The 9th qualifying round of the 30th Dr. Adrian C. Peña Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) Medical Resident Quiz Contest was successfully held on Feb. 16, 2026, at Seda Atria, Iloilo City, gathering some of the brightest medical residents from across Western Visayas in a morning marked by academic rigor, camaraderie, and professional excellence.
Now in its 30th year, the annual competition — organized by the Philippine College of Physicians with the help of Unilab Pharmaceutical — continues to serve as a national platform for advancing scholarship in internal medicine.
Each year, it is hosted in different regions across the country, fostering healthy academic competition and strengthening inter-institutional collaboration.
A Celebration of Academic Excellence
From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., participating hospitals demonstrated clinical acumen, mastery of internal medicine, and the discipline that defines the country’s future specialists.
Registration began at 8:00 a.m., setting the tone for a well-organized and dignified event.
The Iloilo Mission Hospital was represented by: Dr. Jercris Myles Rey, Dr. Rhona Delle Erada, and Coach Dr. Rollin P. Tabuena, MD, FPCP, FPCCP.
For the past three years, Dr. Rollin P. Tabuena has served as mentor to the Iloilo Mission Hospital medical residents — quietly guiding, reviewing, and encouraging them in their pursuit of excellence.
His role reflects the vital spirit of mentorship in medicine: steady, supportive, and focused on empowering trainees to grow intellectually and professionally.
While the spotlight rightfully belongs to the competing teams, mentorship remains one of the pillars sustaining such academic endeavors.
Finally, the official results: First place — The Health Centrum Hospital (Roxas City); second place — Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (Bacolod City); third place — The Medical City Iloilo (Iloilo City); fourth place — St. Paul’s Hospital Iloilo (Iloilo City); fifth place — Western Visayas Medical Center (Iloilo City).
The top three winners will advance to Manila for the national finals under the Philippine College of Physicians on May 3, 2026 — an opportunity to represent Western Visayas on the national stage.
Leadership and Organizing Committee
The event was graced by the presence of two distinguished chapter presidents who delivered the opening remarks: Dr. Ed D. Gabitoya, MD, FPCP — PCP chapter president, Negros Occidental; and Dr. James C. Catoto, MD, FPCP — PCP chapter president, WV–Panay.
The integrity and academic rigor of the competition were ensured by the Adrian Peña Panel Board Committee, led by Dr. Lawrence Allen R. Tria, MD, FPCP — chair, PCP Medical Quiz Committee; Dr. Aubrey Q. Taguba, MD, FPCP — co-chair; Dr. Gelza Mae A. Zabat, MD, FPCP — member; and Dr. Danilo F. Baldemor, MD, FPCP — member.
The seamless conduct of the event was further supported by the dedicated staff of the Philippine College of Physicians: Rustin C. Velete Jr., Ma. Allyza D. Pontañosa, Mary Alyssa Gomez, John Benedict S. Cueto, and John Andrew T. Anos.
A Collective Commitment to Growth
Beyond rankings and trophies, the competition highlighted the continued commitment of institutions across Western Visayas to academic excellence, professional growth, and the advancement of internal medicine.
Hospitals that were unable to participate this year remain valued members of the medical community and are expected to rejoin in future qualifying rounds, further strengthening regional representation.
The 30th year of the Dr. Adrian C. Peña PCP Medical Resident Quiz Contest stands as a testament to three decades of cultivating critical thinking, clinical mastery, and collegial respect among Filipino internists.
Congratulations to all participants, coaches, organizers, and institutions for an inspiring and competitive qualifying round.
The journey to the national finals continues — and so does the shared mission of mentorship, scholarship, and service.
