PCAHO is a dynamic, professional, and internationally recognized organization for accrediting healthcare institutions. Executive Committee
President: Dr. Ricardo Costes
Vice President for Administration and Finance: Dr. Roger Tong-an
Vice President for Regulation: Dr. Marilyn Yap
Secretary: Dr. Vivien Fe Camacho
PRO: Dr. Ian Kenneth Bermeo
Auditor: Eng. Norgerto Abella
In 1995, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded a project as a grant in aid to the Department of Health for the purpose of strengthening licensing and regulation of hospitals in the Philippines. The project was awarded to EPOS, an international consulting firm based in Germany whose counterpart in the Philippines for the project was PRIMEX. The team made field visits, interviewed stakeholders, and analyzed existing hospital licensing regulations, needs, strengths and weaknesses. In September 1997, the team submitted their findings. They reviewed hospital licensure and concluded that licensure was not sufficient to ensure quality and safety in hospital services and recommended the establishment of an accreditation scheme for quality care in hospitals and offered options in their report. The team presented the report which included recommended options to the various stakeholders. The stakeholders chose the option that an independent non-governmental accrediting body be created and committed to support this body. This accrediting body would have as members the government and private organizations concerned with health and organizations of healthcare professionals, facilities, and other concerned organizations to be spearheaded by the Department of Health. A task force headed and chaired by Director Atty. Lutero III of the Bureau of LIcensing and Regulations (BLR) held meetings with the stakeholders. Soon after, during a subsequent meeting at DOH, PCAHO was established on April 3, 1999.
