The Philippine Conference on Medical Physics 2025 (PCMP 2025), organized by the Society of Medical Physicists in the Republic of the Philippines (SMPRP), was successfully held on 05-06 June 2025, at the Diamond Hotel Manila. With the theme “Filipino Medical Physicists as Leaders in Enhancing Patient Care,” the conference brought together medical physicists, healthcare professionals, researchers, regulators, and industry partners to celebrate the profession’s expanding role in advancing patient safety, radiological standards, and innovation in healthcare. The two-day event served as a dynamic platform for highlighting emerging research, sharing best practices, and reinforcing the collective commitment of Filipino medical physicists to excellence in clinical service and public health.
The conference opened with an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Chai Hong Yeong, President of the Southeast Asian Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics (SEAFOMP), who underscored the global contributions of Filipino medical physicists in shaping professional standards, mentoring future leaders, and driving improvements in patient-centered radiological care. A highlight of the first day was the lecture of Prof. Adam M. Cunha from the University of California, San Francisco, who presented innovative advances in high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy and discussed strategies for translating cutting-edge technologies into practical applications, particularly in low-resource settings.
Regulatory perspectives were also prominently featured, with updates from Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla, Director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), and Dr. Valeriano Timbang of the Food and Drug Administration Center for Device Regulation, Radiation Health and Research (FDA-CDRRHR), who emphasized the importance of compliance, safety culture, and evolving regulatory frameworks in ensuring safe and effective radiological practices.
A defining milestone of PCMP 2025 was the roundtable discussion and ceremonial signing of the Joint Declaration on Patient Safety and Professional Ethics in Medical Radiological Practices. This landmark initiative convened key leaders and representatives, including Prof. Chai Hong Yeong (SEAFOMP President), Ramon Carlo L. Cruzpero (SMPRP President), Dr. James Delos Santos (Philippine College of Radiology President), Dr. Michele A. Duldulao-Ogbac (Philippine Society of Nuclear Medicine President), Dr. Maria Teresa Julieta U. Benedicto (Philippine Radiation Oncology Society President), Cesar P. Abundo (Philippine Association of Radiologic Technologists Treasurer), and John Michael Medina (Philippine Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologists President), alongside distinguished senior leaders and past presidents in the field. The Joint Declaration symbolized a unified, interdisciplinary commitment to strengthening patient safety standards, upholding the highest ethical principles, promoting responsible and evidence-based radiological practices, and fostering collaboration among medical physicists, physicians, technologists, and regulators. The ceremony underscored the shared recognition that leadership in medical physics extends beyond technical expertise and innovation, encompassing professional accountability, ethical stewardship, and a steadfast focus on patient welfare.
The second day of the conference featured parallel scientific and technical sessions, industry-led workshops, and in-depth discussions on MRI and CT quality assurance, nuclear medicine facility standards, and clinical best practices in radiological procedures. Prof. Cunha also provided further insights on bridging innovation with real-world clinical implementation. The event likewise hosted the SMPRP General Assembly and the leadership transition of the Philippine Board of Medical Physics (PBMP), honoring dedicated service while welcoming newly certified medical physicists into the profession. Research excellence was recognized through awards presented to outstanding presenters from institutions including UP Manila and PUP, highlighting the strength and vitality of local academic and clinical research.
The conference concluded with the announcement that the Philippines will host SEACOMP 2026, further affirming the country’s growing influence and leadership within the regional medical physics community. PCMP 2025 ultimately stood as a defining event that reinforced the unwavering dedication of Filipino medical physicists to excellence, innovation, ethical practice, and collaborative leadership—ensuring that every technological advancement in radiological science remains firmly anchored in the goal of improving patient outcomes. (ramcarcruz2026)
