PSN Family Day Goes 20!
By Alsun S. Cabarles, MD, FPCP, DPSN
The foundation of society is the family. Although a family is officially defined by last name or blood consanguinity, a family is also defined by a collection of people who come together with the same motivation—to improve life—and who are bonded by loyalty and affection. We Filipinos place a high value on our family. The Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) recognizes the importance of a person’s family in helping our patients with kidney disease as they navigate life. For this very reason, the PSN Committee on Public Health and Preventive Nephrology spearheaded the annual PSN Family Day on June 26, 2022, with the theme “Batong Malakas sa Panibagong Bukas.” Now on its 20th year, the Family Day celebration was triply special because it coincided with the Department of Health’s National Kidney Month 2022 and the PSN’s 50th Anniversary. Dr. Agnes Torrijos-Cruz, Dr. Erick Verano, and Dr. Alsun Cabarles hosted the event with much gusto, airing online via the PSN Facebook page.
Dr. Maaliddin Biruar, the PSN President, gave a kind welcome to all and was followed by Dr. Joseph Michael Abcede, Chairman of the PSN Committee on Public Health and Preventive Nephrology, who gave the event’s opening remarks.
The first event was Dr. Pamela Marie Imperial’s brief but thorough lecture entitled, “Mga Paraan Upang Pangalagaan ang Ating mga Bato,” which provided the audience with timely and pertinent information on how to take care of our kidneys and prevent kidney diseases.
Following this are the equally thrilling competitions, where the audience and participants cheered on their bets and entries while patiently waiting for their names to be called live during the raffle draws, making the occasion livelier. This year’s Zumba Contest, which strives to encourage an active lifestyle and happiness, was one of the most eagerly anticipated competitions. Throughout the country, a variety of patients, nurses, doctors, and dialysis personnel took part in this challenge. A week prior to this event, the video entries were posted to the PSN Facebook Page where netizens could vote for their favorite performers. Trizia Ramirez, Bismarc Naling, Ton Lim, Dr. Derek Clutario, and Dr. Micco Sollano, who are among the reputable figures in the dance and entertainment industries, carefully evaluated these entries. The Western Visayas Medical Center Artificial Kidney Unit took first place in the contest, followed by Dasmarinas Renal Care Center in second place and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center HD Unit in third.
Additionally, three sets of awards were presented in conjunction with Family Day. First up is the “Bukod Tanging Pagkalinga Award,” which was presented for the first time to deserving caretakers of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on dialysis or post-transplant. The Committee thoroughly vetted candidates from all parts of the nation. The numerous entries received were short listed into three finalists, with Lilibeth Cajomocan ultimately taking first place, followed by Jan Marini Miguel and Reynaldo Liren.
The second award is the “Ulirang Kidney Warrior Award” which was granted to individuals who have served as role models for other CKD patients by exemplifying courage, perseverance, and tenacity as CKD warriors and successfully navigating challenging circumstances. From the three main island groups of the nation, four recipients received awards: Cecil Layno from Luzon, Kenth Darius Briones, and Roselle Opalyn Deslate from Visayas, and Kuh Torregosa from Mindanao.
Twenty institutions and organizations that have continuously and actively supported the PSN Family Day celebration for more than 15 years received the “Loyal Family Day Participants” honor as the final prize and acknowledgment. The recipients included the Philippine General Hospital, B. Braun Philippines, St. John Biocare and Dialysis Center, Nephro Group, the Philippine Kidney Dialysis Foundation (PKDF), Hemotek Renal Center, FMC Renal Care, the Chinese General Hospital, Asia Renal Care, the Kidney Transplant Association of the Philippines Inc. (KITAP), the Genesis Dialysis Clinic and Diagnostic Center, the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, the East Avenue Medical Center, the People’s Center Hemodialysis Care, the Tomas Hospital, and the Philippine Kidney Foundation (KPF).
Between the awarding ceremony, the PSN Singers performed a truly heartwarming musical number which made the event even more unforgettable. George Canseco’s timeless song “Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan,” expertly performed by Dr. Maria Gina Nazareth, Dr. Serah Kae Laquindanum Mendoza, Dr. Jose Maria Alessandro Libo-on, Dr. Juan Paolo Lagunzad, Dr. Reden Alfonso Silva, and Dr. Vimar Luz, moved and touched the hearts of the award recipients, participants, and audience.
Following the announcement of the winners and the performance of the spoken word poetry by the PSN Officers, BOT, and members, Dr. Vimar Luz, member of the PSN Board of Trustees (BOT) and Head of the PSN Cluster on Patient Care, gave a stirring and motivational closing address.
The event ended on a high note with a lovely performance of the Kwentong Singkwenta theme song, “Ginintuang Taon,” which was penned by Chona Borromeo, and sung by Bituin Escalante, Frenchie Dy, and Radha as compiled pictures depicting the PSN’s wonderful years of service was presented in honor of the PSN’s Golden Anniversary.
