Davao PPATH Caravan
It was a hit! On its second national Caravan, PPATH made another milestone as it held another successful event at the King City of South known for its fresh durian and luscious pomelo, the city of Davao!
We started off with a free HIV 101 and testing and counselling at the hallway of Ateneo de Davao which was well received by the people of the University. Community Based organisations together with Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., took the lead in giving free lubes and condoms and counselling plus HIV testing as well to the audience.
In the afternoon, more than 50 students of Ateneo de Davao gathered and attended the first PPATH Research Colloquium, with the Theme: Pathways to Learning on Transgender and Gender Diverse Communities in the Philippines. Under the leadership of Dr. Gail Ilagan, one of PPATH’s active Board Members and former School Directress, she and her whole team from COPERS effortlessly took over the event and midwife everyone to each and every segment, from start to finish.
They started with a welcome remarks from Dr. Marie Joyce Tupas, Director of COPERS. This was followed by the introduction to PPATH which was led by its president Dr. Thaddeus Averilla.
PPATH was fortunate and blessed enough to have Prof. Hadji Balajadia to serve as the moderator for the whole afternoon. The title of the research materials are as follows: Out and Closeted Gay Men Memoirs of Resilience Amidst Anguish by Novie John Palarisan; Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Change Efforts and Experiences of Filipino Gay Clergy by Apollo Mari F. Bugay; Readiness Assessment of PLHIV Transition to TLD by Dr. Samuel H. Aquino.
After the break, the second batch of researchers took on the stage to present their works. The Rainbow Sheep Effect; A Thematic Analysis on the Narratives of Four transgender Individuals in Davao City by Raphael Joshua S. Santos; Ingon Ani Lang Man Gud Mi: Mga Kwento at Karanasan ng mga Trans Piany sa Lungsod ng Davao and Efficacy of Affirmative CBT Group Counselling for LGBTQ Youth having Suicidal Behaviour by Movie John Palarisan. In the end it was Malaya Lapina who bagged the best in research category.
Day 2 was another jam packed scenario for PPATH. It was held at the Crystal Ball Function room of Hotel Pinnacle. Townhall meeting has beed a staple closing event during PPATH’s Caravan. The moderator was none other than the Yanyan Arana, PPATH’s PRO Officer. One of the highlights of the second day was the presentation on Non - Genital Gender Affirming Surgery by Dr. Berry Berina, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery - Southern Philippines Medical Center and Faculty – Department of Surgery, Davao Medical School Foundation. Questions from the audience were like popcorn spilling all over, but Dr. Berina gracefully accommodated al of the questions together with Dr. Averilla.
The culmination of the Caravan was led by Dr. Loyd Norella, HIV Program Manager of Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., as he turnover the brand new Isuzu Travis to Dr. Joradana Jing Ramiterre, Head and Physician of the reproductive health and wellness Centre of the Davao City Health Office and one of the chosen sites of PPATH for its GAHT Study.
PPATH goes to Bangkok!
As PPATH continue to grow, part of its main strategy is to further expand its network, partnerships and competency and capacity building training among its staff and officers. This is still aligned with one of its pillars and that is to improve the kind of services it will provide for the stakeholders, particularly for the trans community members.
On October 16, 2023, PPATH had its first visit in one of the successful trans-led organization that supports and advocates for the rights for trans and gender diverse people in Asia and Pacific, the Asia Pacific Transgender Network. There we met with the organization’s Program Managers, Ms. Niche Rongram and Ms. Marli- Gutierez Patterson, and we immediately had our connection.
A capacity building training followed this on the second day about Transgender Competent Care by Tangerine Academy, which was held at the Tangerine Clinic and Institute for HIV research, and Innovation. It was an intensive training workshop that took three days to accomplish. The team learned so much from the facilitators and there were even moments of epiphany in terms of how to better serve the trans community.
On its last day, the team visited the Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health (APCOM) Foundation, a non – profit organization representing and working with a network of individuals and community – based organizations across 35 countries in Asia and the Pacific. It intends to improve the health and rights of gay men, other men who have sex with men and SOGIESC, people across Asia and the Pacific.
The First Annual PATH (Pathway to Accessible transgender Healthcare)
PPATH celebrated its first year as duly recognised organisation last October 1, 2023 at B Hotel, Quezon City. The celebration also served as a promotional event in its continuing growth and expansion in the field of Transgender Healthcare. This is still congruent to PPATH’s pillars, which is to Promote the overall well-being, sexual and reproductive health, and rights of Transgender and Gender Diverse Communities with a focus on sustainable access to ethical, quality, and multi-disciplinary Transgender health interventions.
