INDUCTION OF NEW SET OF PSPC OFFICERS IN ITS 27th YEAR
The newly-elected officers of the Philippine Society of Pediatric Cardiology (PSPC) were inducted in a simple induction and turn-over ceremony last June 16, 2018 at the Victorino’s Restaurant in Quezon City, attended by members, Past Presidents and family members of the inductees. The master of ceremonies was incoming Secretary Dr. Juan G. Reganion, assisted by Dr. Ma. Estrellita A. Alarcon.
Dr. Ma. Ronella Francisco sang the “Our Father” for the invocation. After the singing of the hymns of the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS), Philippine Heart Association (PHA) and the PSPC, the guests and members were welcomed by Past PSPC President Dr. Teofilo Cantre. The out-going PSPC President Dr. Ma. Corazon A. Estevanez gave her valedictory address in pure Filipino in keeping with the “touch of Filipiniana” theme of the event. She gave a summary of the significant activities during her term and acknowledged the support from all the members.
The guest of honor PHA President Dr. Jorge A. Sison gave an inspirational speech followed by a talk by the PSPC’s Founding President Dr. Wilberto L. Lopez who gave a brief history of the beginnings of the society.
After his talk, Dr. Lopez then inducted Dr. Ninfa Joson-Villanueva as the 14th President of the society, in the presence of Dr. Sison and Dr. Villanueva’s family (husband Dr. Noel A. Villanueva and daughter Dr. Ma. Lea J. Villanueva). A short video presentation on the personal and professional life of Dr. Villanueva was shown which was prepared by Dr. Regente I. Lapak, who was over-all coordinator of the event.
Dr. Estevanez turned over the Presidential Gavel, society’s official banner and Medallion to the new President after which Dr. Villanueva gave her acceptance speech. She emphasized that the present board will pursue activities in keeping with the mission set forth by the society to reach its vision of being the premier society in the care of children with cardiac diseases. The main thrust of the board is “reaching out” to all members across the country.
Dr. Villanueva then inducted the other officers: Dr. Ma. Bernadette A. Azcueta (Vice-President), Dr. JG Reganion (Secretary), Dr. Ma. Ronella T. Francisco-Mallari (Treasurer), Dr. RI Lapak (Board Member), Dr. Martha Socorro M. Santiago (Board Member) and Dr. MC Estevanez (Immediate Past-President).
VP Dr. Azcueta formally closed the formal ceremonies but the members and guests stayed on for a while when Teetin Villanueva (Dr. Villanueva’s daughter who is a versatile theater-actress) serenaded the group with songs like Little Mermaid’s “Out of that World”, Katharine McPhee’s “Terrified” and kundiman favorites “Bituing Marikit“ and “Dahil sa Iyo”. Indeed, such as an inspiring way to end the night!
