The Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) commemorated its 89th Foundation Day with a grand gala dinner on Sept. 12, 2025, at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. The elegant black-tie affair was led by PCS president Jose Rhoel L. De Leon, MD, and vice president Joselito M. Mendoza, MD. The evening opened with pre-gala cocktails and a captivating photo gallery showcasing the diverse initiatives of PCS chapters nationwide.

The program began on a festive note with an invocation by Rouel Mateo Azores, MD, chair of PCS External Affairs and Public Relations. President De Leon then delivered a heartfelt welcome, followed by the introduction of dignitaries by PCS secretary and host for the evening, Orlando Ocampo, MD.

One of the evening’s most anticipated moments was the presentation of the prestigious Legend of the Knife Award, honoring fellows who have made groundbreaking contributions and demonstrated exceptional leadership in the surgical field. This year’s honorees were Theodor S. Vesagas, MD; Maximo H. Simbulan Jr., MD; Jose Luis J. Danguilan, MD; and Nelson D. Cabaluna, MD.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was also conferred upon distinguished surgeons whose enduring impact has shaped the surgical landscape in the Philippines. This recognition underscores PCS’s commitment to excellence in surgical care and its role in nation-building. Honorees included Vicente Q. Arguelles, MD; Ponciano M. Bernardo Jr., MD; and Ellewellyn G. Pasion, MD.

In a particularly moving moment, PCS executive secretary Annette Tolentino received the Loyalty Award for her years of dedicated service. Her recognition was met with heartfelt applause, reflecting the deep appreciation of PCS members nationwide.

The gala dinner served as the culminating event of PCS’s Foundation Week activities, headed by PCS director for Public Relations, Rouel Azores, MD. The weeklong celebration featured a series of nationwide events highlighting camaraderie, service, and wellness.

Highlights included the National Surgical Outreach Day, a simultaneous medical mission conducted by PCS committees across the country; a cycling event and pickleball tournament; a healing mass for the healers at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center Ecumenical Chapel; a camaraderie golf tournament at Camp Aguinaldo; a fun shoot in Batangueño Gatileros, Lipa City, Batangas; Operation Bukol at the Philippine Medical Association; a tree-planting ceremony at Paco Park with Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza; a feeding program at Asociación de Damas de Filipinas; the Stop the Bleed and Bloodletting Drive with the Philippine National Red Cross; and the Residents Got Talent Competition. Each activity reflected the dedication and spirit of PCS members, culminating in a night of celebration and recognition at the gala dinner.

The Philippine College of Surgeons is a premier umbrella organization representing over 3,000 members across 12 surgical subspecialties, 15 affiliate organizations, and 13 chapters nationwide. Beyond its clinical mission, PCS is committed to elevating professional standards, advancing the science and art of surgery, and promoting ethical practice. Through sustained outreach and advocacy, PCS continues to play a vital role in nation-building and in enhancing patient care across the Philippines.