bless you and prosper as you hold on together and remain strong and steadfast as you continue to care for the health and wellbeing of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

God bless you all!

ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D. Archbishop of Davao

Warm Congratulations to the Doctors, Nurses, Administrators, and Personnel of Davao Doctors Hospital on your 50th year.

The story of the hospital’s origin is one with which I feel a personal affinity. In the 1960s, a group of doctors decided to come home after honing their skills in the United States, with the intention of sharing their expertise with our countrymen. Within a short span, with an initial capital of a modest 85,000 pesos, combined with a large measure of energy, idealism, and hopefulness, the facility that would eventually become Davao Doctors Hospital was born.

Of course, no hospital would remain in operation for half a century without nimbly adapting to the changing landscape of healthcare, and Davao Doctors has done well in this regard. You have grown to become the most modern hospital in Mindanao, offering a wide array of medical specialties.

This is a success story that mirrors those of many enterprising Filipinos, and it is one that should stoke pride within each person working in your facility.

Furthermore, I am thankful that all your cutting edge work remains philosophically grounded on the bedrock of a simple but meaningful promise: “we care for life.” This is most accurately represented by your charitable work, which includes—among many other commendable initiatives that have come to my attention—the Ribbon of Hope program, which intends to help cancer patients, as well as the Balik Alay foundation, which provides financial assistance for patients in need.

This is comforting knowledge for all of us. As you know, our shared goal is to make quality health care accessible to as many Filipinos as possible, and the commitment of Davao Doctors Hospital to this cause—as seen through your 50-year performance and your charity work—is a gift not only to our group, but to the Filipino people.

We look forward to working more closely together as we make certain that the next half-century exceeds the success of the past fifty years.

Once again, Manny Congratulations!

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MANUEL V. PANGILINAN Chairman, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation

Congratulations Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH) for 50 glorious years of success!

DDH has always been a front runner in unselfishly serving the community with innovative services.

Blessed with a brilliant team of dedicated healthcare practitioners and non-medical professionals working in a friendly and creative work environment, one can only aim for high results.

I am grateful that a group of brilliant medical doctors have chose to come home and share their medical expertise to their hometown and introduce a new school of thought in providing accessible healthcare services to Davao.

The legacy that our founding members have been engraved in the hospital’s culture; instilling the value of keeping patient satisfaction, comfort and well-being as top priority and for unselfishly providing opportunities for our employees to grow their careers exponentially — has shaped DDH’s unique brand identity.

Augusto Palisoc, Jr. Chairman of the Board Davao Doctors Hospital President & CEO Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc.

Over the past 5 decades, DDH has been introducing ground breaking healthcare solutions and services that greatly benefited the Mindanaoan community.

I trust that the DDH community will be continue to share the DDH brand of care through its various medical programs and services, building meaningful relationships to the community and most especially to our patients and their families.

Fifty years on, with the undying commitment and sincerity of the men and women of DDH, it is with great confidence to see the hospital push on to become an icon for innovative healthcare .

Congratulations everyone and cheers to our golden year!

Building and Growing Stronger through Time Surviving and flourishing for the past half-century are such a great feat for a home-grown healthcare brand. It started from a simple idea conceptualized by our visionary founders and nurtured over time.

Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH) is a true testament that when there is a meeting of minds coupled with a common and noble goal, great things happen.

Our founding members were the prime movers and shakers of the healthcare industry in the ‘60s, introducing to the Davaoeños specialized healthcare, providing the community with options in health management.

These internationally trained doctors chose the then sleepy town of Davao and unselfishly shared their expertise to its people.

From the first day that DDH opened its doors in 1969, we have always dreamed big, fleshed out our goals with much gusto, and​above all with great love and respect for the people’s health and well-being.

Our achievements are attributed to all the men and women in the organization who have worked tirelessly and fervidly, putting into heart and action the DDH brand of care.

Raymund Del Val President and CEO Davao Doctors Hospital

Fifty years on, the same passion and fervor are never extinguished by the challenges brought about by the ever-changing political, economic and technological landscape of country.

Persistent in breaking new grounds and earnest in setting more healthcare milestones, we remain steadfast in keeping our promise to the people of Davao and Mindanao.

At Davao Doctors Hospital, we continue to drive change through our caring hearts and healing hands.

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 7

Message from the

PIONEERS Dr. Luisito Guanlao “I am pleased to be given the opportunity to give a message on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of DAVAO DOCTORS HOSPITAL. I was a participant in DDH’s conceptualization, organization and establishment in 1969. I was also part of its growth from a humble beginning in 1969 to its present state as the biggest, most advance and most respected private hospital in the entire Mindanao, I am privy to any and all the challenges it has hurdled with success.

I remember the many first DDH introduced in Mindanao (as far as the hospital operation is concerned) the first Ultrasound, the first CT SCAN, the first RADIOISOTOPE LABORATORY, the first LINEAR ACCELERATOR MACHINE, the first RADICAL CENTER OPERATION, the first KIDNEY TRANSPLANT, the first OPEN HEART OPERATION,

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the first JOINT REPLACEMENT, the first DIALYSIS CENTER and many more. Finally, the ISO Certification for Hospital Operation and Residency Training followed by the Canada Accreditation topped them all. Truly, that is DAVAO DOCTORS HOSPITAL in a nutshell.

The few incorporators who are still with us can look back with pride and feeling fulfilled to have achieved the MISSION/VISION that we formulated then for the hospital. We are happy with the thought that we are part of its achievement.

CONGRATULATIONS to the present management under PRESIDENT RAYMUND C.S. DEL VAL for its exemplary leadership in sustaining DDH’s prestige as we reach its GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY. HAPPY GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY!”

Dra. Rizalina M. Pangan “It has been fifty (50) fulfillin g years since we started conceptualizing and organizing the establishment of a health care institution, in which today has become one of the country’s leading hospitals - the Davao Doctor’s Hospital (DDH). I am glad to be a part of your 50th Anniversary Celebration.

From its humble beginnings in 1969, I have witnessed how DDH has developed into one of the most advanced and premier private health institutions in Mindanao. Truly, DDH has embodied its principle of genuinely “caring for life”, as exemplified through its continued improvements and upgrading of its existing

facilities and resources. The various international certifications garnered for the past years manifest DDH’s commitment in providing quality health care services to Mindanaoans from all walks of life.

As one of the incorporators of DDH, it is a great pride and honor to be a part of DDH’s success through the years. This milestone is a product of the hard work and dedication of the employees, the management, as well as other stakeholders.

Congratulations on your Golden Year, Davao Doctor’s Hospital!”

The DDH Presidents

Dr. Jose L. Gantioqui Jr. President & CEO 1969 - 1996

Dr. Dominador O. Cabrera President & CEO 2006 - 2008

Dr. Herminio A. Villano Sr. President & CEO 1996 - 2006

Mr. Raymund CS. Del Val President & CEO 2012 - Present Mr. Andres M. Licaros President & CEO 2009 - 2011

Medical Directors Dr. Jose L Gantioqui Jr. (1996-2006) Dr. Crisostomo M. Serrano, Sr. (2007-2008)

Dr. Celia C. Castillo (2008-2012) Dr. Noel A. Villanueva (2013-Present) Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 9

The Beginning In the 1960s, a group of doctors, young and brimming with hope came back to the Philippines after their specialty training in the United States.

Challenged by the idea of exploring new territories, they ventured to Davao—a quaint city, then surrounded by a lush forest and the prospect of progress in the land of promise.

In 1961, Dr. Honorio Hilario owner of Botica Villa, invited Dr. Luisito Guanlao to set up a clinic in the pharmacy. Soon after, more doctors set up their clinics there as well. Within four years, Botica Villa became a melting pot of medical specialists with various expertises. In 1965, Dr. Guanlao broached the $1 million question” Why not build a hospital for maximum healthcare?”

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The Expansion Thus, in August of 1966, Clinica Hilario, Inc. Became a corporation, built on the desire to provide healthcare to the community. The original incorporators were doctors Honorio Hilario, Sr., Luisito Guanlao, Agusto Abela, Gerino Pangan, Pacita San Vicente, Crisostomo Serrano, Sr., Herminio Villano, Sr., and Amador Villanueva.

Over the years, from the original 15 incorporators with P85,000 capitalization, the Corporation’s stockholders increased to 154 with a capitalization of P2 million in 1969. In the same year, Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH) opened its doors to the public, starting with a 50-bed capacity.

In 1970, bed capacity increased to a hundred and fifty. Provisions for an Intensive Care Unit were set in place and an Annex was built to accommodate doctor’s clinics. To complement its nursing care, DDH opened the Davao Doctors Hospital School of Nursing with an initial student count of 52. This branch would eventually grow into the subsidiary now known as the Davao Doctors College (DDC), currently offering 11 baccalaureate degrees and serving over 3,000 students.

Recovery and Shifting Focus The entry of the 80s was greeted with economic crisis, prompting the temporary suspension of expansion projects and redirecting the Hospital’s focus on people and improvement of services.

As DDH recovered, the set-up of medical and diagnostics units at a more rapid pace. The Pulmonary and Bronchoscopy Units, Pediatric Ward, Rehab Section, Resident’s Quarters and more Doctors’ Clinics were installed.

The 90’s was a decade of investments and developments. Rapid growth prompted the definition and reaffirmation of the Hospital’s direction through formulation of its vision and mission statements.

In 2000, DDH made history by being the 1st ISOaccredited hospital in the region and the 2nd in the country, having been awarded the ISO 9001 Certification recognizing the Hospital’s service excellence against international standards. It also continued to foster many other firsts in the region, with its Radiation Oncology Department becoming fully operational on top of other improvements.

Entry of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) Finally, in May 2008, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation acquired 34% shareholdings in Davao Doctors Hospital. MPIC is a holding company, with a view to becoming the Philippine’s leading investment and management firms, by making significant investments in utilities, infrastructure and hospitals for the greater cause of nation building.

The entry of MPIC spurred transformation. A new board of directors we set in place under the chairmanship of Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan.

During this year, the main hospital building underwent major renovations and improvements, accompanied by equipment upgrades.

DDH Today Today, Davao Doctors Hospital is the largest and the most modern hospital in Mindanao, offering state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic and intensive care facilities in a one-stop medical center. We are the leader in all medical specialties in the region, making us the healthcare provider of choice for both patients and medical practitioners alike. DDH is the leader in all medical specialties in the region – cardiovascular medicine, orthopedics, gastroenterology and endocrinology, neurology and neurosurgery, ophthalmology, nephrology, digestive and liver diseases, oncology and radiation oncology.

We are home to eleven medical specialties, each with an approved Medical Residency Training Program, namely: (1) Anesthesiology, (2) Internal Medicine, (3) Obstetrics and Gynecology, (4) Ophthalmology, (5) Pediatrics, (6) Radiology, (7) Surgery, (8) ENT, (9) Nuclear Medicine, (10) Orthopedics and (11) Radiation Oncology. These departments are manned by more than 400 consultants, accredited by various U.S. and Philippine Specialty and Sub-specialty boards.

With philhealth-accreditation as a Level 4 Tertiary Facility, DDH continues to move towards higher standards of patient care in Mindanao and the Southeast Asian Region, by providing excellent service, the most comprehensive facilities, the latest technology and world-class expertise.

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 11

The New Directions 8R STRATEGY

RECREATE 2020-2021 REACHING OUT 2017-2018 REBRANDING 2013-2014

RECONNECT 2022-2023

RISING ABOVE 2024-2025

REALIGN 2019-2020

RETOOLING 2015-2016

RECONFIGURATION 2012-2013

2018 AND BEYOND

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Primary Care

2

International Standards

3

People First

4

Risk Management

5

Community Engagement

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10

POINT AGENDA

1 PHC Patient ID System

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External Linkages

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Strategy Map for Doctors

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Technological & Digital Transformation

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Master Plan (Infra & Equipment)

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VISION

The Unparalleled Health Institution Beyond Borders MISSION 1. To ensure excellent clinical outcomes 2. To nurture a culture of learning and develop highly effective healthcare professionals 3. To provide clients w/ delightful experiences 4. To collaborate seamlessly with stakeholders 5. To adhere to the highest standards of safety, quality and excellence in service

CORE VALUES 1. Integrity 2. Client-centered 3. Culture of excellence 4. Climate of respect and professionalism 5. Creativity and Innovation 6. Commitment to safety 7. Consistent Synergy

DDH TEN (10) GOLDEN RULES 1. Love your patients as you love yourself.

2. Attend to your patients’ need with genuine concern.

3. Be on time always.

4. Ask when in doubt.

5. Listen to the wisdom of your colleagues.

6. Embrace the company’s policies and procedures.

7. Have a can-do attitude.

8. Perform your role with passion and sense of urgency.

9. Own and value your work.

10. Smile. It heals.

DDH BRAND OF CARE The DDH Brand of Care is about patient-centered care.

It’s about the patients’ need, desire, and delight.

