Physicians and key stakeholders in the field of occupational health converge in Zamboanga City for the 26th Midyear Convention of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, Inc. from October 2-4 at a local hotel.

Hosted by the PCOM Zamboanga Peninsula Chapter, the 3-day event promotes occupational health and safety —a field that is vital to the well-being of the nation’s workforce, underscoring the PCOM’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and resilience in the field.

Mayor Khymer Olaso, represented by Executive Assistant Christine Chua underscored the crucial role of occupational health in modern workplaces. “In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, occupational medicine is more important than ever.

With new technologies and industries emerging all the time, workers are facing new and evolving health risks that need to be addressed,” the mayor said.

He likewise emphasized the need for all sectors – employers, employees, healthcare providers and policy makers to work together to create a safer and healthier workplaces.

The opening ceremony featured discussions on various topics including Smart Scans: Rational Use of Imaging in Occupational Health Practice, Optimizing Cardiovascular Health in the Workplace, Integrating Diabetes Care into Occupational Health, The Multi-Generational Workforce: Shaping a Positive Workplace Culture, and Healthy Aging at Work: Building a Culture of Care for Elderly Employees.

Spearheading the event were PCOM National President Dr. Ricardo Balagot, PCOM National Vice President Dr. Roselle Andress, and PCOM National Secretary Dr. Honeylee Faith Cervantes.

Also in the city for the confab were other National PCOM Officers, National Board of Directors, Specialty Board, Chapter Presidents and various delegates from all over the country, Zamboanga City Medical Society President, Dr. Abubakar Baddiri, Philippine Academy of Family Physicians Zamboanga Chapter President Dr. Rizzalyn Yusop, and PCOM ZamPEn Chapter President Dr. Abdul Javar Esturco, among others. (Bernadeth Lazaro) (photo credits: Roselyn Bunot)