PH CONSULATE JOINS PMSNC ON ITS 51ST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, INDUCTS NEW OFFICERS AS MED SOCIETY REVIEWS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco joined the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California (PMSNC) in celebrating its 51st founding anniversary at the Hilton Hotel in Oakland, California on 20 May 2023.
The gathering saw the new set of PMSNC officers inducted into office by Deputy Consul General Raquel R. Solano. The event also included the change of command and turn-over ceremony for PMSNC’s outgoing president Dr. Narciso Thad Padua and incoming president, Dr. Mark Gonzalgo, as well as the awarding of scholarships to deserving Fil-Am medical students.
Dr. Padua, outgoing PMSNC president, thanked the medical society members, volunteers, and donors, for their dedication and support in providing medical services to needy communities, citing, in particular, PMSNC’s latest medical mission in the Philippines, in the town of Santa Barbara, Pangasinan in January 2023, where close to 6,000 patients were provided with medical services.
Newly inducted PMSNC president Dr. Mark Gonzalgo reiterated PMSNC’s commitment towards medical mission, community service, and scholarship program. He noted the importance of fostering long-lasting ties with recipient communities and the need to explore ways to ensure continuity of care.
In her remarks during the occasion, DCG Raquel Solano congratulated the Medical Society on its anniversary and expressed confidence in the ability of the new set of officers to rise to the challenge of leadership and service. In line with PMSNC’s request, she talked about the work of a diplomat, emphasizing the multiple roles that diplomats play to protect and promote the interests of their country in the world community. She indicated the need among individuals and organizations, and at the level of nations, for knowledge-sharing, building partnership and cooperation, embracing diversity, and promoting inclusive development. She also thanked PMSNC for doing its part in contributing towards these ends, and in making a difference in the lives of other people.
PMSNC provides medical services to underserved communities in the Philippines and in the Bay Area, offers scholarship and mentorship to aspiring doctors, as well as conducts community outreach activities. In 2021, PMSNC partnered with the Consulate in the conduct of health education and screening activities dubbed, “Health Day sa Konsulado.” PMSNC also held in 2022 a similar event titled, “Kababayan Health Day” at the Filipino Community Center of Santa Clara County.-END