14/08/2025
Day 1: LHMRH Seminar Workshop
The Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital (LHMRH) recently concluded a two-day seminar-workshop entitled “Safe Surgery: Enhancing Primary Surgical Services in the Rural Frontlines,” held on August 12–13, 2025 at the LHMRH Auditorium I.
This activity was organized as part of the hospital's monthlong celebration of DOH Hospital Week 2025 carrying the theme “HospitaL: A Healthy Workplace for All sa Bagong Pilipinas.” The initiative also aligns with the Department of Health’s Eight-Point Action Agenda Specifically Point No. 2: “Ligtas, Dekalidad, at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo,” by advocating for the delivery of safe, quality and compassionate healthcare services particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The seminar-workshop was spearheaded by DR. AL BRYNDON T. CASTILLO, OIC-Chief of Medical Professional Staff II and DR. ALLADIN BENIKING, Head of the Department of Surgery together with its subsections: the Section of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Orthopedics and Section of General Surgery. This activity is also in cooperation with the Philippine College of Surgeons-Cordillera Chapter and the Philippine Society of General Surgeons-North Luzon Chapter.
It was conducted with the full support of DR. EDUARDO B. CALPITO, Medical Center Chief II and in collaboration with key hospital departments including the Department of Anesthesia, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery Nursing Department, Emergency Department and the Public Health Unit – Health Promotion Section.
The event gathered participants from various health institutions across the region including the Paracelis District Hospital, Anastacia Sagel Memorial Hospital, Besao District Hospital, Barlig District Hospital, Bontoc General Hospital, St. Theodore of Tarsus Hospital, Northern Benguet District Hospital, Ilocos Sur District Hospital – Bessang Pass, as well as the Primary Care Facilities of Natonin, Barlig, Bontoc, Tadian and Sagada. Select staff and healthcare workers from LHMRH were also in attendance.
A key highlight of the day 1 was the presence of DR. VENUS LORRAINE B. DATUD, trauma surgeon from the Region 2 Trauma and Medical Center, who served as the guest speaker. She delivered a compelling lecture on “Surgical Assessment in the Emergency Department: Prioritizing Lifesaving Interventions,” emphasizing the importance of rapid assessment and decision-making in emergency trauma situations.
This was followed by a series of insightful lectures delivered by esteemed physicians,
• Dr. Nora C. Gerardo presented on “Emergency Airway Management and Chest Trauma Procedures,” focusing on critical first-line interventions essential in trauma care.
• Dr. Bennie Jayne P. Beswilin discussed “Recognizing Red Flags: Acute Abdomen and Surgical Sepsis,” highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and timely referral in surgical emergencies.
• Dr. Marybeth Tawagen delivered important talk on “Pain Control and Anesthesia Safety in Low-Resource Settings,”
In the afternoon, participants took part in simulation sessions and hands-on workshops, where they applied the techniques and protocols discussed in real-time scenarios. These practical exercises reinforced key learning objectives and encouraged collaborative, solution-oriented approaches among attendees.
