PSV 35th Biennial Convention : ONE PSV against Sexually Transmitted Infections in the New Era

35th Philippine Society of Venereologists Biennial Convention
September 11, 2024

The Philippine Society of Venereologists (PSV) conducted their 35th Biennial Convention at the Crowne Plaza, Manila Galleria, Ortigas, Quezon City, with their theme, One PSV against Sexually Transmitted Infections in the New Era, with a bang. It was well attended by the different medical specialties and allied professionals. Dr. Jovanni R. Templonuevo, President of PSV, focused his welcome message on STI, a multidisciplinary approach and dynamic collaborative effort. The esteemed speakers were from the World Health Organization—Dr. Teodora Elvira Wi, United Nations Joint Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS)—Dr. Louie Ocampo, Philippine College of Physicians—Dr. Rontgene Solante, Philippine Professional Association for Trangender Health (PPATH)—Dr. Thaddeus Averilla, Medical-legal Officer—Dr. Maria Katerina Bustamante, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine—Dr. Rosanna Ditangco, and Dr. Arthur Dessi Roman , Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS)-Dr. Gilbert Yang and Dr. Emmerson Vista and Dr. Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC)-DoH Tondo Medical Center (TMC)-Dr. John Coloma, who gave update and essential information in sexually transmitted infections.

PSV Convention Proper

Dr. Hector M. Santos, Jr., President of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), was represented by Dr. Mildred Mañalac-Mariano, Secretary General, who read the inspirational message focusing on continuing to soar high on STI initiatives with collaborative efforts from the different medical specialties. The convention was indeed a milestone where Dr. Rosario Jessica Tactacan-Abrenica, who is an HIV specialist and a family medicine specialist, was the first Dr. Jaime O. Quiason Memorial Lecturer. She emphasized the importance of integrative and collaborative STI management and highlighted the contributions of PSV in the field of medicine.

The scientific lectures highlighted both the essentials using current STI guidelines and updates, patient care, and logical approaches in STIs. Dr. Wi elucidated the STI developments on guidelines and new diagnostic tests to make the diagnosis accurate and provide appropriate treatment. This was further supported by Dr. John Coloma on Molecular Diagnostics on STIs lecture. In this age where STIs can foster HIV transmission, Dr. Ocampo was zeroing in on the importance of concerted programs and initiatives. It was also recognized that syphilis is rising, and Dr. Solante stressed that vigilance is a must exercise at all times. The new antiretroviral drug for PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) injectable, cabotegravir, an HIV integrate inhibitor, was elucidated along with other new drugs by Dr. Ditangco. Dr. Bustamante gave life to the STI-related provisions in the Data Privacy Act, which are a must-know for all physicians. Since hepatitis A is now emerging as STI, Dr. Roman has pinned the importance of including it in the differential diagnosis and STI panel of diagnostic tests. It was also noteworthy that Dr. Yang and Dr. Vista had synergistic lectures on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) centered on prevention using the nanovalent HPV vaccine and behavior modification.

JOVANNI R. TEMPLONUEVO, M.D.
PSV – President

We are grateful to our God that we have survived the COVID crisis after two years and that He has given us the opportunity to conduct this momentous event, the 35th Biennial Convention, with the theme One PSV against Sexually Transmitted Infections. This year’s theme stemmed from the increasing cases of STIs and the need to join our efforts to contribute to reducing the spread of infections and promulgating prevention. It is a known fact that STI is a social and behavioral disease affecting every aspect of human functionality. We need to preserve the next generation by motivating them to actualize respect and accountability in all forms. Let us not allow STI to destroy the individual’s aspiration to have a productive and healthy life, a happy relationship, and a happy family. Every little step we take in the whole spectrum of management is considered a milestone. We express our sincerest thanks to all the people who prayed for us and supported us in our journey, and to all of you who joined us in celebrating this occasion. Let us maximize the learning from our esteemed speakers and the
experiences of individual participants as well. To God be the glory. Mabuhay ang PSV!

HECTOR M. SANTOS, JR., M.D. ,MMHA
PMA – President

I am deeply honored to congratulate the Philippine Society of Venereologists as you hold your 35th Biennial Convention with the Theme “ ONE PSV against sexually Transmitted Infections in the New Era “ . The PMA lauds your efforts to actively seek out opportunities for professional development and continuing medical education through seminars and teaching courses as this. By staying current with the latest advancement in medicine you can ensure providing the most effective and up to date care for your patients. Against the backdrop of numerous challenges encountered due to increasing number of cases of Sexually Transmitted Infection including HIV, you remain steadfast and resilient in providing solutions to the problem. By sharing your best practices, innovations and experiences you deepen your knowledge through collaboration and find ways to work on a wider and more impactful scale. This enhances the overall quality and efficiency of patient care. The Philippine Medical Association recognizes your achievement through sacrifices and hard work. We stand as your permanent partner and friend to all health workers and frontliners across the country. We shall all work as one to deliver comprehensive and coordinated care for a healthy community and a healthy nation. “Nagkakaisang PMA: Hatid ay Kalusugan para sa lahat! I wish you success in your current endeavor.

New PSV Fellows

New PSV Associates 2024

In the evening, PSV inducted the new fellows and new associates after completing their requirements. Moreover, Dr. Mary Annjoy Aguadera was awarded the honorary fellow, and the Outstanding Physician in Sexually Transmitted Infections (TOPS) awardee, the highest
award given by the society to a physician who demonstrated exemplary contributions in STI development, was given to Dr. Rosario Jessica Abrenica. The night will not be completed without the recognition of the hospital institutions where venereology is part of the
dermatological training in DoH Tondo Medical Center, Valenzuela Medical Center, Southern Isabela Medical Center, and Cotabato Regional Medical Center.

To date, PSV is recognized by and is an affiliated society of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP). PSV has opened doors of opportunity for other physicians to become venereologists as their subspecialty. Currently, its members are specialists who have finished their primary specialties, such as Family Medicine, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urology, Internal Medicine, Occupational Medicine, and others. In 2024, PSV members grew to more than 300, united to the vision that every Filipino is knowledgeable, conscious, discerning, and empowered against sexually transmitted infections. The society believes that in order to halt the spread of STIs, it needs a unified and concerted effort from all physicians and other health care professionals in its fight against the disease. In PSV, every person with STI is important not only as a patient but as a significant individual in a family that deserves better and more comprehensive management. The success of the 35th PSV Biennial Convention is a result of unwavering support from the PSV Council of Advisers, Board of Directors, Sponsors, and the Participants.