Philippine Society of Nephrology
Northern Luzon Chapter (NORLU): Daytoy Ti Istorya Mi
Marvin C. Callanta, MD
Twenty years ago, thirteen brave souls accepted the challenge to form a chapter in a not so hospitable terrain with an aggregate area of 62,495.12 square kilometers typified by meandering wild rivers, enormous valleys, colossal mountain ranges and verdant, productive plains accepted the challenge to form a chapter.
Coincidentally, on the 50th year of the Philippine Society of Nephrology, the chapter has since added 50 warm and able bodies to its ranks. Talk about happenstance!
Notwithstanding the heterogeneous mix of members (i.e., Ilocanos, Pangasinenses, Igorots, Kankanaeys, Ibalois, Ibanags, Ilonggots, Tagalogs, etc.), this hodgepodge of native and transplanted individuals flawlessly blended into a cohesive company analogous to the authentic gastronomic delights of Northern Luzon……. The famous PINAKBET and DINENGDENG!
With the hurdles heavily stacked against us, only 63 nephrologists for a population of 8.3 million (which equates to 1 nephrologist per 131,000 population), regular welcome uninvited visitors such as devastating typhoons, severe torrential monsoon rains, and unimaginable flooding, plus an overstaying unwanted guest named COVID but we still fight on!
What keeps us going and flourishing despite the obstacles is the adroit and nimble leadership of the current set of officers, the strong anchor provided by our past presidents (to ensure that we don’t get astray), and of course the ceaseless enthusiasm of members!
We the NORTH with our rich and diverse cultural heritage, remain steadfast in our unyielding resolve and sacred vow to provide selfless renal healthcare services in this part of our nation.
