With a vision of bridging provincial gaps in cardiac care, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) has declared its top priority: ensuring “One Cardiologist for Every City.”
This bold mission was underscored during the induction of the new PHA Central Luzon Chapter officers at the Clark Marriott Hotel.
Newly inducted PHA Central Luzon President Dr. Jerome Reymatias vowed to unify the seven provinces of the region — Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, and Aurora — under the theme “Pusong Central Luzon: Binding Provinces, Building Heart Health.”
The oath-taking was administered by PHA National President Dr. Walid Amil, the first Mindanaoan and Muslim cardiologist to head the 73-year-old organization. He was joined by National Board Members Drs. Aurora Muriel Gamponia (VP), Luigi Pierre Segundo (Treasurer), and Rodney Jimenez (Immediate Past President).
New PHA Central Luzon Officers:
President: Dr. Jerome Reymatias
Vice President: Dr. Michelle Nieves
Secretary: Dr. John Levi Daluz
Treasurer: Dr. Paula Erika Reyes-Del Rosario
Provincial Representatives:
Aurora & Nueva Ecija: Dr. Paula Erika Reyes-Del Rosario
Bataan & Zambales: Dr. Mary Rose Anne Lacanin
Bulacan: Dr. Sandy Elfa
Pampanga: Dr. Alica Marie Hizon
Tarlac: Dr. Mary Julienne Therese Oliveros
Nueva Ecija (additional): Dr. Angelica Dela Cruz
CPR Liaison Officer: Dr. Jeffrey Patawaran
The Central Luzon Chapter committed to bolstering ongoing initiatives, including continuous medical education, public awareness campaigns like PHA PUSO MUNA, and lifestyle and wellness programs such as fun runs and CPR training.
Amil, speaking at the event, emphasized the urgency of expanding cardiology services to underserved areas. “Every Filipino heart should feel the presence of the PHA close to home,” he said, as he encouraged members to return to their hometowns to address regional imbalances in cardiac care.
The CVD Burden
The Department of Health and Philippine Statistics Authority reported that ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease (CAD) remained the leading causes of death in the country in 2024, with over 53,000 deaths attributed to CAD alone.
Despite the alarming figures, access to cardiologists remains uneven:
Pampanga: 54 cardiologists (46.15%)
Bulacan: 20 (17.09%)
Nueva Ecija: 19 (16.24%)
Tarlac: 11 (9.41%)
Zambales: 7 (5.98%)
Bataan: 5 (4.27%)
Aurora: 1 (0.86%)
Pampanga continues to have the highest concentration of cardiologists serving cities like Angeles, San Fernando, and Guagua. In stark contrast, Aurora has only one cardiologist — a stark reminder of the geographic disparity the PHA seeks to address.
The PHA’s long-term goal remains clear: a cardiologist in every city to ensure equitable, life-saving care for all Filipinos — wherever they live.
