BICUTAN, TAGUIG, PHILIPPINES – In a significant stride towards bolstering healthcare accessibility for vulnerable communities, the Physicians for Peace Philippines (PFPP) has once again been recognized as a Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-certified Science Foundation. This renewed certification underscores the organization’s unwavering dedication to delivering evidence-based, inclusive healthcare and rehabilitation services across the nation.
The official certificate of recognition was presented at the DOST office by USEC Sancho Mabborang to Dr. Penny Bundoc, Chair and President of Physicians for Peace Philippines, alongside Ms. Lyne Abanilla, Chief Operating Officer of PFPP. This formal presentation marks not just a bureaucratic milestone, but a reaffirmation of the strong partnership between the scientific community and on-the-ground healthcare providers. The discussions that followed the ceremony hinted at an even deeper collaboration, particularly with a focus on expanding PFPP’s impactful work into the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a region facing significant healthcare disparities.
For years, PFPP has been a beacon of hope for marginalized populations, including persons with disabilities, women, and children. Their flagship program, aptly named “Enhancing Access to Health and Rehabilitation Services through Evidence-based Service Delivery and Community Empowerment,” embodies their holistic approach. By collaborating closely with the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), local government units (LGUs), and various institutional partners, PFPP has touched the lives of over 10,000 individuals nationwide. Their interventions range from providing life-altering prosthetics and critical burn care to conducting vital vision screenings and offering comprehensive multi-specialty clinics.
The heart of PFPP’s work lies not only in direct service but also in its innovative use of technology to break down barriers to healthcare. Tools like the POWER Mobile Van, a mobile clinic bringing essential services directly to communities, and the POWER App, likely facilitating patient management and data collection, exemplify their commitment to leveraging scientific advancements for tangible impact. Furthermore, their dedication extends beyond immediate care, with research and policy advocacy playing crucial roles in driving systemic change within the Philippine rehabilitation landscape.
Looking ahead to the period of 2025–2028, PFPP is poised to amplify its efforts, anchoring its strategies in evidence-based practices, community-driven initiatives, and technology-enabled solutions. The renewed DOST certification opens doors for even greater collaboration in crucial areas such as research, capacity-building for local healthcare professionals, and the wider rollout of impactful programs, especially in high-need areas like BARMM.
This achievement stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of multi-sectoral partnerships. By seamlessly integrating scientific rigor with compassionate service delivery, PFPP, with the support of DOST and other stakeholders, is actively shaping a more inclusive and resilient health system for all Filipinos, leaving a tangible mark of hope and healing in communities that need it most.
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