Welcome Messages

Message from the Overall Chair of the Joint Annual Convention 2025

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

We are excited to welcome you to the 2025 Philippine Digestive Health Week Joint Annual Convention—an event that brings together passionate individuals committed to advancing gastroenterology.

This year’s convention is especially significant as it coincides with the 65th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG). This milestone represents our enduring legacy of dedication, excellence, and innovation that has shaped our community.

Our theme, “Tradition and Transformation,” acknowledges our field’s foundational values and achievements while recognizing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This theme serves as the backbone of this year’s scientific program, which unites the Joint Annual Convention, EndoscopyCon, and the Philippine Liver Meeting into one cohesive and engaging platform for learning.

Join us for an exceptional four-day program filled with scientific symposia, multidisciplinary discussions, world-class endoscopy demonstrations, and keynote lectures featuring leading experts in gastroenterology, endoscopy, and hepatology.

We look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful Grand Hyatt Manila and the vibrant Bonifacio Global City. In addition to academic and professional enrichment, we encourage you to connect with fellow attendees, meet new people, and celebrate the spirit of unity and camaraderie that has always characterized our Society.

Let us look back and celebrate our rich tradition and move forward together towards a transformation inspired by our shared vision for the limitless possibilities ahead.

With the warmest regards,

Rommel P. Romano, MD
Overall Chair Joint Annual Convention 2025

Message from the Overall Chair of the EndoscopyCon Philippines 2025

As we celebrate the 65th year of the creation of our beloved mother society, The Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, we are reminded of its humble beginnings and its remarkable transformation in nurturing the science of gastroenterology—now together with digestive endoscopy—within the medical community. More importantly, we reflect on its invaluable role in nation-building. Rooted in meticulous ethical practices and pioneering techniques, our society has helped shape patient care in the country. As we honor this legacy, we must continue to engage in initiatives addressing national concerns, ensuring that our clinical practice remain holistic and responsive to the needs of our country.

This year’s 2025 EndoscopyCon Philippines marks a pivotal moment as we stand at a crossroads in reaching our golden milestone. The science of digestive endoscopy evolves at a remarkable pace, bringing with it cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies. These advancements herald a new era that promises to elevate the effectiveness, safety, and accessibility of endoscopic procedures. By translating scientific evidence into practice, we aim to enhance clinical outcomes and improve the quality of life for our patients.

As we come together for this Joint Annual Convention, we celebrate both tradition and innovation. Let us rekindle the spirit of our past with the utmost respect, drawing lessons from the wisdom and dedication of those who came before us. At the same time, let us embrace the future with enthusiasm, learning and growing together as we explore new advancements in gastroenterology and digestive endoscopy.

We must remain steadfast in our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. By doing so, we ensure that the evolution of gastroenterology and digestive endoscopy continues to thrive, elevating healthcare standards and making a meaningful impact on our nation’s health. Together, let us honor our history, celebrate our present, and shape our future. May this convention inspire us to uphold the values and vision of our society while fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in all that we do.

Roberto N. De Guzman Jr., MD
Overall Chair EndoscopyCon Philippines 2025

Message from the Overall Chair of the Philippine Liver Meeting 2025

This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 65 remarkable years of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology. With the engaging theme “Tradition and Transformation,” this meeting is poised to spark dynamic discussions among healthcare professionals, gastroenterology specialists, digestive endoscopy experts, and hepatologists, reflecting on the extraordinary evolution of digestive and liver care in the Philippines.

Join us as we explore groundbreaking innovations and cutting-edge treatment strategies, while honoring the rich traditions that underpin our healthcare system—compassion, patient-centered care, and an unwavering commitment to knowledge. This meeting transcends the typical conference; it presents a unique opportunity to blend the wisdom of the past with the promise of the future. Together, we will foster collaboration, share invaluable insights, and prepare ourselves to address the emerging challenges in managing digestive and liver diseases.