The first thing we ask is: what do we want our patients to feel? How do they want to be treated? How do they want to be cared for? How do they want to be loved? And how could we connect with them?

Then we create the most delightful environment: Recruit the best doctors and staff. Acquire the latest equipment. Install the latest in medical technology and treatment.

Improve every process, every procedure, and every system. Train staff to become skilful, innovative and client-friendly professionals.

We will do this until every patient we care for is healed, restored or comforted. We will simplify and perfect everything we do.

Only then we can say that patient-centered service is the brand of care at Davao Doctors Hospital.

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 13

DDH 50TH

ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 14 Kaleidoscope

JUL 24

Medtalk Show

1 1 1 1 3 3 4,5,6 4,5,6 6 8

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RIBBON OF HOPE RUN: A Cancer Awareness Campaign

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HMO NIGHT 2019 STAR AWARDS NIGHT 2019 CORPORATE NIGHT 2019

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ARAW NG DABAW: PARADA DAVAOEÑO PARTICIPATION

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11 18

8 28 30

MOVIE TREAT

Annual Stockholders’ Meeting Company Outing

Singkwentree: A Mangrove Planting Activity Free clinic (Hospital’s Main Lobby) Motorcade (Poblacion Area)

AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Thanksgiving Mass Unveiling of the 50th Logo Lighting of the Hospital Façade Launching of the Coffee Book Stakeholders’ Night Anniversary Concert by The Divas DDH Food Park: A Food Fest Indak-Indak (Peoples Park) Kita-kits Night: A DDH Resident Alumni Reunion The Incorporators’ Homecoming

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COMMEMORATIVE NAMING Dr. Luisito P. Guanlao Sr. Operating Room Complex

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CCSD CONVENTION

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HIPP Medical Summit CSSD Summit

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MEDICAL MISSION

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50 Gifts – Balik Pasasalamat

7,8

ROH: Cancer Patient Fellowship & Cancer Fair

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COMMEMORATIVE NAMING Dr. Gerino D. Pangan Maternal and Child Care Complex

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Golden Ball Gala Night Christmas Party

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COMMEMORATIVE NAMING Dr. Honorio S. Hilario Sr. Medical Tower

Vibrant Stories Vibrant of Hope & Love Stories of in &DDH Hope Love in

DDH

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 15

Seeing a Ray of Hope

Hernando Castidad Sr. Eye Cataract

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or a hardworking father who has spent his entire life providing for his family, it was not easy to accept that one day, he would have to stop working.

In 2014, Hernando Castidad Sr.’s life took a 360-degree turn. What was first thought as a harmless blurring of his vision, in reality, was a serious condition.

A loving father to his five children and now a retired farm supervisor, he had to seek medical attention immediately.

His vision started to blur and he could only read from a certain distance. He did not take it seriously at first, and thought it was just a temporary condition.

eye operation to treat his cataract. Hernando was overjoyed, he never thought that the heavens will grant such a blessing to him despite everything he has been through.

However, Hernando cannot afford an operation. His family is still recovering from the pain and financial drought brought about by their family’s biggest challenge yet: the death of his son and his wife because of cancer. That time, Hernando felt that everything was a blur, hope is nothing but a blur.

During his time of despair, Hernando did not give in to hopelessness. He wiped away his tears and turned to God. When he did, that was when the dark clouds started to clear away and a ray of hope illuminated his failing vision.

Hernando heard that the Davao Doctors Hospitals had a foundation for people who could not afford quality healthcare. He pleaded his case at Balik

Through DDH’s Balik Alay Foundation, Hernando’s eye cataract got treated for free - all expenses for the operation, check-ups, and post-operation treatments were free-of-charge. Now, Hernando can see clearly - no clogs and blurs, no more difficulties in reading, no more pain. Hernando is beyond thankful to the doctors, nurses and staff of DDH for taking good care of him.

He even said: “Nangayo jud ko og full support sa Diyos. Dako kaayo akong pasalamat. Nihayag akong pananaw tungod sa ilahang gihatag sab nga kahayag.”

(I asked the Lord for His full support, and I’m thankful for Him. My vision brightened because of the light they gave to me.)

Nangayo jud ko og full support sa Diyos. Dako kaayo akong pasalamat.

Nihayag akong panan-aw tungod sa ilahang gihatag sab nga kahayag

For what he thought was temporary, Hernando’s eyesight got worse - he felt that something was clogging his vision. He has difficulty reading, and he IS sensitive to too much light. He decided to seek for professional help at Davao Doctors Hospital and had his eyes checked. Hernando suspicions proved to be right. It was Cataract, a condition brought about by aging and mostly because of his prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. He needed to undergo an operation so he could see clearly again.

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Alay Foundation, DDH’s official foundation, which provides help and financial assistance to patients who could not afford their medical operations.

Finally, an answered prayer! It came as a blessing that he got accepted for a full sponsorship for an

With such a blessing, Hernando is now looking forward to a brighter tomorrow for his family. His body might take a toll on him but he would never let his physical weakness hinder his role as a father to his family.

Conquering Crohn’s Disease

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t sixteen, most girls enjoy hanging out with friends, sharing their secret crushes with their pals, and exploring new things. But to the sixteenyear-old Joyce, being sixteen was not sweet at all.

She was sixteen when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease which causes inflammation to the digestive tract.

This leads to severe abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition things you wouldn’t expect a sixteen-year-old would go through.

It was in 2014 when Joyce’s health started to spiral out of control. She first thought it was just a simple amoebiasis problem but later on, she was beginning to experience worst episodes of LBMs (multiple episodes in a day), vomiting, and severe pain in her stomach. Her weight drastically dropped to thirty-eight (38) kilograms in just a matter of days! It was really painful that her family thought it was cancer.

With her worsening symptoms, Joyce’s family decided to take her to Dr. Celia Castillo, a family friend and was then specializing in Internal Medicine.

When Dr. Castillo checked Joyce’s condition, she immediately referred her to Dr. Marilyn Arguillas, one of Davao Doctors Hospitals’ resident doctors whose expertise is on treating Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease.

Having Crohn’s disease at that time was very rare. Dr. Arguillas only had three patients, Joyce included, who had that kind of condition. It was very rare because it is a Caucasian disease and is unlikely to hit Asians. Having known of Joyce’s condition, Dr. Arguillas immediately gave her medications that would help ease the pain.

It was hard for Joyce to experience such pain at a very young age and especially for her family to see their daughter suffer. But life needs to move forward, so they continued to strive. Despite her condition, Joyce continued to study Nursing at Brokenshire College. However, going to school with Crohn’s was never an easy task. “I can still remember my father driving me to school everyday and comes back every thirty minutes to check on me since I experience uncontrolled diarrhea and LBM almost every hour that I need to excuse in class and go to the nearest bathroom”, “And later on, my mother decided to work full time at Brokenshire so she could check on me anytime”, Joyce said.

With a disease triggered by stress, Joyce had a challenging time finishing Nursing. She shared that during her Nursing practicum where they have shifts at the hospital, the patients would say, “Parang yung nurse niyo ata ang kailangan gamutin (I think your nurse is the one who needs medical attention).” She was skin and bone at that time. With such difficulties, Joyce thought she’s not going to make it, but then she persevered - she graduated on time.

As days, months, and years went by, Joyce felt that her condition is not getting any better. Everyday was a struggle, and everyday she thought that it was going to be her last.

In 2011, because of the pain, Joyce wanted to undergo an operation.

Dr. Arguillas explained to her before that an operation on Joyce’s affected colon might cure her.

However, before Dr. Arguillas can decide whether it is safe for Joyce to undergo an operation, she advised Joyce to go to Cebu and consult with Dr. Garcia, another specialist on Crohn’s. Dr. Garcia advised Joyce not to undergo any operation for it will not do her any good. Even after Marie Joyce Victolero - Tupas Ulcerative Colitis/crohn’s Disease a part of her colon is removed, the disease will spread will still affect other parts of her intestine, only making it worse. Dr. Garcia advised her to continue her medication intake and to avoid mother Dr. Arguillas, Joyce was able to endure her stressful activities for it will trigger the pain. condition. For her, every morning that she gets to After that Cebu trip to Dr. Garcia’s, Joyce strictly followed her medications that in 2012, her condition was controlled. At that moment, Joyce somehow regained control of herself. She thought that no amount of pain can stop her from living her life.

Proof to this was her decision to pursue a master’s degree in Psychology, “At first, I was hesitant to take my master’s degree because Dr. Arguilla might not allow me. But to my surprise, when I approached her about it, she said ‘Huwag kang tumigil magaral, huwag kang tumigil na wala kang ginagawa’ (Don’t stop pursuing your studies, don’t stop doing what you want).” Joyce narrated.

With the support of her family and her second

open her eyes, is a testament of God’s miracle to her life: “I think it is Lord’s purpose and will kaya ako naka-survive. He wants me to be a source of hope and encouragement to all, especially to the youth.”

Today, Joyce is already 29 years old, a Registered Nurse, a Psychologist Faculty at Brokenshire College, a 2nd year PHD student at Ateneo De Davao University, and a loving wife to her husband.

As Joyce shared her amazing life story, she wants us to learn from her experience and for us to be able to spark hope and courage in our hearts that even in the worst times of our lives, we can still endure and we will survive.

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 17

A Daughter’s Service Grace Go Dialysis Patient’s Primary Caregiver

doctors under my mom, they became our friends.

I really salute them. For me, the best hospital in Davao City is Davao Doctors Hospital because the best doctors are there…”

It entails a lot of time and effort when a loved one suffers certain illnesses- but for Gee Ann, as the only daughter, these sacrifices are all worth it because for her,

“…not all children are given the privilege to serve their parents…”

Gee Ann also makes it a point to involve her 11 year-old son in taking care of his “Nana” (Lola). She makes her son understand that in life, there are a lot of sacrifices to make for your family, but the most rewarding feeling is to be able to serve and to provide quality time for your parents.

At present, Gee Ann’s mom is living with them and recovering well while undertaking thrice-a-week dialysis at Davao Doctors Hospital.

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ife is a never-ending cycle of lessons and learnings. And we owe a huge part of these life lessons to our parents. Once we reach the age when we become parents ourselves, our responsibility as sons and daughters do not end, rather, it becomes a greater responsibility to fulfill.

For Gee Ann Go, it is a privilege, more than a duty, to serve her mother whose health is being challenged by certain illnesses.

Gee Ann’s mom (currently 71 years old) suffers from hypertension and diabetes these past 20 years.

This has placed her mother at risk to other medical conditions. According to Gee Ann, only 15% of her mom’s kidneys are functioning, which led them to undergo dialysis at Davao Doctors Hospital.

She recalled that last April (2017), her mother suffered fluctuating heart rates and difficulty in breathing prompting them to take her immediately to the hospital.

Gee Ann’s mom had to stay in the Intensive Care Unit at Davao Doctors Hospital for ten (10) days to monitor her situation. A pacemaker was placed on her mother to aid in regulating her heartbeats. There was even a point that her mom had to be revived three (3)

times, fortunately her mom kept fighting and surpassed that phase with the help of the medical team of DDH. At that time, Gee Ann felt that she needed to compose herself and be stronger for her mom. As the only child and the only remaining immediate family member, she carries the responsibility to ensure that her mom’s health is in good and stable condition.

“Sometimes I ask myself is it worth to sacrifice?

Every decision we have to make, we have to consider my mom. Sometimes that’s the struggle of being an only daughter...”

While Gee Ann realized that the most difficult part of being an only child is the decision-making part, she shared that the hardships were managed because of the rapport and friendship she has established with the medical staff and doctors of DDH. For her, the best facilities and medical resources are in Davao Doctors Hospital – which Gee Ann considers as their second home.

“What I like about Davao Doctors is lahat ng

…not all children are given the privilege to serve their parents…

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Grace Go -----------please provide

An Englishman in Davao: Finding World Class Healthcare in Davao City” Basil Hatim Cardiac Diagnostic Center Patient

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or the past 50 years, Davao Doctors Hospital has not only become a premiere hospital for the locals as it has equally impressed foreigners alike.

As the renowned hospital that it is today, it is not a surprise how foreign citizens have chosen Davao Doctors Hospital as their go-to healthcare facility. Case in point is Mr. Basil Hatim, who had to share his first-hand experience of the institution’s outstanding services and state-of-the-art facilities.

Mr. Hatim is originally from Scotland who was employed as an English professor before moving to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There, he worked as an English professor at the American University.

After a series of visits to the city, he learned about Davao Doctors Hospital’s remarkable services. Mr. Hatim then signed up for some sessions and had a lot of good things to say about the institution, services, and people.

As a side note, when asked about Davao City in general, Mr. Hatim, with eagerness and excitement in his voice immediately spoke about the excellent hospitality of the people. Mr. Hatim, who is nearing his retirement, ultimately considers Davao City on the list as the best places to retire.

Davao Doctors Hospital, with its top-notch services and staff, have sufficiently displayed the distinct hospitality and beauty of Davao City and its people.

