DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco warmly welcomed to a meeting in the DOT Central Office on Thursday (April 10) the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) led by its President Dr. Josefina Isidro-Lapeña and World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) Iloilo Conference 2026 Chair Dr. Karin Estepa-Garcia.
The discussions centered on exploring potential areas of collaboration between the PAFP and the DOT in line with the upcoming WONCA Asia Pacific Regional Conference 2026, set to take place in Iloilo City from March 4 to 7, 2026, with the theme “Family Physicians: Gifted to Give, Hearts that Care for Persons, Family, and Community.
Secretary Frasco expressed the DOT’s full support for the event, as it closely aligns with the Department’s ongoing efforts in positioning the Philippines as a premier health and wellness tourism destination. Among the DOT initiatives she cited include projects such as the Filipino Brand of Wellness, expansion of DOT accreditation to hospitals, wellness centers, dental clinics, and other medical facilities, the soon-to-launch Medical Tourism Concierge and Lounge at NAIA, and Tourist First-Aid Facilities in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) in key destinations, among others.
The meeting also highlighted Iloilo City as a fitting venue—not just for its charm and safety, but as a Creative City for Gastronomy recognized by UNESCO. With the city’s tourism infrastructure, world-class convention facilities for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), and diverse tourism experiences, Secretary Frasco noted that the City is well-poised to host global conferences such as the WONCA 2026.
The PAFP team included Drs. Aileen Riel Espina, Limuel Anthony Abrogena, Cheridine Oro-Josef, Peter Julian Francisco, Mel Anthony Acuavera, and Kenneth Domasian.
Other DOT officials who joined Secretary Frasco in welcoming the PAFP team included Assistant Secretary Christine Joy Cari, Director Azucena Pallugna, Head Executive Assistant Frances Jan Villarino, together with Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines Representatives Sherdoll Bayona and Kyle Robles.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Department of Tourism – Philippines Facebook Page.
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