During its first day, medical practitioners and healthcare providers swarmed the Intramuros Hall to attend the scientific program. Everyone was taken in by Dr. Thaddeus Averlla with his welcoming message. This was immediately followed by our keynote speaker who is none other than Professor Michael L. Tan, Phd, Professor Emeritus, University of the Philippines. As an anthropologist, he highlighted the evolutionary trend that the community is experiencing and the seemingly polarising condition of the Transhealth Care in our country. His presentation was culminated with him becoming an official honorary member of PPATH.
The program proceeded with the discussion of the latest trend in Gender Affirming Therapy which was discussed and presented by one of the leading experts of our country Dr. Lizette Lopez, the head of Center for Gender Health and Wellness, Medical City. This was followed by Dr. Alvin M. Jorge, General and Cosmetic Surgeon at Cosmedics A Dermaster Clinic, with his topic on Genital Affirming Surgery.
After lunch, we started the afternoon with an opening salvo on Gender Dysphoria by Dr. Joey Jegonia, a forensic Psychologist and one of the active Board Members of PPATH. This was followed by Dr. Beri Berina with her detailed presentation on Non- Genital Feminizing/ Musculinizing Surgery. The heart of the scientific program almost ended with a culminating presentation of Dr. May Ann Joy Aguadera, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Medical Doctors Hospital, on the topic about Psychosocial transitioning. This was graced by testimonials from three strong Advocates - Ms. Jaya Laud of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Ms. Basha Cancillar of Loveyourself and Jabar Esmael, PPATHCoordinator.
During the induction of the members, everyone in the room were asked to state their pledges as a way to express their commitment in being a member of PPATH, upholding its vision and mission towards the betterment of the Transgender Healthcare services in our country. The program was formally adjourned by Dr. Gail Ilagan, Board of Member of PPATH with a message of hope and resilience towards a better future for the Trans Community. Our moderators for the day were Dr. Dean Reyes, PPATH member and Dr. JD Migs Dela Cruz, Secretary of PPATH and Primary Healthcare Physician of Loveyourself.
PPATH first CARAVAN goes to ILOILO!
PPATH Caravan in Iloilo was the introduction of PPATH to stakeholders in Visayas Area and strategically plans for the implementation of the GAC study. Its main objective was the promotion of PPATH in the Visayas area, which also aimed to align its operation for the GAHC protocol in the Visayas region and have its second Strategic planning for the year. It also provided Transhealth Capacity Building activity/ Topic through workshops and town hall session.
The PPATH Caravan was a jumpstart activity for the upcoming GAHC protocol implementation this third quarter of the year. This is supported by one of PPATH’s pillars, and that is to Promote the overall well-being, sexual and reproductive health, and rights of Transgender and Gender Diverse Communities with a focus on sustainable access to ethical, quality, and multi-disciplinary Transgender health interventions.
During the workshop, there were around 20 medical practitioners in the morning session and more than 30 CBOs and NGOs in the afternoon session. They are now part of the core group of front liners that will support the community through the GAC study. They have signed up for PPATH membership as well which help PPATH expand its territory in the area.
The second day of the event was a packed day as well. It was an opportunity also for the Board Members and officers of PPATH to come together after their last strategic planning 3 months ago to revisit their pillars and accomplishments over the past quarters.
Advanced PrEP Diploma Course 2023!
Working hand-in-hand, the Manila Doctors hospital, National University Singapore and Philippine Society of Venereology, just conducted a two-day workshop on HIV/STI and Advanced PrEP Diploma Course held at the Manila Doctors Hospital, July 6 to 7, 2023.
This two-day workshop was mainly divided into to major topics, Day one concentrated on the Advanced HIV PrEP Workshop Overview while Day 2 focused on Sexually Transmitted Infections, where Dr. Ame Lopez of PPATH took the lead in facilitating the 2pm session entitled Overview of Transgender Health, alongside with one of the steering committee of PPATH, Dr. Mary Ann Joy Aguadera, whose main topic delved on the Updates on Mental Health, HIV and Suicide in the Philippines.
In her presentation, Dr. Ame Lopez took off her discussions with having a clear understanding of SOGIESC 101. Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics. This is still something that both the community and the healthcare provider sectors need to equip themselves in order to align the entire Transgender healthcare into one.
In the end, Dr. Ame Lopez once again made it clear that some of the challenges our Transgender healthcare providers are facing right now is the off-label use of medications and the availability of medications for GHAT (Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy).
PPATH at the National Treatment Hub Conference!