Mr. Hatim could not help but commend the collective type of care that Davao Doctors Hospital offer. The exceptional attention given to him made his experience truly worthwhile.

He likewise expressed his gratitude towards the “very, very excellent people” who have rendered him optimum care.

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A Renewed Appreciation for Life Paul Sarenas Squamous Cell Carcinoma Survivor

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t was in 2015 when Paul noticed a lump growing inside his nose. Fearing the worst, he underwent diagnostic tests. It was a tumour. A year later, doctors had to take out his septum (the cartilage in the nose that separates the nostrils) where four lymph nodes were found. But he was not yet out of deep waters. The cancer was spreading.

The condition is called squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal septum, which means there are malignant tumours in Paul’s nasal cavity .

Two years later, the cancer has progressed and is now a Stage IV classification. At this point, Paul and his wife have undergone so many alternative treatments until their last option was to undergo chemotherapy. Doctors would not operate on Paul as the cancer has metastasized.

With little options left, Paul Sarenas had to undergo radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Paul used to weigh 70 kilograms, after he was diagnosed with cancer, his weight dropped to 45 kilograms. His Stage IV cancer meant agonizing days. Paul would have nose bleeds that last 15 minutes to an hour, his nose bleeding profusely.

When he finally decided with his wife that they undergo radiation and chemotherapy, they chose to 20 Kaleidoscope

Hindi kami pinapahirapan ng staff. In their own way, tinutulungan kami. have the head and neck radiation at Davao Doctors department were reliable, accommodating and Hospital. quick to respond to the patient’s needs and this has eased the tension for the both of them. Hospital After undergoing radiation treatments, Paul does staff would provide free snacks, play games with not salivate anymore, his sense of smell is poor, and the patients, and have bible sharing activities. These his taste buds are not the same as before. But he is were small acts of kindness, however for Paul and grateful. Halfway through his 35 radiation sessions, his wife, these were worth so much more. They felt they were noticing improvements in Paul’s condition. at home at DDH. These people, the doctors, nurses and staff, genuinely cared for them.

Paul and his wife have tried so many hospitals in the course of their battle against cancer, but nothing “From time to time, we still have to go back to Davao compared to the services rendered by DDH. It scared Doctors, because my condition has to be closely them when they took some tests at a different hospital monitored.” says Paul. “Hindi kami pinapahirapan ng and the findings went back all wrong. Appalling since staff. In their own way, tinutulungan kami.” test results, especially for someone like Paul who is battling cancer, can never be taken lightly. There Patients are often depressed so having hospital should be no room for error when the life of a person staff who try to help them and cheer them up is a is at stake. blessing and a breath of fresh air.

They stayed at Davao Doctors Hospital for one month Today, Paul Sarenas is cancer-free. He has a while Paul had his radiation sessions. The couple renewed appreciation for life and feels that he has was quick to notice how the staff at DDH’s Radiation been blessed by God to be alive now.

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ilaine Gabawan, 35, a housewife and an entrepreneur shared that she and her husband were trying to conceive a second baby back in 2012. After two months, they initially thought she was pregnant, but they became worried when the pregnancy showed no signs of development. Years after, she felt that there was something wrong with her breast – there was a painful lump and her nipple had discharges (colostrum). She then voluntarily decided to consult her doctors and underwent a biopsy procedure to her left breast. The results came in after two weeks - it was diagnosed to be cancerous with a tumour size of 2.3 cm.

For Gilaine, it was an extremely difficult time considering that her husband works abroad (as a Seaman) and her unica hija was only 9 years old at the time. She underwent all necessary tests and sessions independently, despite her family insisting to accompany her. She managed to do it on her own, she admitted that it was physically and emotionally draining not only for her but for her family.

“DILI PARA SA AKONG SELF NA NALISURAN KO, BUT PARA SA ILA, LABI NA SA AKONG MAMA” (It was difficult not for myself, but for them, especially for my mom.”)

Davao Doctors Hospital for 33 days to ensure elimination of the cancer cells.

She recalled that while she was alone most of the time, the medical staff of DDH-Cancer Center made her feel like family and she was treated with the best medical care. She even made new friends there and maintained communication with them.

After all the radiation sessions, Gilaine also had to take oral medicines for her hormonal treatment. Aside from that, she also had to undergo breast ultrasound procedures every six (6) months in a span of 5 years. All results were negative. Now, it is Gilaine’s 6th year cancer-free.

In return of God’s goodness to her, Gilaine and her family started an initiative of donating boxes of disposable masks to the Cancer Center of Davao Doctors Hospital as their way of expressing gratitude and appreciation to the medical staff who had provided support during the course of her battle. They have also donated gifts like t-shirts (printed with positive quotes) to the patients to show their compassion and support.

Gilaine shared that they plan to make this a continuing advocacy.

This whole experience has opened Gilaine’s eyes to the realities and struggles of each cancer patient. She mentioned that despite the difficulties, she is grateful for the second chance and the life lessons she gained throughout this battle. For Gilaine, “DILI MAGING COLORFUL AND MAS MAGING MEANINGFUL ANG LIFE KUNG WALAY HARDSHIPS UG WALAY PAINFUL EXPERIENCE…” (“Life would not be more colorful and meaningful if there are no hardships and painful experiences.”)

At present, it is Gilaine’s 6th CancerFree year. This battle may not be over yet, but Gilaine continues to embrace life’s battles with optimism and faith because she believes that these battles make our lives more meaningful and colorful.

Paying It Forward

dili maging colorful and mas maging meaningful ang life kung walay hardships ug walay painful experience…

According to her doctor, despite the fact that the cancer was still at stage zero, the cancer cells could develop and cause complications. She was advised to undergo a surgical operation and have radiation sessions to eliminate the cancer cells. Prior to her mastectomy surgery, the doctor conducted another biopsy procedure using the old specimen, and it was found out that it was carcinoma in situ. As defined

by Medical News Today website, Carcinoma In Situ1 is a group of abnormal cells that only remain in the region where they have originally formed.

The doctor then advised that instead of a mastectomy procedure, Gilaine shall undergo a conservative surgery. Part of the procedure requires them to collect another specimen to check if there were remaining abnormal cells surrounding the lump inside her breast.

Fortunately, it was negative. For precautionary measures, Gilaine needed to undergo treatment through radiation sessions. She then opted to undertake the sessions at the Cancer Center of

Gilaine Gabawan Breast Cancer Survivor

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 21

Just Like Golf Vicente Tionko Stroke and Paralysis Survivor

“I SET IN MY MIND THAT THE RECOVERY WILL BE BY INCHES.” Mr. Vicente Tionko, 72 years of age, suffered a stroke four years ago that left him paralyzed on the right side of his body. This impaired abilities like walking, writing, and talking.

They tried very much to cheer up the patients. I think, for that very reason, after almost 4 years, I’m still here. I look forward to seeing them.

During our interview with him, Mr. Tionko, four years hence, walked unassisted (with only a cane), had regained the use of his right hand well enough to give his signature, and light-heartedly told us his story.

“When it started, I had some self-pity,” said Mr. Tionko candidly about his then-diagnosis, suddenly stripped of use of the right side of his body. He was discharged a week later, and was recommended for physical therapy. “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” his doctors told him.

His first exercise? “The doctor told me: don’t turn off the TV. Talk with the TV, to practice your speech.”

Thus he started his physical therapy in his hospital room, 2 days after finding out about his paralysis.

Mr. Tionko’s doctors told him that physical therapy would be like being a child again, and learning to command this limbs once again. With this in mind, he tried to remember what he did in his early school years. He bought a coloring books and some crayons, and practiced coloring them. “True enough, it was hard, but it was fun!” He also took to pencil and drew circles to help regain control of his right hand.

He attended therapy three times a week at the DDH Physical Therapy Center. “My first observation when I came here: the therapists were all a bunch of happy people,” he said. “They tried very much to cheer up the patients. I think, for that very reason, after almost 4 years, I’m still here. I look forward to seeing them.”

Progress was slow-going. In the beginning, one of the things they focused on was him being able to lift his foot. He felt that nothing was happening, until the doctor told Mr. Tionko that he was making some progress by being able to raise his foot by 3 inches. This helped manage his expectations about recovery.

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“I never expected a miracle, that your recovery will be what you expect,” he said.

Even when suggested home therapy, Mr. Tionko made it a point to conduct physical therapy at Davao Doctors Hospital. “To move and walk needs a big effort. There’s a temptation not to do anything.

Here at Davao Doc, you have all the equipment,” he said, and half in jest, half serious, he continues, “I’m a cardiac patient, so the ER is also near, just in case.”

Eventually, he began to show signs of progress.

One of the biggest hurdles was being able to walk.

Mr. Tionko persevered in this area, and one day, decided that he could walk well enough to not use his wheelchair. His doctors armed him with a quadcane. Two months after his recovery, he surprised his doctors, nurses and therapists when he walked into the Physical Therapy Center on his own two feet. Even today, at this interview, his smile widens and his eyes twinkle at the memory.

When asked if he was an active person before his stroke, he shared that he was a golf player. “Not like the professionals, but I played golf three times a week.”

At some point in his therapy at DDH, he met a friend from his old golf days, who confided in him that his doctors told him that he would not be getting any better.

But this same friend generously told him, “We used to play golf together, 3 times a week. Consider this as your golf session.” At this, Mr. Tionko laughs. “Playing golf is more expensive,” he says with a chuckle.

And so Mr. Tionko vigorously and religiously continued in his physical therapy.

When we lauded his perseverance and optimism, and asked him how he found the strength to keep coming back, he said, “the way they treated me made me keep coming back.”

Even with his own caregiver, he noted that DDH employees were very caring, from the security guards, to the nurses and physical therapists. “They knew how to humor me. I was encouraged by these people and their spirit. They also laugh at my corny jokes,” he says with a laugh. “They do that, I think, to raise your spirit; not only me, but also other patients.

They also tell corny jokes!” he remembers.

“I can joke with them, I like them. Parang family ko na rin.”

He happily said that he would recommend Davao Doctors Hospital to other physical therapy patients.

“Come to think of it, I never tried other hospitals, except for a few times. I’m at home here.”

Care is in the Details Marilyn Duran Stage 3 Papillari Carcinoma Survivor

some, they meant a lot and surely had a strong impact for her.

Grateful to the Lord for her life, Mrs. Duran, whose eyes were full of hope and life, has advised dedicated and loving mothers like her to be mindful of their health. Once you feel like something is not right or the moment you notice the symptom, pay your doctor a visit.

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rs. Marilyn Duran, a mother of five, works as a purok leader at Brgy. Baliok, an adopted barangay of Davao Doctors Hospital. She also serves as a PTA president. She looks over her children alone, as her husband works in Jordan as an Overseas Filipino Worker.

She recalled feeling a lump in early 1993, but avoided having herself checked. Apart from their financial problems, Mrs. Duran was worried as to who will take care of her kids. It was only in May 2008 when Mrs. Duran had herself checked. On that same year, she was diagnosed with Papillari carcinoma Stage 3 and later on underwent a total thyroidectomy in another healthcare institution.

For two years, she had been taking prescribed medications, but eventually stopped as she took food supplements and herbal medicine, instead.

In 2016, Mrs. Duran underwent laboratory tests. The results revealed that the lumps have recurred.

The following year, Mrs. Duran consulted Dr. Manuel Garcia at the satellite branch of Davao Doctors Hospital in Toril. Dr. Garcia recommended for an immediate operation based on the existing records.

Mrs. Duran was then scheduled for operation on the 24th of November, 2017.

As part of the procedure, Mrs. Duran was subjected to nuclear medicine, which employs very small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat

disease. These radiopharmaceuticals go directly to organ being treated. Davao Doctors Hospital is one of the very few hospitals across the country with first-class nuclear medicine facilities.

Throughout the process, Dr. Garcia, in addition to his medical expertise, has always reminded Mrs. Duran to keep her faith.

For the superwoman that she is, Mrs. Duran has her children as her source of strength.

Now, as she moves forward with her children, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Davao Doctors Hospital for their continuous concern.

She was moved by the open communication that her doctors have established since and the close monitoring they have performed even after she has been discharged.

While these small acts may mean nothing for

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A Merry Heart Works Like Medicine

Aurea “Bambi” Delgado and Rafael Delgado Mother and Son, Dialysis Patients

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t was in 2008 when Bambi Delgado, a hardworking clerk and a mother to her four sons, found out about her life’s biggest struggle yet - failed kidneys.

financially. Bambi never expected to receive such acts of kindness from them. She even said, “Hindi ako mayaman, pero mayaman ako sa kaibigan (I’m not rich in money, but I’m rich in the gift of friends)”.

Bambi started to feel the discomforts of her sickness: she was always uneasy, weak, and experiences fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath. By then, she knew there was something wrong. Despite being scared and confused, she asked her good friend and a pediatrician, Dr. Mike Manalaysay, to tell her what was wrong with her. Dr. Manalaysay advised her to undergo some tests. She followed her friend’s advice and it was then that she found out that her kidneys were failing.