Get ready to be inspired through dynamic scientific sessions and vibrant networking opportunities as we celebrate the progress we’ve made in gastroenterology, digestive endoscopy, and hepatology. We will pay tribute to the foundational principles that have guided our profession and explore how we can harness both tradition and transformation to enhance the standard of care and improve patient outcomes nationwide.
We eagerly anticipate your presence at the Philippine Liver Meeting 2025—prepare for an enriching and transformative experience for our gastroenterology community! Let’s make history together!

Happy 65 years PSG and many more years to come!

Mabuhay ang PSG, PSDE at HSP!

Jennielyn Agcaoili-Conde, MD
Overall Chair
Philippine Liver Meeting 2025

Message from the President of the Philippine College of Physicians

As we gather for the 2025 Philippine Digestive Health Week – Joint Annual Convention, we find ourselves at the exciting intersection of “Tradition and Transformation”. This year’s theme challenges us to honor the time-tested wisdom, ethics, and practices that have shaped our approach to digestive health, while also embracing the innovative advancements that continue to revolutionize our field.

Tradition provides us with a deep understanding of the foundational principles of care, built on years of knowledge, research, and patient experience. Yet, it is through transformation that we propel ourselves forward, seeking new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat digestive conditions. Whether through the development of groundbreaking technologies, improved clinical practices, or interdisciplinary collaboration, the future of digestive health holds incredible potential.

Let us continue to work toward a healthier, more vibrant future for the people of the Philippines, as we build upon the legacy of digestive health excellence, fueled by innovation and compassion.

I wish all the participants a fruitful and inspiring experience and look forward to seeing the impact of the knowledge and partnerships formed during this event.

Imelda M. Mateo, MD
President
Philippine College of Physicians

Message from the President of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great honor and pride that I invite you to join us at the 2025 Joint Annual Convention of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology and the Hepatology Society of the Philippines to be held on March 12-15, 2025 at Grand Hyatt Manila.

This year’s theme, “Tradition and Transformation,” beautifully captures the essence of our journey — a celebration of 65 years of steadfast commitment of PSG to advancing gastroenterology in the Philippines while embracing the innovations that will shape the future of our field in healthcare. The theme reflects our collective mission to honor the rich traditions that have guided our society and the pioneering work of those who came before us. At the same time, it challenges us to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare and technology, ensuring that we continue to provide the best care for our patients.

I am confident that this convention will be a valuable opportunity for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and professional growth. May it inspire us to drive further advancements in gastroenterology, foster stronger connections within our community, and ultimately improve the lives of those we serve.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and I look forward to seeing you at this remarkable event.

Warm regards,

Ian Homer Y. Cua, MD
President
Philippine Society of Gastroenterology

Message from the President of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines

Dear Esteemed Delegates,

On behalf of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines, it is my great privilege to welcome you to the Joint Annual Convention of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, the Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy, and our own Hepatology Society of the Philippines.

This year, as we celebrate the 65th founding anniversary of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, we gather under the theme “Tradition and Transformation.” It is a perfect reflection of our collective journey in advancing the science of gastroenterology and hepatology, while honoring the values that guide us: Excellence, Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, Compassion, and Advocacy.

True to our vision of being the dynamic lead authority in the study and care of liver health and disease, this convention aims to offer an enriching scientific experience, fostering learning, collaboration, and the rekindling of friendships. We are committed to delivering a convention that is both insightful and impactful, as we continue our mission to transform lives and elevate the standard of care for the Filipino and our Nation.
Welcome, and may this event be a memorable and inspiring one!

Warm regards,

Angelo B. Lozada, MD
President
Hepatology Society of the Philippines

Message from the President of the Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy

Good day to everyone,

It is my great honor, as President of the Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy, to welcome you all to the 2025 Joint Annual Convention of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy, and Hepatology Society of the Philippines.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ian Homer Cua, President of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, and Dr. Angelo Lozada, President of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines, for their steadfast leadership and collaboration in making this annual gathering a reality.