The theme of this year’s National Treatment Hub Conference was ACTIVE 2023
ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON THE TREATMENT OF THE HIV EPIDEMIC. It was held at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Quezon City last July 4, 2023. This was a collaboration with Pilipinas Shell Foundation and the Department of Health.
There were roughly 300 participants all over the country, both government and non-government agencies, which took time and effort to attend the much awaited face to face conference for the year 2023. Back in 2019, there were around 140 plus treatment hubs at that time. Today there are more than 200 treatment hubs all over the country, which goes to say that the Healthcare provider sector is doing its part to address the ballooning needs of the PLHIV community.
The event was a two-day conference. On its second day, one of the highlights of the conference was the presentation of Dr. Ame Lopez, Vice President of PPATH. Her talk delved on the Integration of HIV and Transgender Healthcare Services.
The focus of her presentation was HIV and Transgender Healthcare, Healthcare Basic System Requirements and transgender Healthcare Challenges in the Philippines. Under the Transgender Healthcare, Dr. Ame made mention of the four major interventions that need to be addressed in order to establish a more expanded healthcare provision for the community. These are: Primary Healthcare for TGDs which include primarily the Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy; Mental Health Consultations and referrals; Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender Affirming Care.
She concluded her narrative with highlighting some of the challenges to comprehensive transgender care. She mentioned that the limited medical specialty training programs in the Philippine Medical community and the availability for GAHT (Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy) are some of the main concerns that the community is facing. She also cited that the off-label use of medications plus the lack of local clinical practice guidelines from medical specialty societies adds to the entire bottlenecks that the Transgender Healthcare is experiencing right now.
“Sa kalusugan pangkalahatan, walang maiiwan.” This was her concluding quote.
PPATH at PCP 2023!
In its 53rd Annual Convention, the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) celebrated their gathering 70th anniversary at the PICC with over seven thousand participants under one roof.
In its 53d Annual Convention, the Philippine College of PhysiciansThis year’s theme was PCP: Passion, Constancy of purpose , Prudence in Internal Medicine wherein Scientific Committee prepared an exciting array of lectures for members to have fruitful learning interactions. This was made mentioned by the overall Chair and President Dr Rontgene Solante, that for three years of doing virtual conferences, he hoped to take this opportunity to come and learn with PCP as they celebrate our platinum year, to which they did.
The event started May 7 and culminated on May 19, 2023. It was a three day event of learning, with a pre-congress activities to commence the celebration. It also highlighted the keynote, plenary lectures, and e-poster presentations with academic and Industrial scientific sessions.
PSFI PPATH in partnership with Loveyourself sponsored two symposium. The first was entitled Implication to Physicians in Private and P{ublic Settings of the UHC and DOH Adoption of the Life Stage Approach. this was headed by Dr. Jose Belimac, he is the OIC- Director Disease Prevention and Control Bureau DOH. It was packed room full of medical practitioners who actively participated in the session.
Late in the afternoon, the second symposium was headed by an international speaker, Dr. Alex Keuroghlian, MD MPH, Director of the Division of Education and training , The Fenway Institute , Boston USA. In his presentation, GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE FOR TRANSGENDER AND GENDER DIVERSE, he focused on the trending issue about SOGIE and how medical practitioners should address the concerns of these focused group. He also made mention of the current trend and ethical concerns regarding the gender affirming hormone therapy and how it must be cascaded to the public.
Towards the third day of the event, the membership of PPATH jump to almost a hundred , close to doubling its membership for the past 6 months since it was launch. Having said that, more promising activities and initiatives awaits the community as PPATH continue to expand its vision and officers and committee to further stretch its comprehensive services to the Trans community.
Milestone after milestone! PPATH was awarded as QUILTS Special Recognition for Transgender Health
Another milestone was set by PPATH on Monday May 22, 2023 in Antipolo City during this year’s Epic QUILT Awards where various health facilities gathered from different parts of the country to commemorate the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and recognise the exceeding excellent effort of the various Health Facilities in providing services for the community in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the country.
Over 250 participants were present during the event, both government and non government agencies were there to highlight some of the breakthroughs in the fight against HIV and to also make mention of the still increasing number of HIV cases in the country.
On its six month old from the time PPATH was launch, less than a month form the time it was registered under SEC, we are proud to share this award to you as "QUILTS Special Recognition for Transgender Health: Philippine Professional Association for Transgender Health”, a symbolic way of affirming and validating of the effort of all the officers, steering committee and the whole Trans Community under the leadership of Dr. Lloyd Norella, HIV Program Manager of Pilipinas Shell Foundation PROTECTS in partnership with Loveyourself.