Bambi Delgado has been undergoing her Hemodialysis at the Renal Replacement Unit of Davao Doctors Hospital. This is where Bambi is taken care at, providing her the most efficient and safest dialysis treatment. This has been her second home for the past ten years now. Ten Years. No other hemodialysis patient has lasted this long and she considers it as her everyday miracle. When we asked her about her survival secret, her only advice is to keep a positive outlook in life. She said, “Happy disposition and positive lang lagi, put God first in everything.”

At first, Bambi was in denial of her situation. She kept asking herself, why her? Why this time? She became depressed. Her friends became her source of hope.

Her best friend told her to undergo Dialysis. She made Bambi realize that they were there to help her and to fight with her. They were her spark of hope!

Bambi keeps everyone happy. Every time that there is a new patient who undergo Dialysis, she always talk to them and tell them that “Ang dialysis, hindi end of your life yan. Huwag niyong isipin na may sakit kayo, kasi hihilahin kayo niyan pababa (Dialysis is not the end of your life. Don’t let your sickness overpower you because it can bring you down)”. With such positive attitude and outlook, Bambi became an inspiration to other patients who undergo the same struggle. Her positivity shines like the sun that gives warmth to everyone.

It is so rare to see such positivity in patients who experience pain for a very long time. For Bambi, one of the things that helped her survive is the kind of care that she is receiving from DDH since the beginning. She said that she made the right decision to go to DDH for treatment, “The doctors and nurses are taking really good care of me, they’re like my family.”

“Happy disposition and positive lang lagi, put God first in everything.”

When Bambi started her Hemodialysis, she was scared: Not only of the physical pain the process might cause but on how she will be able to finance her treatment. She admitted that she could not afford it. Her friends never let her down. She got help from them. She was surprised when her friends working abroad were sending her money for her dialysis.

Even her doctor friends were supporting her 24 Kaleidoscope

Every Tuesday, Bambi and her fellow patients gather at the unit to undergo Dialysis. They are like a family, in fact, they even call themselves as the “Tuesday Group” and Bambi is their happy mascot.

for her son.

As of now, Bambi is still undergoing Hemodialysis at the Renal Replacement Unit of Davao Doctors Hospital.

However, the challenges she’s going through do not end there. It was only recently that her son, Eduard Delgado, was diagnosed with the same condition.

Now, Bambi is undergoing her dialysis every Tuesday with her son. For her, this is more than a challenge, this is a test of her strength and her faith, but she said, she will endure and she will be stronger

Just Stay Positive Just don’t let this pull you down. The more you worry, the more you get stressed. Just stay positive, and the negative goes away

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t 27 years old, Charles Auxillan is one of the youngest patients in the Davao Doctors Hospital Dialysis Center, and yet he is one of its veterans. He started dialysis at 23 years old in 2014 because of severe kidney disease, the same disease that took his father’s life.

When Charles was first admitted in 2012 with high creatinine findings, he was eventually discharged without a recommendation for dialysis. However, he was given an ultimatum in 2014: get dialysis treatment, or get a kidney transplant.

He was in his 3rd year of college, taking up BS Information Technology.

Since a kidney transplant was not practical at the time, financially and due to a lack of available donors, Charles opted to undergo regular dialysis.

He now comes in three times a week at Davao Doctors Hospital.

You would think such a lifestyle change would take a big toll on Charles, and yet when you meet him, he seems like any normal 27 year-old, with a jolly and good-natured disposition to boot. He now works in a home-based set up, one of the norms and privileges of working in the IT industry. He banters with the doctors and other dialysis patients.

Charles Auxilian † Dialysis Patient

“Just stay positive,” he is often to be found saying.

“Just don’t let this pull you down. The more you worry, the more you get stressed. Just stay positive, and the negative goes away.”

said. The marked difference for him about DDH is that he feels that at Davao Doc, “they’re able to really care. There are many patients here, but they will really care for you, and prioritize you if you make your needs known.”

When he started dialysis in 3rd year college, people told Charles that he should stop school. He didn’t let this discourage him. Coming in to school, he was able to see his friends, maintain routines, and pursue his degree. Charles believes it is important to keep a normal life alongside prioritizing his health.

He says the staff are encouraging and attentive, even considering that he lives alone in Davao City, and reminds him if he’s eaten before dialysis. These small but important demonstrations of care and value for the patients have made all the difference for Charles, and is why he chooses to stay at DDH.

Charles has tried other hospitals before, but has kept coming back to Davao Doctors Hospital. At other hospitals, he tends to get more sickly and develop complications despite dialysis, and even knows of other people who have lost their fight with kidney disease at these other hospitals. Once, this led him to spend a 5-day stay in the ICU. Determined to put his health first, he chooses to come to Davao Doctors Hospital.

“My doctor wants me not to feel weak, and makes sure that we see each other frequently,” Charles

Charles has also made friends with the other dialysis patients, which are a diverse group of people.

“We all know each other, we are like brothers and sisters. We all treat each other the same way, and the staff treat us all the same way. We always try to understand each other, even with the age gaps.

“Even when I’m doing this solo flight, I make sure I get to my treatment on time,” says Charles. Beyond this quiet and simple statement lies a young man determined to beat the odds, stay healthy, and live life to his fullest potential.

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My Only Son Has Leukemia Angelie Yosores Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Patient’s Primary Caregiver of tests had been done. Her mother’s instinct tells her that there was something wrong with Marco so his pediatrician referred them to a HematologistOncologist to conduct more extensive tests on Marco. The Hematologist doctor then advised them to undergo a Bone Marrow Biopsy procedure. When Marco’s results came, it was diagnosed to be 95% leukemia. However, to further confirm the status of Marco’s blood condition, they had to conduct a Flow Cytometry (confirmatory blood test) on him.

Based on the results of the flow

When you choose to be positive, having a grateful attitude, ma surpass ra jud nimo. Salamat sa Ginoo kay gina-sustain ko nya everyday.

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or mothers like Angelie Yosores, there is nothing more painful than knowing that your child is sick and has to carry the physical and emotional burden of his sickness at such a young age. On May 2016, the only son of Mommy Angelie, Marco Xian (then 1 year old and 6 months) was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (A.L.L). According to the National Cancer Institute website, Childhood Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia1 is a type of cancer in the blood (particularly in the bone marrow) in which the bone marrow produces too many immature lymphocytes – a type of white blood cell.

As Mommy Angelie shared, it all started when Marco (then 1 year old and 6 months) had fever and his blood test results indicated that he had a low hemoglobin and a low platelet count, after a series 34 Kaleidoscope

cytometry, it was confirmed that Marco has Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia condition. According to their doctors, in Marco’s case, it was a good prognosis - which means he can recover as long as they undertake all necessary medical treatments including chemotherapy sessions.

At that point, it was difficult for their family as Mommy Angelie faced this battle on her own since her husband then was on board (seaman). As a mother, she carries the burden of seeing her only child in pain and deprived of his childhood due to his delicate condition. But according to Mommy Angelie, there was never a sign in Marco’s eyes that he felt like giving up.

“Lisod gyud kaayo ang sitwasyon pero akong inspiration akong anak, brave man gud kaayo sya…”

(Our situation was really difficult but my inspiration is my son. He was really brave at that time.)

Mommy Angelie was grateful that she relied on the medical services of Davao Doctors Hospital as they were provided with efficient and genuine medical

care, particularly at the Infusion unit. What she likes most about Davao Doctors Hospital is that they treat all patients fairly regardless of their social economic status. She even recalled that after their admission in the hospital, the DDH staff made calls to followup and monitor the health status of Marco.

“Ang DDH naa gyuy maayong customer service, makita nimo nga naga-care jud sila sa patients, wala jud mi gipasagdan..”

(DDH has a good customer service, you can really see their sincerity in providing medical care to their patients. They never abandoned us…)

At present, Marco’s Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia is in a state of remission. Fortunately, it also helps that Mommy Angelie has a medical background herself since she is a Registered Nurse so she can always provide utmost medical care to his son. Currently, he has an on-going medicine maintenance and every three (3) months he needs to undergo a bone marrow biopsy and 2D Echo to monitor his heart condition. Mommy Angelie shared that Marco has always been responding positively to his treatments and this is what keeps her fighting for his only son Marco.

“When you choose to be positive, having a grateful attitude, ma surpass ra jud nimo. Salamat sa Ginoo kay gina-sustain ko nya everyday.”

(When you choose to be positive, having a grateful attitude, you will really surpass it. Thank God for sustaining me everyday.)

1 “General Information about Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia”. (2018, May 18).

Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/ leukemia/patient/child-all-treatment-pdq

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his is Michelle’s third pregnancy. She knows that she is in safe hands at Davao Doctors Hospital. But while she was being wheeled into the delivery room, she cannot help but have a sense of foreboding.

In Safe Hands

Michelle Jumawan, also known as Mimi to her colleagues, is happily married with three beautiful kids, and a loyal employee of Davao Doctors Hospital since 2006. She started working for the hospital as a staff nurse for the Intensive Care Unit of DDH. After years of hard work and dedication, she is now the head nurse of DDH Intensive Care Unit department.

Davao Doctors Hospital is like a second home to her. Michelle’s mother also worked for the hospital so it was natural for Mimi to treat the staff there like family. It was an easy decision for her to work at Davao Doctors Hospital, like her mother once did.

Her first two kids were born at DDH, though both were cesarean births, she did not have any trouble with these pregnancies. It was her third pregnancy that worried her.

There were complications during the pregnancy.

Her placenta was lodged into her cervix, a condition known as Placenta previa which means that her placenta is stuck to her uterus. There was a possibility of her uterus being removed.

She had to take numerous ultrasounds during the course of her third pregnancy to keep a close watch on the baby. She was grateful to DDH for the free lab tests and the discounts given to her as their employee. When she was having painful bouts, DDH allowed her sick leaves. If she had to seek immediate medical attention, they allowed her salary deductions for her to pay for her hospital bills.

“My belly was too bloated, it was bigger than usual for a pregnant woman. My colleagues would tell me that I must be carrying twins.” Mimi was not carrying twins.

Dra. Maria Lourdes Ledesma, her OB Gyne, closely monitored Mimi’s pregnancy up to childbirth. Mimi prepared for possible blood transfusions to her as is standard practice. What was initially thought to be minor complications because of her risky pregnancy ended up to be all the more alarming.

She was admitted a week earlier than her scheduled date for giving birth as test results were worrisome for Dra. Ledesma. During childbirth, she lost 4 litres of blood which almost cost her her life.

Fortunately, Mimi was in capable hands at DDH. The ICU department of DDH worked its magic and

Michelle Jumawan DDH Employee, Mother of 3 and Placenta Previa Patient

Thankful gyud ko kay God kay near-death na gyud ko ato. Thank you sa mga doctors and nurses nga nag-cater sa akoa.” rescued Mimi when her blood pressure dropped to 50. The baby was a healthy little girl.

Hours after her caesarian, Mimi woke up to the beaming faces of her doctors and nurses.

“Thankful gyud ko kay God kay near-death na gyud ko ato. Thank you sa mga doctors and nurses nga nag-cater sa akoa.” Mimi recalls the experience with joyful tears in her eyes.

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 35

Our Rainbow Baby Dr. Karen Alonzo Medical Doctor, Mother of Premature NICU Patient

“Doctor man ako, familiar man sa akoa nang mga ing-ana na scenario, pero heartbreaking talaga na ganun ang situation nya. Kawawa siya but he was the most beautiful thing na nakita ko…” (“I am a doctor, and this seemed like a familiar scenario but his situation is really heartbreaking. He looks so pitiful, but he was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”)

Dr. Mimi made a home for Baby Maku at DDH-NICU. His delicate condition caused some risks on his health, so he had to be admitted there for a few months. He was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage and jaundice in which he needed to undergo certain surgical operations and treatments. But Baby Maku had this strong fighting spirit in him, as Dr. Mimi recalled, and he had always carried a smile every single time.

Fortunately, he was able to surpass some critical episodes, with his mother

I

Doctor man ako, familiar man sa akoa nang mga ing-ana na scenario, pero heartbreaking talaga na ganun ang situation nya. Kawawa siya but he was the most beautiful thing na nakita ko…

n 2013, Dr. Karen Marie AlonzoCastillon, or “Mimi” to her close friends and family, got pregnant at 30 years old with her first baby - Marcus Derek (“Baby Maku”).

She and her husband, Dr. Dexter Castillon are both doctors by profession. Before Baby Maku came into this world, Dr. Mimi shared that she had experienced certain obstacles during her pregnancy. Based on her consultations with her Obstetrician-Gynecologist Dr. Irene Uy, she was diagnosed with some abnormalities in the uterus which will cause some risks to her pregnancy.

On her 7th month, Dr. Mimi had to undergo a premature delivery of her baby due to bleeding.

