CRMC Palliative and Hospice Care Unit

15/02/2026

Today, we observe International Childhood Cancer Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness about cancer among children and adolescents worldwide.

Childhood cancer is one of the leading causes of disease-related death among children. Every year, hundreds of thousands of young lives are affected. While the journey is challenging, early detection, timely treatment, and access to quality healthcare can greatly improve survival rates.

Recognizing the warning signs — such as persistent fever, unusual lumps, frequent bruising, bone pain, extreme fatigue, or sudden weight loss — can make a life-saving difference.

Together, we can support affected children and their families, promote early screening, advocate for equal access to treatment, and spread awareness in our communities.

Every child deserves hope, healing, and a chance to grow. 💛🎗

05/02/2026

Today, the Palliative & Hospice Care Unit and Pediatrics Team gathered with the parents of a 17-year-old patient bravely battling Bone Cancer for an End-Of-Life Family Meeting.

The discussion was led by Dr. Samantha Ann Samanodi, PHCU Medical Coordinator, together with Dr. Sharma Makalingkang, PHCU Rotator, and the Pediatrics Team represented by Dr. Balucas and Dr. Godoy (Pediatrics Rotator), with the participation of PGI Mohammad and Palliative Nurse Manabilang.

Dr. Samantha emphasized focusing on the quality of the patient’s remaining life and creating meaningful opportunities for families to share farewell messages — “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I forgive you. Thank you. I love you. Goodbye.”

Dr. Balucas discussed the final plans of care, while Dr. Sharma guided the family through home care planning and the Palliative Team’s support in ensuring comfort and continuity of care at home.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Bai Samira Singgon, Chairman of Pediatrics, for her support in collaborative patient-centered care.

Moments like these remind us that medicine is not only about treatment, but also about compassion, dignity, and presence during life’s most vulnerable stages.

04/02/2026

Today is World Cancer Day 2026 with the theme “United by Unique.”

Cancer happens when cells in the body grow abnormally and form tumors or spread to other parts of the body. It can affect anyone, but some cancers can be prevented or treated successfully if detected early.

Simple steps like avoiding smoking, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, getting recommended screenings, and consulting a doctor when unusual symptoms appear can help lower cancer risk.

Every cancer journey is unique, but together we can support awareness, prevention, and care for those affected. 🎗️

30/01/2026

Strengthening care beyond cure 💚

Yesterday’s PHCU Grand Rounds is a space for learning, collaboration, and shared commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.

Led by PHCU Unit Head Dr. Agnes Bausa-Claudio, together with our consultant physicians Dr. Juan Carlo Luna, Dr. Marianna Ramona S. Sioson, Dr. Maylilene B. Fuentes, and Dr. Rhea Angelica Pobre-Jayma, Unit Head of the National Children’s Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

Joined by our DFCM residents, PHCU nurses, and Child Life Coordinator, we continue to work together to improve quality of life for our patients and their families.

30/01/2026

🏥 Advancing Compassion: Strengthening Pediatric Palliative Care at CRMC

We are proud to share the success of our recent Pediatric Palliative Care Workshop and Child Life Service Presentation, held on January 29, 2026, at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center.

We were privileged to have Dr. Rhea Angelica Pobre-Jayma, DFM, PSHPM, Unit Head of Palliative Care Unit of the National Children's Hospital as our Resource Speaker. Dr. Jayma provided a masterclass on the nuances of Pediatric Palliative Care, emphasizing that it is not just about end-of-life care, but about improving the quality of life for children facing serious illnesses and providing a support system for their families. Her expertise reminded us that in pediatrics, "to cure sometimes, to relieve often, and to comfort always" is a mission we must carry every day.

The session was further enriched by a moving presentation from our very own CRMC Child Life Coordinator, Ms. Solanie Razo. Ms. Razo shared her invaluable experiences on the ground, illustrating how Child Life Services transform the hospital experience for children. Through play, preparation, and emotional support, she showed us how we can minimize the fear and anxiety often associated with medical environments, ensuring that kids can still be kids, even while healing.

