HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Philippine Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (PSGE) started as the Committee on Gynecologic Endoscopy under the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS). This Committee was created by then POGS President Dr. Corazon T. Lim. Dr. Regta L. Pichay chaired the Committee and the members were Dr. Delfin A. Tan, Dr. Pacita S. Lazaro, Dr. Blanca C. De Guia, Dr. Noel E. Raymundo and Dr. Zoraida R. Umipig. From 2001 to 2003, there were several workshops on basic hysteroscopy and gynecologic laparoscopy conducted by the Committee within and outside Metro Manila.

In 2003, the Committee decided to form the PSGE to facilitate joining international societies in gynecologic endoscopy and to bring the Philippines into the mainstream of gynecologic endoscopy in the world. The core group, responsible for the initial organization of the Society, was composed of Dr. Corazon T. Lim, Dr. Delfin A. Tan, Dr. Pacita S. Lazaro, Dr. Regta L. Pichay, Dr. Blanca C. De Guia, Dr. Noel E. Raymundo and Dr. Zoraida R. Umipig. To complete the eleven incorporators needed for the purpose of registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the core group invited well-known gynecologists who were involved in or are currently in the practice of gynecologic laparoscopy and/or hysteroscopy, to become incorporators. These were Dr. Florante P. Gonzaga, Dr. Lilia P. Luna, Dr. Leonardo A. Almeda and Dr. Ma. Corazon Zaida N. Gamilla. This group of eleven incorporators then determined who among their known practitioners of gynecologic endoscopy could become founding members of the Society. Each incorporator recommended his/her choice of possible founding members. Letters of invitation to become founding members of the PSGE were sent in May 2004. Those who replied and accepted the invitation, totaling 128 gynecologists, became the PSGE founding members.

In June 2004, the incorporators held an organizational meeting to elect from among them the Founding Officers and Board Members. Dr. Delfin A. Tan was elected as President, Dr. Regta L. Pichay, as Vice-President, Dr. Ma. Corazon Zaida N. Gamilla as Secretary, Dr. Zoraida R. Umipig, as Assistant Secretary, Dr. Blanca C. DeGuia as Treasurer, Dr. Noel E. Raymundo as Assistant Treasurer, Dr. Pacita S. Lazaro as Public Relations Officer and Dr. Leonardo A. Almeda, Dr. Florante P. Gonzaga, Dr. Corazon T. Lim and Dr. Lilia P. Luna as Board Members. The PSGE logo was designed through the assistance of Dr. Pacita S. Lazaro. Committees within the Society were formed. Dr. Lilia P. Luna is Chair of the Specialty Board, Dr. Florante P. Gonzaga is Chair of the Committee on Research, Dr. Leonardo A. Almeda is Chair of the Committee on Internal Audit and Dr. Corazon T. Lim is Chair of the Committee on Elections.

The first formal meeting and oath taking by the Founding Members, Officers and Board of Directors was held on July 10, 2004 at the Holiday Inn Galleria Manila in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. The Officers and Board Members were inducted into office by then POGS President, Dr. Rosendo R. Roque.

MISSION/VISION OF PSGE

PSGE is envisioned to be an active association of Filipino gynecologic endoscopists. It aims to bring together all interested and qualified gynecologic endoscopists to facilitate meetings and activities that will serve our need for continuing education in this discipline. Its general objective is to promote the art and science of medicine as it pertains to the practice of gynecologic endoscopy. Specifically, the PSGE aims to disseminate information, knowledge and skills in gynecologic endoscopy, maintain and continuously upgrade the practice of gynecologic endoscopy, promote research in gynecologic endoscopy and encourage its members to undertake socialized service in the field of gynecologic endoscopy.