Her doctors tried to hold it off, but she was already at risk due to fever and infection. This prompted them to conduct an emergency cesarean section procedure. It was successful, as Baby Maku was born on December 3, 2013. But sadly, he was a premature baby, weighing only about 740 grams.

Due to Baby Maku’s condition, he was immediately admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Davao Doctors Hospital and had to be connected to an endotracheal tube for respiratory support.

The first time Dr. Mimi saw her baby Maku was on the 4th of December. It broke her heart. Despite having medical background, she knew that nothing could totally describe and cure her emotional struggle seeing her firstborn’s frail condition.

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Dr. Mimi holding his hand through these difficult times.

By March 2014, Baby Maku had to be transferred at Davao Doctors Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (DDH-PICU) and had to stay there for twenty days, as he was suffering from Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia caused by his under-developed lungs.

During Maku’s critical moments, Dr. Mimi and her family felt grateful to the Davao Doctors Hospital’s medical staff and doctors, both in the NICU and PICU department, who genuinely provided care and support to Baby Maku.

She also particularly mentioned Maku’s pediatrician, Dr. Rommel Bernardo, who had helped them ease their worries.

“Grateful jud kaayo ko sa mga nurses. I think it’s the hardest thing na mag-uwi ka from the hospital tapos ‘di mo dala yung anak mo. Parang i-trust mo itong other people na sila ang mag-alaga. It’s very difficult pero nagawa namin dahil ganun kalaki ang trust namin sa kanila (nurses) and ganun ang pinakita nila sa pag-

aalaga kay Baby Maku…” (“I am really grateful to the nurses. I think it’s the hardest thing that you come home from the hospital but without your child. You will have to trust these other people to take care (of your child). It’s very difficult but we have managed because of our trust to them and they really did their job in taking good care of Baby Maku.”)

After which, Maku was able to come home with his parents – but still had to be in a hospital setup.

He still needed to be intubated. At that point, Dr. Mimi felt that Maku was feeling at ease because he was finally home. The sense of peace at finally being able to bring the baby home was cut short.

Baby Maku had to be rushed again at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of DDH as his vital signs became more unsteady and he became more unresponsive. It was her mother’s instinct that told her that Maku’s condition is getting worse. She and her husband Dr. Dexter are both doctors but they knew they could only do so much for Baby Maku. They held unto their faith and surrendered everything to God. It was time for Baby Maku to go.

On November 12, 2014, Baby Maku passed away at 11 months due to cardiac failure.

“Alam mo, kung ang hirap ko lang ang isipin, I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN. Kung isipin ko kasi ang hirap ni Baby Maku, mas grabe (yung pinagdaanan nya)…”

(You know, if you’d only think about my hardships, I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN. If you think of Maku’s difficulties, it was beyond what you expect…”

It was a short-lived life for Baby Maku, however Dr. Mimi knows her first-born son has served his purpose – to touch other people’s lives and inspire them to keep their faith and hope that there is always a rainbow after any storm.

Now, Dr. Mimi and Dr. Dexter has been blessed with another child, Baby Manu, who they refer to as their “Rainbow Baby” – a baby that is born after a loss of a previous child.

My Brother’s Keeper Michelle Garcia Mother to Spina Bifida Patient

Naging malaking part ng buhay namin ang Davao Doctvors Hospital, especially when it comes sa kanila (Baby Pio and Baby Pia).

F

or a first-time mother like Michelle Garcia, there is nothing more painful than losing your firstborn child.

Michelle and her husband waited for 9 long years to finally have a baby. At 36 years old, Michelle had to undergo a high-risk pregnancy at that time not only because of age but also because of her diabetes and hypertension. During her first trimester, sometime in April 2015, Michelle suffered bleeding due to extreme stress. As a result, this affected her pregnancy, so she was advised to “bed rest” for two months. When they conducted a congenital anomaly scan to the baby, they found out that the baby had Spina Bifida – a birth defect characterized by an abnormal development of the spinal cord resulting to the incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord1.

The agony of waiting was nothing compared to the pain of knowing that their first born was suffering from Spina Bifida. Michelle and her husband kept

their hopes alive and surrendered everything to God. Six months later, October 9th of the same year, Michelle was rushed to the Davao Doctors Hospital because they initially thought that she was on labor due to contractions. At that point, it wasn’t her time yet to give birth.

Two days after, October 11th, Michelle spent her 37th birthday at the hospital with her family. During that time, she felt that her baby was excited to come out and the following day (October 12, 2015), Michelle and her family were finally blessed with the birth of her first-born baby - PIO XANDER MARI via Cesarean procedure.

However, Michelle’s family had to face the unfortunate reality that Baby Pio was suffering from spina bifida. Due to his condition, Baby Pio had to be admitted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Davao Doctors Hospital and had to undergo different medical procedures. It was the longest 8 hours of their lives, as they waited for the results of Baby Pio’s operation. After his operation, he had to be transferred back to the DDH-NICU to monitor his condition.

For eight months, it was how Baby Pio lived. He had to undergo three (3) different medical operations and Michelle even mentioned that there were several episodes wherein he had to be resuscitated.

He was even diagnosed with hydrocephalus which also needs to be operated on. Baby Pio had to rely on life-supporting equipment, but despite all these, he showed no signs of giving up. His smile, as Michelle described, had never faded.

“Ilang times na kasi sya (Baby Pio) tinatry i-revive, pero he always got back, parang fighting talaga sya eh…”

(Baby Pio had to be revived many times, but he always got back, seemed like he’s really fighting for his life…)

At that moment, each day mattered for Michelle and her family, so they decided to celebrate baby Pio’s birth “monthsaries” along with the medical staff of Davao Doctors Hospital’s NICU department.

During those difficult times, Davao Doctors Hospital became their second home.

“Naging malaking part ng buhay namin ang Davao Doctors Hospital, especially when it comes sa kanila (Baby Pio and Baby Pia) . At the end of the day, kung hindi sila nag-bigay ng ganun na service, di siguro tatagal si Baby Pio. Overall, we were happy especially with the nurses and the resident doctors and eventually naging friends na rin namin sila..”

Unfortunately, the time has come for Pio to leave his family. On July 30, 2016, Pio passed away at 9 months. Michelle shared that after Baby Pio passed away, she made a promise to him that her remaining breast-pumped milks shall be donated for the babies at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH) until his birthday (October 12, 2016).

It was definitely one of the lowest points of Michelle’s family life since Baby Pio was their firstborn son. They were able to overcome their loss and grief when Michelle learned that she was pregnant again – 4 months after Pio’s passing. Now they are blessed with a healthy baby girl (Baby Pio’s girl counterpart) named PIA XANDRA YSABEL GARCIA, born on August 8, 2017 at Davao Doctors Hospital.

When Pia was born, Michelle shared that they were glad to share this happiness to the staff of DDH who knew about the story of Baby Pio. Truly, nothing compares to the pain of a mother losing a child. But for Michelle, she gained more than she lost. Throughout this journey, she held on to her faith and prayers to God that eventually everything will fall into place – and she vows to continue holding on to these as they carry on with their lives now with Baby Pia on their side.

Baby Pio may have gone too soon, but his inspiring story shall always be relived, and Baby Pia will always remember the story of her Kuya’s bravery.

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 37

A Father’s Wake-up Call Herbert Abella Former Gallstone Patient

Mag-amping gyud sa lawas.

Prioritize your health.

A

hardworking father and a loving husband, Herbert Abella has been working hard for his family as a Seaman overseas for almost sixteen years. Because of the nature of his work, he had to sacrifice being away from his wife and his three kids.

Life at sea is never easy, Herbert said. Aside from the emotional pain of being away from your family, you also had to bear the physical pains every time you get sick when you are on board the ship with no one to take care of you. In 2007, while on board a Japanese vessel, Herbert felt a severe pain at the lower part of his chest. It was extremely painful that he had to ask for a day’s leave (which is not encouraged since there was no one available to take over his shift). Good thing his superior gave him a medication that temporarily relieved his pain.

The day after, Herbert felt better and went back to work.

After that incident, the unexplainable pain Herbert felt has never recurred - for a time. He thought it was just an episode or that he had eaten something bad.

38 Kaleidoscope

It was only recently that he experienced the pain again, now worsening - the pain went on for two days. Due to the excruciating pain he felt under his chest, he decided to go to Davao Doctors Hospital to seek medication. It was Dr. Jay Regondola, an expert internist, who checked Herbert’s condition.

After several check-ups and laboratory tests, Dr. Regondola’s diagnosis is that Herbert was suffering from Gallstones - these are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in your gallbladder. Herbert would have to undergo an operation immediately to prevent further complications.

Though he needed to undergo the operation fast, Herbert did not have the money to pay for his operation. His money from years as a seaman were spent on his children’s education. Now that he was the one needing help, his daughter came to cover his needs. Herbert’s daughter, who is now working in a bank, enrolled him to her company’s medical insurance which covered all the expenses for his operation.

With his family’s support and Davao Doctors

Hospital’s medical expertise, Herbert’s operation went like a breeze. “Very accommodating kaayo ang staff sa Davao Doc and gipili gyud namo nga diri ang operation tungod high end ilang gamit and comportable kaayo mi.” (Davao Doc’ staff were very accommodatinng and they have high end facilities which are also very comfortable).

After his successful operation, Herbert looked at life with a different perspective. His sickness, which was mainly brought about by too much indulgence in fatty food and alcohol drinking, made him realize that he should not abuse his health:

“Mag-amping gyud sa lawas. Prioritize your health.” (Take good care of your body. Prioritize your health.”

For him, taking care of his family is as important as taking care of his health. His experience is a reminder to all fathers and mothers who work hard for their families that they too must look after their own health.

Herbert and the entire Abella family is beyond grateful to the wonderful team at Davao Doctors Hospital who tirelessly took care of their needs.

Alma’s Gift of Grace And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19) Alma Pama Hyperthyroidism

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lma works at the Davao Doctors Cooperative as a cashier, a cooperative exclusive to employees of Davao Doctors Hospital and Davao Doctors College. She underwent thyroidectomy after her superior suspected of a probable serious condition after showing symptoms like high blood pressure and increase in blood sugar. As per advice by her superior and workmates, she had herself checked.

Alma had gone through a series of tests and was then diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Advised to undergo thyroidectomy, she was worried about the expenses required for the operation. Fortunate enough, Davao Doctors Hospital has classified her case under the “service case” program. Although Alma works under the Davao Doctors Cooperative, which is a separate and distinct entity as that of

Davao Doctors Hospital not being direct employees of the latter, she was grateful for including her situation as a “service case”. This means that Alma does not have to worry about anything and that includes the financial aspect of it all. The company has waived the fees and expenses. All that Alma had to pay was minimal amount for the total blood chem at about five thousand pesos, which is far from the supposed total expense of one hundred fifty thousand pesos.

a huge help for her family not having the need to pay for the operation itself.

It was the sense of family from Davao Doctors Hospital and the doctors themselves that made Alma feel extremely special. Notwithstanding the options for Alma, it was her personal decision to avail of the services of Davao Doctors Hospital for its excellent services and state-of-the-art facilities.

In addition, the “service case” program was indeed

Today, Alma is back on track and has never been more than ready to take on the next chapter of her life.

Alma had only positive words for the convenience that she experienced from the services of Davao Doctors Hospital. Much more because the goodwill of the company has not only benefited Alma, but her mother as well, who was likewise classified under the “service case” program shortly after Alma’s operation.

Alma, however, did not want to miss the chance to extend her gratitude to the Davao Doctors Hospital, her doctor, and the nurses who took care of her. For her, Davao Doctors Hospital is God’s gift of grace.

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 39

A Perfect Match James and Juan Go Father and Son, Kidney Surgery Patient and Donor

J

ames Go’s health was rapidly deteriorating. His kidneys were failing. His doctors urge him to consider having dialysis sessions. For most people, succumbing to regular dialysis sessions mean that your quality of life will decrease. James knows this too, will be his fate if he chooses to have these sessions.

James has been a diabetic for the past 30 years. In all those years, he has managed his medical condition well. However, in 2017, his creatinine levels were dangerously high. His doctors tell him he must now consider having those dialysis sessions.

Being the businessman that he is, he feels that he will be wasting time going about the scheduled 3 times a week dialysis sessions. He laughs as he jokes about how this will ruin his work schedules.

Behind the laughs, he knows that he will deteriorate once he takes to these sessions.

They took good care of me pre-operation and post-operation. Malaki ang tiwala ko sa DDH, they have very competent doctors, nurses, and staff. My family and I will forever be grateful to DDH. It was amazing how perfect Juan matched as his father’s donor!

care. This made it all the more easier for him and his family to decide to have the transplant.

But will they risk it - having two family members go under the knife?

They were considering other donors too in the form of friends. At first, he was hesitant to have his son as his donor. He did not want his son’s quality of life to be compromised. Thankfully, three days after the transplant, Juan has fully recovered and was asking to eat his favorites! He thinks this is because of the excellent care DDH has given.

