Chair   Cesar M. Ong, MD
Training Officer  Nepthalie R. Ordonez, MD
Coordinator  Cherry DLR Lee, MD

Faculty Staff
Elvira M. Abreu, MD
Hilda Diana A. Alava, MD
Divina Y. Beato, MD
Genaro A. Bermudez, MD
Mary Ann C. Bunyi, MD
Ma. Rosario S. Cruz, MD
Julieta V. Dizon, MD
Jocelyn Y. Franco, MD
Edornie Elizabeth V. Garcia, MD
Felizardo N. Gatcheco, MD
Catherine G. Gironella, MD
Nina Angelita M. Gonzales, MD
Benjamin T. Lim, MD
Melba T. Masigan, MD
Adelaida L. Pedraja, MD
Della G. Pelaez, MD
Felices Emerita P. Perez, MD
Ma. Lucila M. Perez, MD
Teresita N. Rabanal, MD
Elizabeth R. Telado, MD
Marie Clare V. Robles, MD
Florentina U. Ty, MD

HISTORY

The department started in 1950 under the stewardship of Dr. Leon V. Pecache. He eventually became the chair with only three members in his staff. In his 12 years of struggles, he slowly but steadily established what was soon to become one of the best assets of MCU-FDTMF – the Pediatrics Department.

Rightfully following the footsteps of the Dr. Pecache was Dr. Aurora B. Alcid, who became the chair in 1962. She worked to improve the services in the department.

Dr. Rosita S. Brillantes took over the department in 1963. She increased the total bed capacity and stratified the services into Clinical and Pay Divisions.

It 1977, Dr. Esperanza F. Rivera (Dean, College of Medicine 2002 – 04) was named department chair. Under her perseverance, the residency training program was started in 1979 and was eventually accredited by the Philippine Pediatric Society in 1984. The nursery unit was strengthened and the rooming-in of babies was initiated. She also staged the department’s first postgraduate course. To increase the census in the OPD, she offered free immunizations, free consultations for the first three visits and launched the ‘teen center’ for adolescent patients.

In 1986, Dr. Nilda S. Castro was appointed chair. She instituted major renovations in the department. An isolation room and an infectious ward were added. The training of faculty members and residents was emphasized. Seminars, lectures and conferences were scheduled regularly and weekly lectures on breastfeeding were given at the maternity home. She emphasized the importance and control of diarrhea in collaboration with the Department of Health and spearheaded the establishment of the Diarrhea Treatment Unit (DTU). The first Leon V. Pecache Memorial Lecture was held.

Dr. Lucita P. Aguilar was appointed chair in 1989. Her thrust was the residency training program. She initiated the first intra-departmental case report and research paper contests. She gave incentive awards to topnotch students in Pediatrics. In 1994, she had to resign as chair when she was appointed as an examiner in the Board of Medicine (1993- 1995).

In 1994, Dr. Manuel F. Ferreria took over the department. He prioritized the renovation of the neonatal ICU. He acquired a transport incubator and equipped the NICU with blue light and bili-light. He renovated the paywards and collaborated with Jollibee, Inc. to put colorful murals on the hallways to create a wonderland atmosphere.

Dr. Elvira M. Abreu became the chair in 1997. She initiated the renovation of the neonatal ICU and secured additional bili-lights, radiant warmers and pulse oximeters. Through her efforts, the camaraderie of the consultant staff was enhanced. She bowed out as chair after three years when she was appointed the Chief of the Professional Services.

Dr. Lourdes L. Balcueva was the chair in 2000 when the department hosted the PPS Annual Convention.

In 2003, Dr. Teresita N. Rabanal was named the department chair. The department continued its role in full-scale training of residents and students and providing quality care for patients. The department inaugurated a ‘Play Therapy Room’ manned by a child psychologist to support the patients.

The department acquired new incubators, radiant warmers, pulse oximeters and computers. The consultants became closer with her successful team building activities.

Now, being chaired by Dr. Cesar Ayes M. Ong, the department continues its role in training residents and students and providing excellent care for our patients.

Not to be left behind is the number of consultants in its roster. There are presently 23 Philippine Pediatric Society fellows and 6 diplomates in its staff of which 16 are sub-specialists.

The exodus of doctors and bandwagon effect of doctors taking up nursing is having its toll in residency training nationwide. However, we still are able to produce pediatric residents who pass the PPS specialty board examinations and pursue subspecialty training.

The department showcases a comparatively comprehensive pediatric health services in the KAMANAVA area with increased bed capacity, expanded and improved OPD facilities and upgraded NICU and PICU facilities.