This year’s theme, “Tradition and Transformation,” reminds us of the delicate balance between honoring the rich heritage of our societies and embracing the innovations that propel us forward. Tradition provides us with a strong foundation, while transformation inspires us to reimagine how we deliver care in a world that continues to evolve.

This convention serves as a platform to bridge these two elements. It is here where experience meets innovation, and where our collective knowledge paves the way for actionable progress. Together, I hope we can create a future where our shared values and advancements align to benefit both our profession and, most importantly, our patients.

Welcome, and may this event ignite meaningful change for all of us.

Ruter M. Maralit, MD
President
Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy

Message from the Scientific Committee Chair of the Joint Annual Convention 2025

Dear colleagues,

As the chair of the scientific committee of the Philippine Digestive Health Week, I am delighted to welcome you all to this year’s joint annual convention.

The theme “Tradition and Transformation,” reflects the dynamic nature of Philippine Gastroenterology. While we continue to apply time-honored concepts in our practice, this year’s sessions aim to explore the latest innovations that are shaping the future of digestive health.

We have prepared a series of symposia brimming with highly important topics, including a holistic approach to endoscopic complications, breakthroughs in hepatology, and multidisciplinary team care of select gastrointestinal diseases.

As the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology celebrates its 65th founding anniversary, we are proud to feature our special symposium “Milestones and Moving Forward,” which features some of the visionary past presidents whose dedication shaped the society into what it is today. The session segues into a dialogue with mentors and young gastroenterologists; and this discussion aims to engage emerging leaders and impact the continued growth of the society in the years to come.

Ultimately, we hope that the convention will serve as a platform for us to collectively advance the specialty and its related fields, as well as improve patient care.

We look forward to seeing you and providing an enriching experience at the Joint Annual Convention.

Mara Teresa T. Panlilio, MD
Chair, Scientific Committee
JAC 2025

Message from the Scientific Committee Chair of the EndoscopyCon Philippines 2025

We welcome you to the 2025 Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy (PSDE) EndoscopyCon.

This year, the PSDE together with the Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP) and the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG) is excited to co-host the Philippine Digestive Health Week (PDHW) the landmark conference in our country of everything Gastroenterology.

Focusing on the theme, “ Translating Scientific Evidence into Improved Clinical Outcomes”, for this year’s program the scientific committee has prepared a combination of learning experiences that are relevant to our daily practice. We are bringing together both local and foreign experts who will deal with the topics in a provocative yet practical application to enhance the practice of endoscopy in the Philippines.

More than just a gathering, the EndoscopyCon will expand your horizons, enrich your knowledge and challenge your existing practices to better improve the outcomes of our procedures thus better lives of our patients.

We look forward to seeing you in Endoscopycon where we all can learn proactively and renew the bonds of PSDE the community as “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another”. (Proverbs 27:17)

Jonard T. Co, MD
Chair, Scientific Committee
EndoscopyCon Philippines 2025

Message from the Scientific Committee Chair of the Philippine Liver Meeting 2025

In keeping with this year’s theme of Tradition and Transformation, The Philippine Liver Meeting 2025 will bring bench to bedside, as we have over the years. Learning sessions aim to bring the best of technology to improve patient care. This year’s attendees get to have a sneak preview of upcoming hepatitis B Philippine prevalence data, and to see some perspectives on the new hepatitis guidelines and how these fit in universal health care. Rounding out the topics are updates on managing ACLF and decompensated cirrhosis, and radiologic procedures for management of heart-pounding complications of portal hypertension. There will be a session on the nitty-gritty of getting a patient to liver transplant. We will also see what’s up in the world of fatty liver, and get practical treatment advice on MASLD HCC. One of the most exciting developments on the local liver scene will share the spotlight, with the introduction of the Philippine Liver Research Network. The PLRN invites collaboration, which really is at the heart of the Philippine hepatology community. We look forward to seeing you there.

Angela D. Salvaña, MD
Chair, Scientific Committee
Philippine Liver Meeting 2025