On May 15, 2018, both father and son were wheeled into the operating room. James underwent a kidney transplant with Anton Juan, his son, as his kidney donor.

It was a successful kidney transplant operation.

During our interview with James, it was already the 100th day after his transplant. James tells us that he feels great, better than he has been in years.

After consulting with his doctors, he has decided to undergo a kidney transplant instead.

This was not an easy decision for James and his family. The operation might cause complications and where on earth will they find a donor match?

Before undergoing the transplant, he was lethargic and weak due to all the toxins in his body which his old dysfunctional kidney could not clean up. His face was pale. He jokes that after his operation, his handsomeness has increased ten-fold!

God does provide you answers when you need it but they were not ready for this answered prayer.

They did find a match - in the form of James’ son, Juan.

“DDH has been my go-to hospital all these years.”

James tells us how he has always trusted the hospital and that DDH will give him the best hospital

40 Kaleidoscope

It was not a hard decision for Juan, his son. “I love my father,” says Juan.

Anton Juan thinks it was God’s will that he be a perfect donor match for his father. They were looking at five other donors at that time and thought that the people on the list only wanted money and was not genuinely offering to be the donor as an act of goodwill.

“They took good care of me pre-operation and post-operation. Malaki ang tiwala ko sa DDH, they have very competent doctors, nurses, and staff. My family and I will forever be grateful to DDH.”

Sailors in a Blessed Ship Pareha sa barko. I-bless siya para tanang mga nanakay niini, ma-bless pud.”

Felicitas Lape Mother of 3, Delicate Pregnancies

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anco Garantia co-founder, Jorge Paulo Lemann, said: “The greatest asset of a company is its people.”

Davao Doctors Hospital is undeniably a trusted name in the healthcare industry. It prides itself with its exceptional services and facilities. While the excellent healthcare services is common knowledge, what many people are unaware of are its programs that attend to the welfare of its employees. Just as much as it cares for the lives of its patients is the equal attention they give to their employees.

From the Credit and Collection Department, we met Mrs. Felicitas Lape, an employee of Davao Doctors Hospital since 1995. Davao Doctors Hospital has been a witness to some of the most important events in her life, such as when she got married at the age of 28 years old in 2001 and the birth of her two beautiful children.

In 2001, Mrs. Lape had her first pregnancy. What started out as an exciting journey turned out to be a sad phase in their lives as a couple. She lost her baby after she was categorized under a highrisk pregnancy. Her blood pressure surged during the pregnancy, something that she has never experienced before. This resulted to the fetal death of the baby at five months.

It was fortunate, however, that she got pregnant not long after her first pregnancy. The same symptoms occurred and she was still considered to be under high-risk pregnancy. With the lessons learned from the first pregnancy and through the expertise of Dr. Elmer Chua, she gave birth to her baby on the eighth month of her pregnancy via Caesarian delivery. Even though the baby was placed in the incubator for 24 hours, there were no complications.

Mrs. Lape’s third pregnancy two and a half years after the last one encountered the same problem.

It was still a high-risk pregnancy and there were fears especially when her blood pressure started to shoot up in the fourth month. It was managed with medications, but on her 27th week, just a week shy from her seventh month, Mrs. Lape gave birth. The supposed bed rest turned into a Caesarian delivery.

The said birth was critical as there was a sudden drop in her blood pressure. The baby was likewise placed in the incubator and was only 900 grams when born.

She was discharged ahead her baby and for almost two weeks, she would visit the hospital everyday to bring milk to her baby. It was also her way of building a connection with the child even if the latter was still in the incubator. The baby, even while growing up, has been closely monitored by doctors.

As advised, her younger daughter was handled by the hospital’s pulmonary experts as a lung problem had to be checked regularly.

Her youngest child has become an inspiration to many other patients with pre-term babies. In

2014, however, her younger daughter suffered from dengue shock. It was another life-threatening experience that was triumphed through prayers and medical intervention.

In all these trials, Mrs. Lape recognized the vital role of Davao Doctors Hospital. She has been grateful to the assistance of the company for their assistance throughout the process, as well as, to the doctors who apart from medical advice, have given her words of encouragement during the times when she needed them the most.

Mrs. Lape could only imagine what would it be like and how worse it would have been had she was not working at Davao Doctors Hospital.

She commended how the hospital understood her situation and for a time when there was no assurance that her child would survive, the hospital has provided everything they needed.

For Mrs. Lape, fate led her to Davao Doctors Hospital. Mrs. Lape believed that she has become a part of the company because that is the story of her life. She believes DDH will continue to progress as a company since it has always valued its employees and has always catered to the employees’ needs.

With everything that happened, she could only thank Davao Doctors Hospital and wish more power for the company so as to create more opportunities for the employees like her. Mrs. Lape said, “Pareha sa barko. I-bless siya para tanang mga nanakay niini, ma-bless pud.” Notwithstanding the challenges of the times, it will continue to sail.

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 41

A Second Home

If not for Davao Doctors Hospital, her life might not have been extended five more years

Flor Allata Mother

“How do you want to start your story?”

“I will describe Michelle as a very jolly daughter,” said her mother, Mrs. Florencia D. Allata. “Michelle is very strong.”

She cannot help but describe her daughter in the present tense. “Sometimes, I feel like she’s still here.

When I try to put away her things, it still bears marks of her, still smells like her.”

Michelle Allata was a medical technician for Davao Doctors Hospital. She worked for DDH for over 14 years; 15 years if you count her time as a volunteer.

In 2010, when she was around 29 years of age, Michelle found a lump in her breast that turned out to be a cyst. When she got it checked out, she was diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer.

She continued to work at Davao Doctors Hospital despite the diagnosis. She always said, “I love Davao Doc,” said her mother. Mrs. Allata would repeat this over and over during the course of her interview.

“She loved Davao Doc. It was for second family.”

Michelle finished her radiation and chemotherapy treatments in 2011, and continued to work cancerfree for 5 years, without any complications.

However, in 2017, they discovered that the cyst had metastasised to the rest of her body.

“She was a fighter,” said Mrs. Allata. Michelle 42 Kaleidoscope

experienced severe body pains as she underwent treatment, but she did not want to stop working.

Even though Michelle was constantly in and out of treatment and confinement, she loved working at Davao Doctors Hospital. She would simply take a leave of a week, and then come back again. She didn’t resign, until her passing early in 2018.

She never complained, and tried never to worry her parents. Despite her struggle with cancer, Michelle always lit up any room she walked into. She easily made friends and would frequently go out with them.

Mrs. Allata retired early to accompany Michelle in an apartment close to Davao Doctors Hospital, so she could take care of her while getting treatments, Michelle was getting treatments, but also while she Michelle wanted to keep working at the DDH laboratory.

Michelle found her colleagues very dear to her.

Near the end, she said she wanted to hold her wake and be buried in Davao City, instead of her hometown Pantukan, wanting to make sure that all her colleagues and friends from Davao Doctors Hospital would be able to visit her.

Davao Doctors Hospital was also there for her during the most difficult times in her life. “If not for Davao Doctors Hospital, her life might not have been extended five more years,” Mrs. Allata said with conviction. “They truly cared, all her doctors and workmates. They really cared for Michelle and

would always encourage her. It was the hardest time for our family, but DDH helped us all the way.”

Mrs. Allata believes that Michelle would not have gotten so far and would not have endured despite being sick. She recalled a time when Michelle had an opportunity to work abroad, but she chose to stay because of her dedication to DDH. “It was God’s plan,” Mrs. Allata said, that the workplace that Michelle devoted her career to, cared for her until the end.

One of Michelle’s last happy days at Davao Doctors Hospital was their Christmas Party in 2017. Even though she was far along her illness and treatment, she excitedly shopped for the costume motif and attended the party, alleviating the concern of people around her and partying her heart out with the people she loved at DDH. “She was so willing to live,” Mrs. Allata declared, through both tears and a smile.

Even as her vital signs were down, she never asked for anything and continuously cheered up her family and her workmates. Mrs. Allata, though she misses Michelle, is happy that her daughter was able to find a workplace she loved and that showered her with the same love and attention that she devoted to it.

“As a mother, I am deeply thankful to her doctors and nurses. More than a patient, they treated Michelle like family. I know Michelle is smiling down on us. Thank you Davao Doctors, you truly care.”

My First and Last Employment was at DDH

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n a world where a growing number of people tend to jump from one job to another in just a short period time, it is astonishing to meet someone like Efigenia Galacio.

This may come as a surprise to most, but what sets Mrs. Galacio apart is the fact that her first and last employment is in fact, with Davao Doctors Hospital. Mrs. Galacio has been with the hospital’s Accounting or Billing department since January of 1980 until her retirement in January 2010.

Mrs. Galacio has listed out the reasons why she chose to stay with the hospital all these years, all of which would show the mutual respect between her and the Davao Doctors Hospital.

In her 30 years of service, Mrs. Galacio highlighted the stability and security as an employee of Davao Doctors Hospital. More than the benefits she has received including free lunch and living allowance, the hospital featured an atmosphere that fosters healthy relations among the employees and their superiors. The camaraderie among the colleagues was also notable to a certain degree. She was particularly impressed by how doctors would get along with the rest of the hospital employees and staff. Moreover, for Mrs. Galacio, it was difficult to find a company like Davao Doctors Hospital in terms of security and stability.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, Colossians 3:23.

Efigenia Galacio

It was also exceptional on the part of the hospital that in the entire duration of Mrs. Galacio’s employment in the hospital, the company had always been on-time or up-to-date in the release of their salaries. Nonetheless, what made Mrs. Galacio stay is so much more than the financial aspect of the employment, but the sense of fulfillment and service that she was able to give. At the end of the day, Mrs. Galacio believed that it is not what the company can give you, but what you can do and how you can serve the company and its stakeholders. You are either an asset or a liability.

After all, the success of the company is the success of the people behind it.

She likewise commended how the administration would always listen to their employees, in recognition of the fact that the employees are the company’s strongest force and instrumental of its

existence for fifty years.

Mrs. Galacio has expressed her gratitude to Davao Doctors Hospital for the opportunity and concern they have shown for her. She wished that Davao Doctors Hospital would continue to lend an ear towards its employees.

As to the employees of Davao Doctors Hospital, she wished them well and hoped that they would appreciate the distinct level of care that the company hands out to its employees.

Today, while Mrs. Galacio has already been retired from the service for almost a decade, she remained to be a go-to person for some of the employees who turn to her for advice and opinion. All told, Mrs. Galacio is indeed an embodiment of loyalty and a true partner for public health and welfare.

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 43

Finding Love at a Hospital Arman & Stella Basunillo

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f all the unlikely places for chance encounters, Arman and Stella first met at Davao Doctors Hospital.

The year was 2008. Both Arman and Stella are employed with the hospital. They went about their day-to-day business not knowing that God had other plans for them both at DDH. Was it love at first sight? Cupid’s arrow hitting them both? The couple giggled like a pair of lovestruck teens when asked to retell their love story.

The couple met at DDH a decade ago. They have been working for the hospital these many years and loved working for the healthcare institution.

Arman initially worked as food service worker before his current post as CSSD Technician. Stella worked in the Human Resources department before assuming her current post as Linen Supervisor.

Stella comes from a failed relationship which bore her a son, Carlo. She was not expecting that she be given a second chance at love with Arman. For Arman, it was easy to fall in love with the beautiful Stella. It will take them another four years to strengthen a relationship founded on friendship.

In 2017, after overcoming trials and challenges together, the couple tied the knot at a beautiful, intimate ceremony with friends and colleagues from DDH. Arman and Stella are forever grateful to have met at DDH. Truly, love can flourish when pruned with the right amount of respect, care, and friendship. Our married couple still works for DDH. Some days, they bring along to work Bash, their adorable son.

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:2-3

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With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3

Shaping Quality Healthcare with the Medical Services Department Patient safety continues to be a major focus of every healthcare institution. As the population in the country continues to increase and age, it entails great patient expectation about their healthcare.

They want it to be high-quality and at the same time cost-effective making it more complex and challenging. In order to handle these challenges and have a safe, excellent, high quality health care environment it was recognized that an organized well-qualified, engaged and competent healthcare professionals indeed play an important role in this process.

With that, hospitals vary widely in the services they offer and in the departments they have. In Davao Doctors Hospital one of the departments that contribute to the continuous effort towards patient safety and quality health care is the Medical Services Department.

Established in year 1969, the medical services department is headed by the medical director, with its first medical director, Dr. Jose Gantioqui, together with two assistant directors, the assistant director for medical education and the assistant director for medical services. As DDH remains the leader in all medical specialties and presently housing more than 200 physicians, the department is composed of 12 clinical departments such as the Internal Medicine, Surgery, Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radiology, Radiation Oncology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Anesthesiology, Pathology, Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. In addition to primary care services, DDH provides a full range of subspecialties. Whenever there is a need to have additional health services, the team coordinates with other departments to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care.

