Quezon City takes a major leap toward realizing Universal Health Care (UHC) with the inaugural Annual Convention of the Quezon City Health Network (QCHN)—a groundbreaking assembly of LGU-employed physicians, public health experts, and key stakeholders from across the city’s healthcare system.
Spearheaded by Mayor Joy Belmonte, the two-day convention will be held on June 20–21, 2025 at the M.I.C.E. Center and will convene leaders from local hospitals, health departments, and allied government agencies under one shared goal: to strengthen, innovate, and make healthcare truly inclusive for all QCitizens.
“This convention is more than a professional gathering—it is a citywide movement. One that affirms our commitment to making health a right, not a privilege, and to building a system that leaves no one behind,” Mayor Belmonte said.
Themed “Strengthening Local Healthcare: Advancement, Innovation, and Inclusive Health for Quezon City,” the event is led by Dr. Dave Anthony Vergara, Chief Health Care Operations Officer of Quezon City and Officer-in-Charge of the Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital. As Overall Convention Chairman, Dr. Vergara champions the City Government’s strategy of unifying local health institutions to deliver coordinated, people-centered care in line with the UHC Law.
A core feature of the convention is a series of presentations by Quezon City’s own LGU doctors and health professionals, highlighting real-world solutions to pressing public health concerns. These include:
• Geriatric Care in the UHC Setting – Dr. Ruel T. De Guzman (QCGH)
• Antimicrobial Stewardship in LGU Hospitals – Dr. Aileen Carreon (QCGH)
• Addressing Pediatric Malnutrition in QC – Dr. Rina R. Reyes (RMBGH)
• Mental Health Integration in City Facilities – Dr. Jayson B. Bascos (QCGH)
• Strengthening Nutrition through Community Programs – Jirah Asa M. Sideco, RND (QCHD)
• Evidence-Based Planning for Health Programs – Dr. Ma. Leticia de Guzman (QCHD)
• Digital Tools for Public Hospitals – Dr. Mike Muin (MedProjects Inc.)
District 1 Councilor and Majority Floor Leader Dr. Dorothy Delarmente will also present key health-related ordinances passed under her leadership—underscoring the vital role of local legislation in advancing health systems.
The convention further showcases Quezon City’s intersectoral model of inclusive healthcare. The Social Services Development Department (SSDD) will share its work in delivering medical aid and social referrals to vulnerable residents, while the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) and KABAHAGI will highlight efforts to embed disability-inclusive, rights-based frameworks across all city health services.
“This is how we break silos—by working together across disciplines, departments, and sectors to uphold health equity and social justice,” said Dr. Vergara.
As keynote speaker, Mayor Belmonte will reaffirm Quezon City’s vision of a unified and responsive health system—where hospitals, clinics, social services, and local governance operate hand in hand to deliver compassionate, resilient, and accessible care to every QCitizen.
The 1st Annual QCHN Convention marks a milestone in Quezon City’s journey toward Universal Health Care: one built on collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to public service.
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