BMC IPCU / HESU

30/05/2026

As part of the celebration of International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) 2026, we also extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the HIV Awareness Lecture conducted last May 25 in the Medical and OB Wards.

Thank you to our healthcare workers, staff, and participants for taking part in this important conversation. Through education, understanding, and compassion, we continue to strengthen our commitment to spreading awareness, promoting HIV prevention, and ending stigma and discrimination.

Together, let us keep the spirit of “Peer Magic: The Power of Connection, Care, and Lived Experiences” alive by fostering a community built on knowledge, empathy, and hope.

Spread awareness. End stigma. Support one another. ❤️

30/05/2026

IN PHOTOS | 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗖𝗬. 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿. 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. 𝗔𝗰𝘁. 🎗️✨

Last May 28, 2026, the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) D***S Unit, in collaboration with the Naga City Social Hygiene Clinic, proudly hosted the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗜𝗗𝗦 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 at the Robinsons Naga Activity Center.

Our community came together in solidarity to remember the beautiful lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses, support people living with HIV, and honor the unwavering dedication of our advocates.

Throughout the event, one powerful local message resonated deeply: "𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀."

The afternoon was filled with empowering and insightful discussions led by dedicated health experts, namely:

👉 Dr. Jennette P. Ruin (Medical Officer III, City Health Office of Naga City) opened the program with a warm welcome address.

👉 Mx. Rob Mortel (Vice-Chair of the Board, Youth Lead Asia Pacific) provided a crucial foundation with "HIV Today: Understanding the Basics, Prevention and Care."

👉 Mr. Jomari De Lima (BMC Medical Social Worker & Thrive Circle Group Focal Person) emphasized holistic well-being in "Mind Matters: Mental Health and Living with HIV."

👉 Dr. Cherry Pinky M. Budao (Medical Specialist II & Vice-Chairman, D***S Unit) concluded the sessions by empowering the audience with the science behind U=U (Undetectable equals Untransmittable).

After a moving video presentation of personal journeys aimed at breaking barriers and ending stigma, attendees shared a solemn moment of reflection during the Candlelight Memorial.

Candles were lit as a symbol of shared hope and a commitment to care, accompanied by a touching tribute and poem from Ms. Stephanie Lee Mira (HIV Coordinator, PHO Camarines Sur).

The gathering wrapped up with closing remarks from Naga City Councilor Hon. Jefson Romeo R. Felix.

This community milestone was made possible by the incredible support of the BMC community under the leadership of Dr. Ronnie Gregorio B. Gigantone III Medical Center Chief II, the City Government of Naga, led by Mayor Maria Leonor G. Robredo, and the DOH CHD Bicol.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to our invaluable partners:
🟢 BMC Infection Prevention and Control Unit
🟢 BMC Public Health Unit
🟢 BMC Medical Social Service
🟢 BMC EREID Center/IDTM Center
🟢 Gentlemen Bicol for SRHR Inc.
🟢 Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.
🟢 Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines Inc.

Together, let's continue to light the way, break the stigma, and transform lives through care.

📸 Lew Vergel Beriña

30/05/2026

09/05/2026

Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and can occasionally spread to people.

Here’s what you need to know: what they are, how they spread, the symptoms, and how to prevent infection. 🔗 bit.ly/4wgAha0

08/05/2026

🤔 May tama bang paraan sa paghuhugas ng kamay? Gaano nga ba ka-epektibo ang pag-gamit ng sabon at tubig at ng alcohol sa ating handwashing?

Sabay-sabay nating tuklasin ang mga sagot sa isang makabuluhang diskusyon para sa 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙃𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙮𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙮 2026: 𝙎𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙃𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨. 🤲✨

Kasama ang mga Infectious Disease Specialists ng Bicol Medical Center na sina 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗻̃𝗼𝗹𝗮, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗼, at 𝗗𝗿. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗻 sa programang 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗮 𝗞𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘆: 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝘁𝗮𝘀 𝗕𝘂𝗵𝗮𝘆.

Kasama rin ang ating mga hosts na sina 𝗟𝗶𝗲𝘇𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻̃𝗶𝗴𝗼, 𝗥𝗡 at 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗼, 𝗥𝗡.