Last 2017, a common support unit which is the Pharmacy department both In-patient and Clinical was integrated to medical services and they provide provision for the physicians, nurses, and other departments of the hospital to assist in matters involving medications, and serve as a resource of drug information to those who prescribe, administer and consume medications. This goes to show that we want everyone who enters our doors to have an extraordinary experience, to reflect our motto “we care for life”. Whether inpatient or outpatient, everyone should leave Davao Doctors Hospital with an improved wellbeing and a story they would want to share.

Patient care and medical technology are always evolving through the years. In 2016, doctor’s portal was implemented. This system was developed by the cooperative effort between the I.T. department and the Medical Service Department. As one of the department’s innovation, this was designed to provide online access to important aspects of the patient’s medical record that aid in the effort to provide continuous care.

A hospital is not only a place for healing but it is also a place filled with learning opportunities. This evolution leads the efforts of the Medical Education Committee headed by the assistant director for medical education to support the teaching and research undertakings of our residents and staff.

Further education is required and places a part

The Medical Service Organization & Its First President that needs to be accomplished by the hospital.

The Medical Education Committee of Davao Doctors Hospital consists of the Residency Training Program, the Internship/Clerkship program and the Research and Publication.

The residency training program of Davao Doctors Hospital started in year 1972 with only 7 residents namely Dr. Warlito Vicente, Dr. Augustus Sanchez, Dr. Alice Romero, Dr. Jose Dangan, Dr. Tim Cunado and Dr. Gong Salazar. Despite the small number and busy schedule they manage to perform their task with at most grace and passion. Up to date, DDH produced successful resident graduates from different departments that pursue a wide range of professional opportunities ranging from clinical practice to academic medicine, policy and industry.

Our residents receive guidance for career planning throughout training and with the assistance of program chairs, have outstanding opportunity to connect with and be mentored by one of the best consultants in town. Currently we have eight

accredited departments offering residency program namely Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Neurosurgery, Ob-Gyne, Anesthesiology, Pathology, and Radiology.

With the advancements in training, this will integrate and enhance quality to offer patients the most advanced medical care available. As we believe in the importance of continuous education. We provide fellowship and assistance to our members that can boost the professional satisfaction of those who practice in our institution.

Training and education is indeed critical to the success of any hospital, especially training on proper patient handling, equipment use and ongoing education about the benefits of safe patient handling. By educating all staff, including our physicians, hospitals can reduce rate of injuries and unsafe handling. Hospital committees were also formed such as the OR/DR, Infection Control, Antibiotic and Stewardship, Research and Ethics, Blood Transfusion, HACT, Lactation Management, Critical Care, Medical Audit, Therapeutics, Disaster Management, Tissue, Medical Device and Supplies, and Tumor Board, which actively perform specific duties and responsibilities to facilitate efficient delivery of hospital services. Through these committees, it would lead to increased clinical competence, better understand the healthcare system, develop leadership skills, and contribute to positive change in the industry. Thus, committees serve to voice opinions on vital issues that impact our institution.

As the medical practice continuous to grow, physicians’ participation in the strategic direction of the organization has been recognized to play an essential role. That is why physicians are integrated into the decision-making process and to receive feedback on their ideas. Our physicians have been engaged in the strategic planning process over the years and this process can bring to life the mission and vision of the medical practice. Physicians’ involvement will pay huge results as they understand more the rationale for the plan. By collaborating with the management and greatly investing in delivering better care to patients this can shape the work environment in positive ways.

The hospital come a long way since it opened its doors in 1969, growing from a small hospital into a successful 250-bed capacity, serving a wide variety of patients. While there have been many changes over the years, some things have remained the same. We, especially the medical services department still strive to deliver the best care possible for the people who greatly need it.

Because, here, at Davao Doctors Hospital, We Care for Life!

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 45

Statistics

(# of Patients Served, Surgeries, Babies Born, etc.)

1974

Chart Title

1976 1978 1980 1982 1984

Total Number of Inpatients Total Newborn Total Discharge (Alive) Total Number Inpatient Bed days Ave. Length of Stay

1986 1988 1990 1992 1994

Bed Occupancy Rate Total Number of In-facility deliveries Number of outpatient visits, new patient Number of outpatient visits, re-visit

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 -

2014

2015

20,000

40,000

60,000

Chart80,000 Title

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

Total Number of Inpatients

Total Newborn

Total Discharge (Alive)

Total Number Inpatient Bed days

Ave. Length of Stay

Bed Occupancy Rate

Total Number of In-facility deliveries

Number of outpatient visits, new patient

Number of outpatient visits, re-visit

2016

2017

2018 -

20,000

40,000

Number of outpatient visits, adult ( Age 19 years old and above)

60,000

80,000

100,000

Number of outpatient visits, pediatric (Age 0 to 18 yrs old; before 19th birthday)

Number adult ( Age 19 years old and above) Number of outpatient antenatalvisits care visits Numberof of outpatient Adult generalvisits, medicine outpatient visits Number of specialty (nonsurgical) Number of outpatient visits, pediatric(Age 0 to 18 yrs old; before 19th birthday) Number of postnatal care visits Number of surgical outpatient visits Number of antenatal care visits Number of Adult general medicine outpatient visits Total number of ED visits: Number of postnatal care visits Total number of ED visits: Number of specialty (non- surgical) outpatient visits Total Number of ED visits, adult: Total Number of ED visits, adult: Total Number of ED visits, pediatric: Number of surgical outpatient visits Total Number of ED visits, pediatric: 46 Kaleidoscope

120,000

DDH’s Firsts

Davao Doctors Hospital is one of the very first healthcare institutions in the Visayas and Mindanao regions to offer the following cutting-edge technology in healthcare and medicine:

FIRST Digital Mammogram designed for female care and comfort

●Image Guided Surgery Platform

●FIBROSCAN is a new way of looking at your liver’s health. It is a completely non-invasive examination of the liver.

●GE Logiq Ultrasound

The first dual energy linear accelerator in Mindanao that is IMRT capable and IGRT upgradable; we offer radiotherapy treatment that will deliver maximum dosage while decreasing the possibility of unwanted complications for our cancer patients.

●Urine Flow Cytometer

●The first nuclear medicine facility in the region. It houses

the first to adapt Minimally Invasive Surgery techniques and to perform Total Laparoscopic hysterectomy in the region.

Digital X-ray Imaging System

●64-slice CT Scan

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 47

A Birthing Suite just for Mommy Lysette Lao The Davao Doctors Hospital Birthing Suite is one of its newest amenities. It held its soft opening in May 2013, and was officially launched last July 2013.

The DDH Birthing Suite is the first of its kind in Davao City. Expecting parents can get a hotel-like stay with the exclusive and spacious room.

Fathers need not wait in hard hallway chairs anymore. Instead, they can wait and rest in their own accommodations to be there in time for their new child’s delivery.

Mothers get the kind of pampering they deserve and need with a dedicated care team to make sure both mother and child are in the pink of health before being discharged. They will also get to deliver in their own suite, with all the necessities right with you for a safe and healthy delivery.

Davao Doctors Hospital wants to ensure that the newest and dearest addition to your family is welcomed in the best possible way. Instead of looking for this service in other cities, DDH brought it home for all Dabawenyo families to enjoy.

The DDH Birthing Suite can be the perfect gift for expectant mommies. The service can be availed through the DDH Birthing Suite Gift Card, made available for purchase online, as well as on-site at the hospital

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DOCTORS PORTAL

to enhance patient interaction

BAR CODING to reduce medication errors

ONLINE RESERVATION

PATIENTS PORTAL

IMPROVE MEDICAL RECORDS ACCESS

To book rooms before going to the hospital for admission.

DDH

ENHANCE RADIO CAPABILITY THROUGH PACS

(Picture Archiving and Communication System)

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION INTEGRATED HIS USING SAP

LABORATORY AUTOMATION

(Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing)

DIGITAL KIOSK

DIGITAL X-RAY & 4D ULTRASOUND

To guide patients, doctors and clients around the hospital

TELE-NURSING

To enhance patient care after hospital discharge.

INSTALLATION OF AEROCOM

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 49

DDH’s Happy Stories Ortho Center Hannah is an excellent PT, very knowledgeable, patient, with good skills. She emphasizes the importance of continuing PT at home. Very encouraging and concerned about the patient’s progress. (Glean Caindoy) Nursing Services Sir Mark, Sir Nogi, Miss Mary - very accommodating, going beyond capability and prompt. (Arnie Malazarte) 2c Nurse Al-ain Telen attentive and prompt to patient’s request. (Magdamo, Fele) 3A Nurse Dinichi Bulak- Excellent service to patient.

(Malmes, Anselma) Healing Well Center Good service Philip, Deter, and Ruth. (Bonga, Restituto) Ms. Ruth is very accommodating, helpful and willing to extend her help for us to finish our transactions here at DDH. (Andre Bioco) Very accommodating staff especially to Meredith, Edel and Buen. (Gracita Patnugot) Blood bank I would like to commend Sir Boyet of valet parking for his impartial assistance during the blood requisition of blood bank. It was a job well done.(Masbate, Trisha Kaye) Renal Replacement Unit

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Thank you so much to Sir Santino, Ma’am Shiela, Ma’am Roxanne and also Sir wil they are very accommodating.

Commend Mr. Santino and Ms. Shiela and Mr. Billy. (Reyes, Manolito) Commend Tiffany Padilla, Erwin Gapusan, Arvie Alvarez, Recedith Maganaka, and Roxanne Delgra.(Taala, Belen) Commend Roxanne, Arvy, Santino, Pheobe.(Prado, Jaime) Commend Sir Sid, Ma’am Roxanne, Sir Will, Sir Kevin, Ma’am Sandra, and Ma’am Tiffany. (Plesan, Juliet) Infusion Unit Approachable po sila ate Kim, ate Euri and ate Flong.

(Miclat, Maria) Staff is time consious and with good time manangement.

Edel as well as other staff are courteous and respectful.

(Dimaano, Anna Liza) Attentive po ang mga nurses lalo na si Ma’am Flong, Ma’am Kim at Sir Buen.(Sauzo, Isidra) Attentive and very approachable po sila ate kim, kuya buen and ate edel. (Miclat, Maria) BMW The staff is so great. Philip is a big help. Keep it up.(Golling, Markus Peter)

Admitting

BioMed

Miss Laine – so accommodating and kind

Joseph and Adrian – responded immediately even on weekends to troubleshoot Cancer Center and help the staff

Donna Mangilet – helpful Miss Herlene and Ms. Laine – polite and accommodating

Infusion Unit Cancer Center

Mabait ang mga nurse – Ma’am Del (Rowena Proquez)

Ma’am Tess and Ma’am Joy who both very helpful and may malasakit - Service above anything else and may their tribe increase. (Maria Luz Roldan)

Ma’am Grace is a friendly nurse. She treated me as her mother and she is highly recommended to receive an award or promotion.

Gusto ko lagi nga lang sa Onco kasi po super bait. Ma’am Tess , Ma’am Joy, at lahat ng mga employees. Best for recommendation. (Hayne Hane Pelingon)

Marideth – very kind; Ethel – approachable (Chanda Villanueva) Ma’am Adel – very good and attend the needs immediately (Carmella Del Campo)

The staff are very friendly and they made the patient’s feel at ease. Two thumbs up! Especially to Sir Dale!

Orthopedic Center Staffs of the Cancer Center are very nice and accommodating especially Sir Ros and Sir Dale.

Sir Dale – Staff are very accommodating

Edz & Justin – knowledgeable and friendly Dr. E. Reyes - excellent Edelyn Hernandez – The nurse receptionist was very attentive makes one feel at ease. Hers was “service with a smile” so to speak. Her enthusiasm was one of a kind.

Dr.Peli – was very accommodating

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 51

Alagang Davao Doctors Hospital Alagang DDH is a corporate social responsibility of the Davao Doctors Hospital. In coordination with the Balik Alay Foundation, it is committed to understanding, monitoring and managing our social, environmental and economic impact to enable us to contribute to community’s goal for sustainable development and center our activities of giving back to the community on Health, Environment, Education, Emergency Response, Livelihood and other Philanthropic endeavours. Alagang DDH aims to provide its adopted and other extended communities access to Healthcare needs and other services.

Charity Cases in 2018

111 SURGERY CHARITY PATIENT-BENEFICIARIES ● 14 Head and Neck (Thyroidectomy, Tracheostomy) ● 8 Breast ● 5 Esophagus, Stomach, Duodenum (ESD) ● 2 Small and Large Bowl ● 2 Rectal (LAR/APR) ● 8 Anal Surgery ● 13 Appendicitis ● 27 Hepatobiliary, Spleen and Pancreas (Lap Chole) ● 4 Thoracostomy ● 7 Vascular Access ● 13 Hernia 35 OB-GYNE CHARITY PATIENT-BENEFICIARIES ● 26 TABHSO ● 5 Adnexal ● 1 Myomectomy ● 3 Vaginal Hysterectomy

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DDH at Forefront

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 53

DDH Healthcard DDH Health Card is the FIRST prepaid card to be introduced in Mindanao and in the healthcare industry. It is a versatile and innovative card used for availing all out-patient and diagnostic services at DDH. It is easy to use and is as good as cash. Plus, it is fully TRANSFERABLE and it has NO EXPIRATION DATE.

