About Us

• MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
• OFFICERS & BOARD OF TRUSTEES
• VISION - MISSION - OBJECTIVES
• CHAPTER PRESIDENTS
• PAPA ADVOCACY PROGRAMS
• HISTORY

The Philippine Ambulatory Pediatric Association, Inc. (PAPA, Inc.) traces its roots to a lunch meeting in Quezon City, where a group of pediatricians—led by Dr. Mutya San Agustin, Dr. Rosalia M. Buzon, Dr. Eleus J. Fajardo, Dr. Bernadette J. Madrid, and Dr. Fusca C. Piczon—envisioned forming an organization dedicated to generalist pediatricians in the country. With the support of Wyeth, the founding members drafted the organization's constitution—famously in their pajamas at a hotel—and officially named it the Philippine Ambulatory Pediatric Association (PAPA). It was formally established on June 8, 1994, and incorporated as a non-stock, non-profit organization on August 26, 1994. PAPA gained affiliate society status under the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) in May 2015, a recognition it holds to this day.

A year after its founding, PAPA held its first annual convention, which has since continued annually. The organization has consistently provided continuing education not only for pediatricians but also for other health professionals nationwide through lectures, fora, and symposia. It also initiated formal fellowship training in Ambulatory Pediatrics at both the Philippine General Hospital and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

To fulfill its mission of delivering holistic, innovative, and socially responsive healthcare to children in homes, schools, and communities, PAPA formed several committees, each with defined objectives. In 2001, it launched committees on Community-Based Tuberculosis Control, Child’s Rights, and Child Health Supervision. In 2002, the “Buklat Aklat, Bukas Isip” program began, integrating early literacy into pediatric care, eventually forming the Committee on Early Literacy – Reach Out and Read (2007). This was followed by the Out-of-School Youth Committee (2003), School Health Committee (2004), and Child Health Care Delivery Committee (2005). The Tobacco Control Committee was created in 2010, and the Childhood Injury Prevention Committee was formally organized in 2015.

Through these committees, PAPA has collaborated with key partners, including the Department of Health, Pott’s Foundation, Reach Out and Read USA, Safekids Philippines, USAID, PhilCAT, and UNICEF. Its projects and research have earned recognition at both national and international conferences. PAPA has also contributed to landmark legislation such as the Child and Youth Welfare Code (PD 603), RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination), and the Sin Tax Reform Law (RA 10351), and continues to advocate for stronger tobacco control policies. The association was nominated for the Academic Pediatric Association Public Policy and Advocacy Award in both 2016 and 2017.

From a humble beginning of 10 members, PAPA now boasts over 400 plus members nationwide, with five established chapters: La Union (2014) led by Dr. Jeisela Gaerlan, Cebu (2014) led by Dr. Vivina Chiu, Bulacan (2016) currently headed by Dr. Loreta Mendoza, Zamboanga del Sur (2019) led by Dr. Efraim Culminas and Batangas led by Dr. Divina Gracia Talosig.

In its 30-year journey, PAPA has achieved significant milestones despite challenges, thanks to the commitment of its members and support from various institutions. It remains true to its vision of becoming the leading Ambulatory Pediatric Association in the Philippines—fostering a diverse membership that ensures compassionate, continuous, and comprehensive care for Filipino children, while advancing the continuing education of healthcare providers.

PAPA continues to pursue its advocacy: translating research into policy, partnering with communities to address child health needs, and promoting an inclusive and effective healthcare system.