Esteemed colleagues, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Grateful for your trust and confidence, I stand before you today ready to embark on a mandate of such magnitude and prestige but humbled and honored by the immense responsibilities that it entails and fully committed to leading this esteemed society with hard work, integrity, and dedication.

As we begin this new chapter together, let us continue leading the college and serving the country with the utmost professionalism and high ethical standards. Our profession is a sacred vocation, and it is our noble duty to uphold the values we share and the vision we collectively want to achieve.

For years now, the Philippine College of Physicians has been at the forefront of setting the standards of patient care, clinical research, education, and training and putting a premium on excellence, competence, and compassion. Every aspect of our practice is continuously being challenged to meet the demands of evolving patient needs and the rapid cycle of medical innovations.

One of my key priorities as President is to strengthen our partnership with the national and local government to proactively deliver quality health services, especially to the marginalized and underserved communities ensuring that every Filipino has access to the healthcare that they need, regardless of their background or circumstances. This will be made possible by engaging and involving all the components and affiliate societies, and chapters being the core of the college whose significant contributions cannot be underestimated.

We will continuously endeavor to partner with the Department of Health, global organizations, health agencies and advocates in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of relevant health policies such as the Universal Healthcare Law. By working hand in hand with various stakeholders, we can create outcomes that will have a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our fellow Filipinos.

It is equally significant that we mentor the young members of the College, nurturing them to become passionate internists who are socially engaged and committed to the highest ideals of the PCP. We must be deserving models worthy of emulation by these young professionals to not only excel in our clinical practice but as leaders and trailblazers breaking barriers in internal medicine. We share our wins & milestones with our younger colleagues to inspire and motivate them to be the best version of themselves.

Let us also embrace a climate-smart health system prioritizing environmental sustainability and transcending from a purely health-conscious society to one that profoundly cares for the environment. With this, we are safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities for the generations to come.

I want to express my gratitude to all of your unwavering commitment to the mission and vision of the college, and to the health welfare of the FILIPINOS. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to serve as your President. I look forward to working alongside all of you. Together, we can make a difference, and together, we can continue to lead the way in advancing healthcare in our nation.

I would also like to acknowledge the significant people who have stood beside and behind me in my journey to the leadership of the college. To my husband, Dr. Monfel Mateo who sings to me, “She's Always A Woman” who supports me in all my endeavors but keeps me grounded as his wife and mother to our two daughters. He validates me as a woman with conviction. and courage in the spirit of service. To my two daughters Niqui and Krissie who understand and accept that their mom in service to the medical community and country may not always be present physically at times during the call of duties.

To all the past presidents of the college, heartfelt gratitude for their mentorship, guidance, and wisdom in leading a big organization with diverse and unique personalities. To my co-board members and officers for the support and oneness, the core of my PCP family.

To the secretariat for the tireless assistance support and being on call 24-7.

My almost 2 decades of serving the college, 2 years with accreditation, 8 years in the RTP, and 8 years in the board of regents is because I enjoy and take pride in being with PCP, and as my very close friend and patron advised, I quote, the Centennial Man: just glad to be of service.

I end with my favorite prayer;

Let your light shine through me Lord, I surrender to Your will. Mold and guide me to be a reflection of You and Your everlasting love. Let everything, I say and do honor You.

Thank you not only for Your countless blessings but for the challenges that draw me near You. Thank You for the hard moments when You gave me the strength to wait out in the storm. whatever storm comes to my life you are my rock and shelter. Thank you for the light that surrounds me and Your Love that never fails.

Maraming salamat po at Mabuhay ang Philippine College of Physicians!