Some of the other awards and recognition given during the event are can be browsed here (https://interaksyon.philstar.com/tag/2023-philippine-quilts-awards/)
It’s Official!
What a way to start the second quarter of the year with a good news! Getting to this stage is indeed a very challenging one. But it was all worth it. The Philippine Professional Transgender Association or PPATH Inc. is now officially registered!
On March 29, 2023, PPATH Inc. was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission with company registration number 2023030090718-95. This now gives the organisation the green light to be fully operational and thus, allows it to wholly implement its programs and activities dedicated for improving the Health system for the Transgender community and to gain better and more sophisticated way of accessing it.
Prior to the launch of the organisation, PPATH has been collaborating with Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. and The Loveyourself Inc. As of today, the organisation have already over 60 members who signed up online to support the vision and mission of the said institution.
in the recent online seminar of Dr. Sherri Ann Sulpido MD, one of the pressing challenges that Trans individual are experiencing in the country is the kind of stigma and discrimination. Add to this also is the lack of understanding and education with regard to the psychological and physical state of the Trans people. This then results to limited access on proper healthcare system for the trans community.
According to WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health), oftentimes, for fear of being disrespected or discriminated in the clinic, the transgender fails to seek health care. And so therefore, providing a safe, welcoming and culturally - appropriate environment in the clinic is essential to ensure that the clientele , especially the sexual and gender minorities (SGM), seek care when indicated and that the physicians will be able to care for them with compassion and competence. Also, apart from medical cared to organic pathologies, the sexual and gender minorities have the right to wholistic health care.
With the goal of aligning the vision and mission of PPATH to the intentions and objectives of WPATH and ASIAPATH, a lot of new possibilities awaits for the future of the Trans community. Thus, there is a growing commitment in public health to understand and improve the health and well-being of the SGM community.
Awareness on Gender, Non - Binary and Trans Healthcare
-Dr. Sherri Ann Sulpido, MD, FPOGS, FPSMFM, FPSUOG
March 6, 2023, Dr. Sherri Ann Sulpido MD of the University of the Philippines and FPOGS conducted a webinar on “Awareness on Gender Non-Binary and Trans Healthcare.
In this webinar, participants from different parts of the region gathered to listen to the current trend and updates on the situation of sexual and gender minorities here in our country. She started her presentation with an introduction of Sexual and Gender minority definition. In her presentation, Sexual and Gender Minorities refers to a group of people whose sexual orientation, identity, or reproductive development differs from traditional, societal, cultural, or physiological norms. They are are often victims of stigma and discrimination. Morover, there is a growing commitment in public health to understand and improve the health and well-being of the SGM community.
In 2019, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has expanded the definition of SGM to include individuals experiencing health disparities that are not as studied as much as the other minorities. Epidemilogic data also shows a lack in health surveillance and population-based studies on this group.
In the Philippines, 11% of sexually active Filipinos aged 15-24 years old had sex with same-sex partner, 87% of which were from men having sex with men. And only 15% of sexually active men had engaged with sexual acts with men while 4% of women had them with fellow women (Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey (YAFS) Nationwide youth survey of the University of the Philippines Population Institute and the Demographic Research and Development Foundation).
Morover, Same-sex prevalence was high in the Visayas regions with 17% in Central Visayas and 13% in Eastern and Western Visayas and 14% in Northern Mindanao. Currently no accurate statistics on the transgender population in our country.
Having all of these data, Dr. Suplido exhorted everyone to It is important for obstetrician gynecologists and other health care professionals to be familiar with appropriate terminology when caring for SGM patients. She also explored and touch the topic SOGIE ( Sexual Orientation Gender aIdentity Expression) to give further light on the diversity and at the same time inclusiveness in terms of the approach that Health Care practitioners must practice.
”…the expression of gender characteristics, including identities, that are not stereotypically associated with one’s assigned sex at birth is a common and culturally diverse human phenomenon [that] should not be judged as inherently pathological or negative..” - WPATH.
Equal right for all is the commonly used slogan of the community . And it is indeed true and still relevant due to the fact that social and economic of trans indiciduals is widespread , which leads to helathcare inequities and pooer health outcomes for this population.
In the end, Dr Suplido encouraged everyone to practice complete care for this population and that in order to reduce the inequities experienced by the trans community, we have to provide inclusive health care. Also, Obstetrician–gynecologists should strive to make their clinics open to and inclusive for all individuals and should seek out education to address health care disparities.
Source: Manila Doctors Hospital; The H.U.B (HIV Undetectable Being); Treatment Care and Support for Filipinos Living with HIV/AIDS
