In celebration of World Skin Health Day (WSHD), the Philippine Dermatological Society – Central Luzon Chapter (CLPDS) conducted a medical mission in Guimba, Nueva Ecija on July 8, 2026. The event, themed “Better Knowledge, Better Skin Health,” was organized in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Guimba to address the critical lack of dermatological care in the area.
Addressing a Healthcare Gap
Guimba currently has no resident board-certified dermatologist, despite skin conditions accounting for 10% to 30% of primary care consultations. CLPDS President Suzanne Diano-Manalo emphasized that World Skin Health Day highlights the need for equal access to quality dermatological care for everyone, everywhere.
Services Provided
The medical mission served 187 patients, offering free, high-quality dermatological consultations and essential medications at the Free Skin Clinic. Additionally, 31 minor surgeries were performed, including free surgical excisions of skin tumors that had been growing unaddressed for years. Patients were also provided post-surgical medication, diagnostic biopsies, and navigation protocols for potential malignancies.
Capacity Building for Local Health Workers
A 2.5-hour capacity-building dermatology lecture was conducted for 50 local healthcare workers, including rural health center physicians, nurses, midwives, and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). Lead Dr. Dianne Paras explained that the lecture was designed to equip them with the knowledge to effectively manage common skin diseases in their communities.
Sustainable Network of Care
Beyond immediate medical interventions, the mission focused on long-term sustainability. Paras noted that by training local health workers and distributing a verified regional directory of active PDS dermatologists, they established a seamless, long-lasting referral network for the Municipality of Guimba. “Through this medical mission, we successfully delivered life-changing patient care and converted local frontline healthcare workers to become knowledgeable allies in skin health,” she said.
Volunteers and Support
The mission was made possible by 31 volunteers, including 25 PDS Board-Certified Dermatologists (22 from Central Luzon Chapter, 3 from North Luzon Chapter) and 6 dermatology residents (3 from UST Department of Dermatology, 3 from R1MC Department of Dermatology). CLPDS extended gratitude to Guimba Municipal Vice-Mayor Carlo Dizon and Municipal Health Officer Dr. Gene Tadeo. “Thank you to the LGU of Guimba, our brilliant volunteers, and our community partners for making World Skin Health Day 2026 a resounding success. Together, we are turning the vision of better knowledge, better skin health into a reality for the people of Nueva Ecija,” said Diano-Manalo.
