GARDEN GROVE –Philippine Deputy Consul General Maria Alnee A. Gamble recently inducted the Philippine Medical Association of Southern California (PMASC) officers for 2024-2025. 

The new officers are President Warren Regh Gabrillo III, Immediate Past President Henrico Mungcal, President Elect Agnes Joaquin, Vice-President Salvador L. Abiera, Secretary Emma Arella, PRO Samuel L. Aquino, Asst. Secretary Susan Aquino, Treasurer Ma. Teresa Galarpe-Pastor, Auditor Ma. Eleanor Abejuela, Executive Director/EVP Reynaldo Abejuela;

Members of the Board are Nerissa Abiera, Albert, Encina, Maxlen Fernandez, Jesus Licuanan, Victor Sunga, Rita Guiamelon, Earl Uychocde, Irene Igual, Cathy Uyloan, Arlene Nieva and Auxillary Members Lally Gabrillo, Roger Igual, Divinia Encina, and Vernon Nieva.  The Executive Council includes Marilou E. Dichoso.

In 1971, Dr. Roland Navarro initiated the formation of PMASC with the help of Drs. Federico Quevedo, Lani Vicencio, Amable Aguiluz, Maria Fe de Guzman, Manuel Sison, and others to highlight the contributions of the Filipino American doctors to the American Healthcare system.

The late Dr. Noli Zosa, Sr. painstakingly worked for the 1995 approval of CME (Continuing Medical Education) for physicians in California thus, propelling PMASC to become a formidable organization while his wife, Nena Zosa started the PMASC Auxiliary to support their spouses in the humanitarian efforts and other activities of the organization.

The PMASC members belong to a conglomeration of Philippine medical schools.  During the earlier years, there were only 5 medical schools in the country and these were the University of the Philippines, University of Santos Tomas, Far Eastern University, University of the East and Manila Central University.  Today, there are 60 schools with 37 that are approved by the National Medical Commission. 

Cebu Institute of Medicine, Lyceum Medical, De La Salle Medical, Angeles Medical, South western University Medical were represented at the event. In fact, its President, Dr. Warren Regh Gabrillo III is the first PMASC President graduate from Southwestern University.  The medical missions to the Philippines remain a priority humanitarian program of the organization. Their next mission destination is to Carcar, Cebu in 2025.

With the increase in medical schools in the Philippines and numerous Filipino American medical practitioners in the United States, PMASC welcomes new members. To those interested in joining the organization, please contact Dr. Warren Gabrillo III at warren3gabrillo@gmail.com or Dr. Ray Abejuela at RYLNMD2@yahoo.com