This workshop, organized by the Department of Family and Community Medicine and the Palliative and Hospice Care Unit, serves as a testament to CRMC's commitment to holistic healthcare. By integrating specialized palliative care with child life services, we are ensuring that our youngest patients receive care that is not only medically excellent but also deeply empathetic.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our speakers, the organizers led by Dr. Agnes Bausa-Claudio, Dr. Juan Carlo Luna, Dr. Marianna Ramona Sy-Quia Sioson, Dr. Maylilene Fuentes, Dr. Samantha Ann Singh-Samanodi and Ms. Regine Talaver for making this vision a reality.

Together, we continue to build a healthcare environment where every child feels seen, heard, and cared for.

30/01/2026

Big congratulations to Dr. Ishmael R. Dimaren for receiving the 2025 Presidential Gawad Lingkod Bayan Award at Malacañang Palace! 🇵🇭

The Palliative and Hospice Care Unit team is beyond proud of your outstanding contributions to the medical community and the nation. A true honor well-earned!

Service with integrity. Leadership with heart. 🇵🇭

Congratulations to 𝐃𝐫. 𝐈𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐑. 𝐃𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑮𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒅 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒐𝒅 𝑩𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒆, for his outstanding contributions to public service and nation-building.

With all grateful hearts, warmest greetings from the 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 – 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞.

A true honor to the medical community and the Filipino people. 💛

30/01/2026

Wednesday’s visit from the CRMC Palliative & Hospice Care Unit highlighted our dedication to compassionate, continuous care. This was our second visit with one of our patients, who we have been following through multiple teleconsultations. The patient was reassessed for ongoing care coordination and potential hospital admission.

Guided by Dr. Samantha, the Medical Coordinator, and Dr. Michael as the PHCU Rotator, our team—which included Nurse Regine, Nurse Biya, Dietitian Melvin, and Social Worker—extended their support beyond the patient.

Nurse Regine assessed the caregiver of the patient, ensuring comprehensive support for the entire family. Dr. Samantha encouraged the patient's family to consider hospital admission for better care and provided vitamins and medications to the patient’s 1-year-old nephew, who is dealing with urticaria, emphasizing our family-centered approach.

“In palliative care, true healing encompasses more than just addressing illness; it involves offering compassion to both patients and their families.”

16/01/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐃𝐫. Mi Mai! 💐💚

Warmest congratulations on passing the 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 & 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞. This achievement reflects your dedication to excellence, service, and lifelong learning.

Your PHCU family celebrates this milestone with you. May this new chapter open even more opportunities to serve, lead, and make a lasting difference. ✨

08/01/2026

Happy Birthday to our Nurse Supervisor, Maam Malou! Wishing you good health, success in your work, and a pleasant year ahead. 🥳🎉🎂

07/01/2026

Today’s home care visit by the CRMC Palliative & Hospice Care Unit reflected our commitment to compassionate, continuous care. One patient, followed through multiple visits, was reassessed with ongoing care coordination, including facilitation of operating room scheduling. Another patient was seen for the first time since hospital discharge, with clinical evaluation and prescription refills completed. Led by Dr. Samantha as Medical Coordinator, together with Dr. Michael as the PHCU Rotator, Nurse Regine, Nurse Me-Allysza, Dietitian Melvin, and Social Worker Amierah, the team also extended care beyond the patient—Dr. Samantha assessed the patient’s 1-year-old nephew with urticaria, reinforcing our family-centered approach.

“In palliative care, healing is not only about treating illness, but about showing up with compassion—for patients and the families who love them.”

25/12/2025

Warmest Christmas greetings from the PHCU family. Wishing you a season filled with love, healing, and hope. 🎄🎉🎁🥳🎅

25/12/2025

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!🎄✨

aaaaaaand a big Happy Birthday to Sir Isiah! Wishing you a year filled with happiness, accomplishments, and cherished memories! Cheers to you! 🥳