• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
About 4,002 medical technologists, physically and virtually, attended the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists Inc. (PAMET) 60th National Annual Convention with the theme: “PAMET@60: Inspiring the Minds, Empowering Success, Embracing a Transparent Future” held at Tent City of The Manila Hotel in Manila on December 2 to 4.
The event was a gathering of professionals in the field of medical technology to celebrate six decades of the establishment of the organization. Most of the delegates came from other parts of the country and even abroad.
The opening ceremonies commenced with a processional of PAMET chapter presidents, members of the advisory council, national past presidents, regional directors, board of trustees, and national officers of the organization.
PAMET National Executive Secretary Mark Raymund Nava read the official number of delegates who were physically and virtually present during this year’s convention. He, likewise, signaled the opening of the convention through the ringing of the bell.
PAMET National President Luella Vertucio, gave her opening remarks to welcome the delegates who came to celebrate this significant milestone in the history of PAMET. Addressing the stakeholders to the commitment of the organization in nurturing the minds of medical technologists and empowering them with knowledge and skills to succeed while promoting transparency and integrity in their practice.
This year’s keynote speaker Atty. Paul Vincent Añover, on behalf of the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment Sec. Bienvenido Laguesma, talked about the increasing number of medical technologists in the country and expressed the Department’s mission which is to support Filipino workers and to ensure every sector, including those in the health care, remains resilient and inclusive.
Likewise, guest speaker Atty. Angiereen Medina, who represented PRC chairperson Charito Zamora, in her speech recognized the vital role of medical technologists in healthcare and its commitment to deliver reliable results to the community, as well as in public health. She also expressed PRC’s unwavering support to PAMET’s endeavors to the profession.
An awarding ceremony followed the opening of the convention for exemplary contribution of individuals in the profession. Evangeline Castillo presided over the distinction of awards as chair of the committee on awards, which was presented by the president and vice president of the organization. This year’s awardees were Carlo Cris Apurillo, who received the Crisanto G. Almario Memorial Award for Research, Reynan Rolle who received the Distinguished Service Award, Diego Ofiaza who was recognized as this year’s Most Outstanding Medical Technologist for his remarkable role in the field of Medical Technology, and Agusan del Norte/Butuan City Chapter that was awarded the 2024 Most Outstanding Chapter.
Other National PAMET officers present during the event were Vice President Gamaliel Fulgueras, Executive Secretary Raymund Nava, Treasurer Evangeline Castillo, Auditor Marites Go, PRO Arjay Abichuela, Board of Directors Rexy Alvarez, Lito Atienza, Louie Berlin Cadao, Ma. Frieda Hapan, and Ronaldo Puno, Immediate Past President Rommel Salceda, members of the Advisory committee and Past National Presidents Marilyn Atienza, Norma Chang, Leila Lany Florento, Romeo Joseph Ignacio, and Agnes Medenilla. Also present is IFCC Immediate President Dr. Adeli Khosrow, who is a keynote lecturer at the convention.
The delegation from Negros Occidental Chapter was headed by PAMET Visayas Regional Director Maruja Japzon and Chapter President Ma. Cristina Velez, with about 20 medical technologists from Bacolod City and Negros Occidental attending the annual convention.*
