Congratulations, Governor Doktora Helen Tan!
33rd Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial Award
Government Service Category
Hon. Dr. Angelina De Luna Tan
“The recipient of the 33rd Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial Award for Government Service is a physician who embodies the essence of service and commitment to her community and the nation. True to the spirit and legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal, who was not only a proficient physician but also an eminent polymath excelling in diverse fields, she has shown through her years of service exemplary dedication, innovation, and compassion.
Her contributions encompass nationwide initiatives, utilizing public service to extend the reach of medicine towards health access for all. As a public servant, she has applied her knowledge of health and the human condition to impact not only individual patients but also society at large. She has been instrumental in championing key health issues that have elevated the discourse around the medical field to the national level, and her various pursuits as a public servant and doctor exemplify a well-rounded, multi-faceted nature.
She has also exhibited a positive influence on local health systems by orchestrating networks of health facilities to provide patient-centered care. As a physician, she has a deep appreciation for the intricacies of healthcare and utilizes this knowledge in developing and implementing policies that improve health outcomes. Through her efforts, her organization stands as a beacon of progress and innovation in healthcare, serving as a pioneer and model of Universal Health Care. She has excelled in collaboration and mobilizing resources, ensuring that direct patient care remains a priority, with a particular focus on serving those most in need.
Utilizing extensive research and key collaboration with stakeholders, she has authored transformative bills that have reshaped the healthcare landscape. From ensuring mandatory PhilHealth coverage for senior citizens and persons with disabilities to championing key legislations such as the Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Plan Act, the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, and the landmark Universal Health Care Act, her legislative contributions have left an indelible mark on the nation’s health system.
Beyond her accomplishments in governance, she epitomizes versatility and passion in her pursuits. From her endeavors as an entrepreneur, improving the lives of local farmers, to her patronage of local culture and arts, she displays a commitment to also address Social Determinants of Health, thus ensuring a holistic approach to community well-being. Her multifaceted contributions to society reflect the spirit of Jose Rizal himself—dedicated to the holistic advancement of the Filipino people.
She has approached her duty as a physician with purpose and dedication, applying her knowledge and skills towards addressing both individual and societal illnesses through far-reaching interventions that will continue to provide a positive impact on communities for years to come.
Board of Judges:
Kenneth G. Ronquillo,MD
Chair
Eleanor B. Almoro, MD
Member
Israel Francis A. Pargas, MD
Member”
SOURCE: Philippine Medical Association