The Philippine Heart Association -- Philippine College of Cardiology (PHA-PCC) has reiterated its commitment to eradicating heart disease in the country under its new president, pediatric cardiologist Aurora Muriel Gamponia.
New Leadership and Priorities
Gamponia, who leads the 2,550-member organization, highlighted two key programs: the Rheumatic Heart Disease PH Eradication Program and the campaign "One Cardiologist in Every City and Province." According to PHA-PCC officials, these initiatives have gained momentum following the establishment of the Basilan Sulu Tawi-Tawi Sub-Chapter. This move is part of efforts to strengthen cardiology services in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Cardiologist Shortage in the Philippines
The PHA noted that the Philippines has only one cardiologist for every 44,000 Filipinos, far below the ideal workforce capacity. This disparity is stark compared to the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation of one cardiologist per 25,000 people and one cardiac catheterization laboratory per 500,000 to one million population. The association emphasized the urgent need to expand cardiovascular services, specialist training, and healthcare infrastructure to ensure timely access to life-saving heart care.
Gamponia's Background and Predecessors
Gamponia follows a distinguished line of pediatric cardiologists who previously served as PHA presidents, including doctors Wilberto Lopez, Asuncion Reloza, Edgardo Ortiz, and Aurelia Leus. Her election also adds to the roster of women who have led the organization, among them Drs. Helen Abundo, Esperanza Cabral, Asuncion Reloza, Annette Borromeo, Ma. Belen Carisma, Ma. Teresa Abola, Eleanor Lopez, Nannette Rey-Melgarejo, and Aurelia Leus.
New Board of Directors
The new members of the PHA Board of Directors for 2026-2027 include Drs. Richard Henry Tiongco II as Vice President, Luigi Pierre Segundo as Secretary, Lourdes Ella Santos as Treasurer, Avenilo "Jun" Aventura Jr. as Director I, Iris Garcia as Director II, and Eric Sison as Director III. Gamponia succeeded former PHA president Dr. Walid Amil.