🔴 LIVE sa ating Official page ngayong 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘀, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, 𝟭𝟬:𝟯𝟬 𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗮.

23/04/2026

Warmest congratulations to our IPC Unit Head, Dr. Joey, on his appointment as the new Chief of Medical Professional Staff II of Bicol Medical Center. We are incredibly proud of this well-deserved milestone and look forward to his continued leadership in this new capacity.

Warmest congratulations to 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗧. 𝗥𝗮𝗻̃𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗜𝗜𝗜, 𝗠𝗗, 𝗙𝗣𝗖𝗣, on your appointment as the 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 (𝗖𝗠𝗣𝗦 𝗜𝗜) 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿!

Your exemplary leadership as an Infectious Disease specialist—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—remains a true inspiration to the Bicolano community. Your roles as Chair of D***S and the IPC Unit, as well as Head of the Specialty Centers, reflect strong clinical expertise and effective, hands-on leadership in advancing patient care systems.

With your appointment, we are confident that your visionary direction will further strengthen medical services and elevate standards of care across the region. Wishing you continued success in this well-deserved role.

Congratulations, Dr. Joey! 👏✨

31/03/2026

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our Medical Center Chief II, Dr. Ronnie Gregorio Gigantone III! 🎊

Happy Birthday, Chief! May you have the happiest of birthdays! 🥳

23/12/2025

𝐁𝐌𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐀𝐌𝐑)

BMC recently observed the 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗔𝗠𝗥) 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 from November 19-27, 2025. This institutional initiative focused on educating healthcare personnel, patients, and the general public on the responsible use of antimicrobials—specifically antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals.

This vital effort is a key step in preventing the spread of drug-resistant infections and safeguarding the health of our Bicolano community.

Informative exhibits in the 8-Storey and Gabaldon Buildings showcased infographics and multimedia resources on antimicrobial safety. Alongside these displays, health education sessions were held, providing patients and their visitors with practical guidance on the proper use of medications.

The week culminated on November 27, 2025, with a CPD-accredited webinar titled “Building Defenses: The Multidisciplinary Effort to Control Antimicrobial Resistance.” Attended by both clinical and non-clinical personnel, the session featured insights from a distinguished panel of experts:

🛡️ 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗧. 𝗥𝗮𝗻̃𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗜𝗜𝗜 (Superbugs vs. Our Safety Net: Why Antimicrobial Resistance is Personal for Everyone)
🛡️ 𝗗𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘆 𝗠. 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗼 (System-Wide Protection: Embedding Infection Prevention and Control Practices into Every Workflow)
🛡️ 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠. 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀, 𝗥𝗠𝗧 (The Role of Diagnostics: Laboratory Insights in the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance)
🛡️ 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗕. 𝗥𝗼𝗾𝘂𝗲, 𝗥𝗣𝗵 (The Rx-Factor: Making Every Antimicrobial Decision Count)

This successful initiative is made possible through the collaboration between the Infection Prevention and Control Unit (IPCU) in partnership with IMISS, the Pharmacy and Microbiology Sections, and the Professional Education, Training, and Research Units (PETRU) and Nursing PETRU.

23/12/2025

🌱 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝑴𝑪 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒑 – 2025

We are proud to celebrate the success of the BMC Thrive Support Group in 2025, an initiative made possible through the dedication of the Medical Social Worker Department in partnership with HACT Unit.

Throughout the year, the support group has provided a supportive and empowering space for participants to connect, share experiences, and build resilience. The positive growth, strengthened support networks, and inspiring progress seen among members reflect the true impact of teamwork and compassionate care.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Medical Social Worker Department, HACT Unit, and all participants for their commitment and trust.

Here’s to continuing to uplift, empower, and help one another thrive in the years ahead.

💚 The 𝗕𝗠𝗖 𝗛𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 is a structured psychosocial support program facilitated by dedicated BMC social workers for People Living with HIV (PLHIV). It was implemented in two batches this year, with the first batch running from January to June and the second from July to December.

Participants attend one to two sessions per month. Each session lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours.

The program provides a safe and supportive space for participants to share experiences, build resilience, and enhance overall well-being.

You may contact the BMC HACT Thrive Support Group at 0967 087 0156