Enjoy CASHLESS transactions by presenting the DDH Health Card for many different Out-Patient transactions like the ones listed below:  Laboratory (CBC, Urinalysis, Fecalysis, etc) Imaging Center (X-Ray, Mammogram, CT Scan, etc) Pharmacy (Medicine Purchases) OB Ultrasound (3D Gyne, 4D Ultrasound, TVS, etc) Cancer Center (Radiotherapy) Eye Center (OCT, FA, IOL) Cardiac Diagnostic Center (2D Echo, ECG, Stress Echo Test, Dobutamine Stress Test, etc) Nuclear Medicine (Bone Scan, Thyroid Scan, TSH, FT4, etc)

However, please note that the DDH Health Card cannot be used during Admission and for In-Patient transactions / payments except for the Birthing Suite Cards. Also, Professional Fees and/or Consultation Fees are not covered by the DDH Health Card.

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Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 55

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Davao Doctors College: Educating the Healthcare Practitioners of Tomorrow

Current Status of Accredited Programs: BS Nursing – Level IV Re-Accredited Status BS Biology – Level III Re-Accredited Status BS Hospitality Management – Level II Accredited Status BS Radiologic Technology – Level II Accredited Status (First in the Philippines); 2nd top-performing Radiologic Technology School in the Philippines BS Physical Therapy – Level I Accredited Status BS Psychology – Level I Accredited Status Doctor of Optometry – Level I Accredited Status Davao Doctors College (DDC) is a private and non-sectarian academic institution in Davao City. DDC began as the Davao Doctors Hospital School of Nursing (DDHSN). It was the response to the increasing demand for nurses in Davao Doctors Hospital in 1975 by a group of DDH medical doctors.

DDC was originally housed within the hospital premises and offered only the three-year Basic Course in Nursing, leading to the Graduate Nurse Program. There were 52 students in the first batch of enrollees, 32 of whom successfully graduated.

One hundred percent of the flagship batch passed the Nurse Licensure Exam in 1978. In 1979, spurred with a vision to create a training ground for first-class medical practitioners in Davao City, DDHSN expanded its curricular offerings. The Graduate Nurse Program was upgraded to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Biology and Pre-Dentistry opened in the same year.

In 1981, DDHSN was officially named Davao Doctors College. From its modest beginnings, DDC has metamorphosed into a prestigious institution of learning. Today, DDC stands proud and remains steadfast in its quest for excellence.

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 57

DDH MILESTONES 1961-2018

1975

1961-1963

1977

Dr. Luisito Guanlao was invited by Dr. Honorio Hilario, to set up a clinic at Botica Villa.

The clinic boasted an impressive roster of prominent doctors, which included Doctors Hermano Villano, Sr., Juan Belisario Jr., Benigno Magpantay, Romeo Mahinay, Pacita Sanvicente, Agusto Abela, Jose Gantioqui, Honorio Hilario, Eufracio Hilario, Luisito and Carmen Guanlao.

1965

The laboratory was setup under a partnership with pathologists German Castillo and Letty Ansaldo.

Medical technologists Pillar Bullecer and Terisita Magpantay oversaw the laboratory’s operation.

1966

Clinic Hilario officially became a corporation.

1967

The Davao Doctors Hospital School of Nursing opened with 52 students.

The old building was converted into a 14-bed communicable ward and a 17-bed ward.

14 air-conditioned private rooms and 3 suite rooms were added on the 2nd floor of the Annex Building.

Hospital bed capacity increased to 150.

1979

22 air-conditioned rooms at the Annex building became fully operational.

The Out-Patient Department underwent expansion.

January: the canteen space was leased to DDHAMAS.

1980

Laboratory and x-ray equipment were purchased.

An additional Operating Room was built.

Bureau of Trade and Industry approved “Davao Doctors Hospital” as trade name for Clinica.

1981

1968

The Hospital focused on improving Hospital image and services to attract patients as well as competent practitioners.

The number of stockholders increased to 75, with 54 medical and 21 non-medical stakeholders.

1969

Structural expansions and equipment procurement were halted; DDH invested on its people instead.

1982

Occupancy rate decreased sharply resulting to a 57% drop in the Hospital’s net income.

The hospital was operation by the end of August 1969 with a 50-bed capacity

An ultrasound and gastroscopy were procured.

The Board of Directors elected its first members for the fiscal year 1970-71.

1983

1973

The wards were renovated.

The Nursery Department increased capacity to 20 bassinets.

Bed capacity increased to 108.

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The OPD expansion was completed which housed 10 examining tables and a minor operating room.

1984

Negotiations for the Pulmonary Unit started in April while operations began in September.

Nursing School was relocated to the 4th floor of the Annex Building.

1986

The Bronchoscopy Unit, Spectrophotometer, Bovie Cautery Machine, microscope and EKG machine were produced.

1995

The 4th floor of the main building was completed adding 31 more beds.

The computer system for Business Offices were upgraded to an IBM compatible system.

Machine acquisitions include: Mammography machine, Port Wav Ventilators, Phaco Machine, Biometer, Treadmill Stress Test Machine, Colposcope, Lifepack an Dynac II Centerfuge and Arthroscopy.

1987

1996

The X-Ray Department was computerized.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Machine purchased from Makati Medical Center

A section on the 4th floor was constructed at the old building to house the Records Section and Residents’ Quarters.

1988

The Corporation changed its name from “Clinical Hilario, Inc.” to “Clinical Hilario & Davao Doctors College Inc.” The 1st Hospital elevator was installed.

1989

A Hemodialyzer and an additional ultrasound machine were purchased.

The 5th floor of the Annex Building was completed, adding 26 private rooms

1997

September: Groundbreaking of Medical Oncology Center Major acquisitions: Ultrasound Unit, echocardiogram, OB Spectrum CC Abbott, Hematology Analyzer Coulter, Seimens Sires hop x-ray, ventilators and respirators

1998

Cobalt Machine ordered from Australia The Hospital began negotiations for the acquisition of CAT scanner.

11-storey Medical Tower housing doctors’ clinics was completed

1991

The 3-storey Annex Building was completed.

Medical equipment and machines for the Laser Eye, Renal Dialysis and Physiotherapy Units were purchased.

1992

The Chapel was built.

1999

Inauguration of DDH driveway and facade in time for the 30th Anniversary Inauguration of Cardiac Diagnostic Center. It’s the most complete and advanced cardiac facility in the region November: Inauguration of Medical Oncology Center

By the end of the year, hospital bed capacity was at 200.

2000

1994

Radiology Oncology Department became fully operational. To date, it is the only cobalt treatment facility in the region

The Lithotripter and Ultrasound Machine were purchased.

A family planning education clinic was built as part of the Hospital’s partnership with Johns Hopkins University and the Association of Deans of Philippine Nursing Schools.

In time for its 25th Anniversary, a committee was formed to pen its Vision and Mission statement. Most of the members of the committee were the original incorporators and first office holders

December 9: ISO 9001 certification awarded to DDH by Certification International Philippines (CIP)

2001 Equipment acquisitions: Ultrasound Perfusors, Blood Bank Refrigerators, YAG Laser, Perimetry Machine, 2nd Cobalt Machine (AECL T1000) and Kermath Simulator Hospital purchased the Hitach MRO System

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 59

2010 2007

Diagnostic machine upgrade Infrastructure IT Data Center

Gantioqui Building Increased Occupancy Rate DDH Website New OPD-ER Complex

2008 New partnership Metro Pacific Investment Corporation (MPIC) acquires 34% shareholding

2005 Nursing Care Building

2003 August 1: The Davao City Health Office graded the Hospital as “Excellent”

2009

August 15: The Department of Health Licensing gave the Hospital a “Commendable” rating

2004

2002 Operating Theater expanded to house the Cardiac Catherization Laboratory (CathLab) and the Cardiovascular Operating Suite March 27: ISO Certification was upgraded to ISO 9001:2000 60 Kaleidoscope

Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Cardiovascular Surgery Unit

1st valet parking service in a hospital Chemo Infusion Unit New Corporate Image (Rebranding) Pulse newsletter 4 level steel car park building



2017 2015 2014

In-Patient Dialysis center Lease additional space approx. 1000sqm

Bariatric, Metabolic and Weight Management Center (BMW) Dental Imaging (dental x-ray) Installation of the HMO Hub DDH GOES DIGITAL REBRANDING

Accreditation Canada International Gold Seal New Operation Room and Ambulatory Surgery Complex

2018 Z-package -Coronary artery bypass grafting -Kidney Transplant -Peritoneal Dialysis

2012 Culture and brand of care

2013 Birthing suite Eye Center Out-patient Pharmacy Services (MedExpress)

2011 ďƒ˜Imaging machines upgrades Open DDH Dumoy Out Patient Satellite in Toril

2016 Launched the 1 Patient 1 Hospital Number 1 Card or the 1PHC ID system.

Minimally Invasive Surgeries, with 4D technology and digitally connected operating rooms.

Healthcare In Partnership Program (HIPP).

Quality Management and Accreditation Department

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 61

Taking the Lead in the Healthcare Industry An interview with Dr. Celia Castillo, VP for Strategy

been in keeping with that vision all these 50 years,” says Dra. Celia Castillo.

Davao Doctors Hospital was first established for the very reason that there had to be an avenue for new technology, new learnings, and new developments in medicine. For the past 50 years, DDH has remained true to its vision of becoming an “Unparalleled Health Institution Beyond Borders” as it embraced, applied, implemented, and practiced cutting-edge healthcare for all Dabawenyos.

Today, if we assess DDH’s vision, it is unparalleled as an healthcare institution because it takes the lead with its advancements in medicine and technology. It goes beyond borders as well because DDH makes it a point to be inclusive to all Dabawenyos regardless of socio-economic, gender, and religious background.

On its 50th year, DDH has established itself as a leader in medicine in terms of specialties and new technology, as well as healthcare processes and systems.

“We have kept ourselves aligned to our vision as a healthcare institution. We have

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“We want to be a hospital for every Dabawenyo,” declares Dr. Castillo.

In the next 50 years, DDH will strive to uphold its vision of taking the lead in healthcare in Mindanao, the rest of the Philippines, and eventually, the BIMPEAGA region.

“Our thrust as a health institution is that we are quite adaptable to the rapid changes in the environment of healthcare,” comments Dr. Castillo.

Dr. Castillo: “I would look at the next 50 years with the same degree of optimism that DDH will be a leading healthcare organization even beyond Mindanao.”

OUR STORY Davao Doctors Hospital is a privately-owned, tertiary level, and multi-specialty hospital located in the heart of Davao City, the business hub of Mindanao.

From its foundation in 1969, Davao Doctors Hospital in now the largest and most modern hospital in Southern Philippines, with 250 beds and an array of state-of-theart diagnostic, therapeutic, and intensive care facilities in a one-stop medical center.

We are the leader in all medical specialties, including cardiovascular medicine, orthopedics, gastroenterology & endocrinology, neurology and neurosurgery, cancer, ophthalmology, and digestive and liver diseases in the region, to name a few.

Patients and medical practitioners consider Davao Doctors Hospital as the primary premium provider for all their healthcare requirements.

e Melardz Ve

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 63

Platinum Sponsors

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Gold Sponsors

Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 65

Silver Sponsor UNILAB, INC. AMI Equipment Services & Solutions Inc. Assurance Controls Technologies Co. Inc. Biosolution Inquar Industries Saviour Medevices, Inc. The Pharmedic Medi Cotek Inc. Raised Builders Berovan Marketing Inc. Brother Philippines Lifecare Biodevices Inc. Bluesky Centramed Phils. Co.

CLE Bio E-Power Everyday Enterprise Hundredfolds Industries Corp.

I.T. Easy Software Solutions,Inc. Joseph L. Lim Engineering Services Fabrication & Construction Supply Octa-Gene Systems Inc. Macrik Phils. Ventures Inc Marcon Stainless Steel Enterprise Co. Percia Construction and Development Inc. Respicare Enterprises Inc. RBGM Medical Express Sales Inc. The Hive The Lift Company Philippines, Inc. Zafire Distributors Inc.

Bronze Sponsor 4 U Commercial Berovan Marketing Inc. Canadian Computer World Marketing Fairbright Enterprises Inc. Instatech Lui Enterprises Skeletal Support Inc.

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Davao Doctors Hospital | 50 years special issue | 67

Celebrating the Colors of Life, Vibrant Stories of Hope and Love in Davao Doctors Hospital

Celebrating the Colors of Life, Vibrant Stories of Hope and Love in Davao Doctors Hospital

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