A three-day Online Summit 2020 was initiated by The Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine (PCLM) spearheaded by their President, Dr. Mechelle Acero-Palma, last September 13-15, 2020 with this year's theme “Transform your practice, treat the cause of chronic disease and learn about the fastest-growing field of medicine,” the theme bridges the gap between routine health promotion and intentional prescription of lifestyle therapy for chronic diseases.
PCLM is the first and only national medical specialty society for health care professionals who utilize evidence-based lifestyle interventions at par with globally recognized standards as the primary therapeutic tool in the treatment and management of the disease.
The PCLM serves its members by advancing the field of lifestyle medicine, promoting excellence in clinical practice, and advocating on behalf of medical and public policy issues related to the practice and promotion of lifestyle medicine.
The online summit brings pioneering clinicians, researchers, health executives, educators, and public health professionals from the United States, New South Wales, and the Philippines that will share the innovative, full-range implementation of lifestyle medicine domains with an interdisciplinary focus translated to the patient's health outcome.
Meanwhile, the Agricultural Training Institute in Central Visayas shared their journey during the Online Summit Closing Ceremony with Center Director, Dr. Carolyn May O. Daquio wherein she shared the commencement of their partnership with Remnant Institute, Incorporated way back 2013 with activities ranging from Organic Agriculture, Health and Wellness and Culinary Medicine.
Daquio, who is a staunch advocate on health and wellness spearheaded this initiative which resulted in a positive outcome among partners, stakeholders, and clients in the region.
The collaboration of the institution ranges from farm learning journeys, health and wellness, and culinary medicine. One of the many highlights is the launching of the #ugyap, Urban Greens through Young-Agri-preneurs Program in Bohol wherein a strong partnership was inked between ATI-7, the Provincial Government of Bohol through Bohol Governor, Arthur C. Yap;
City Government of Tagbilaran through John Geesnell Yap II and the Department of Education, Tagbilaran City Division aim to provide sustainable and available food for everyone (SAFE) and to institutionalize culinary medicine in both elementary and secondary schools.
Another feat that ATI-7 received was a Certificate of Recognition for the institute’s commitment to forwarding and practicing the highest standards of Lifestyle Medicine cause. The accolade was given during the PCLM First Midyear Conference in Davao City last February 2, 2020.
Moreover, three (3) personnel from ATI-7 graduated from the Culinary Medicine Course in the person of Dr. Carolyn May O. Daquio, Ms. Merigine C. Otara, and Dr. Gracia F. Arado.
During the closing ceremony, PCLM highlighted the awarding of the following categories: Kagalingan Sa Kalusugan (KSK) and Walk with a Doc.
Tagbilaran City Mayor, John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II was among the Local Government Unit Advocate of Health Awardee for the KSK along with Manila Mayor, Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso while ATI-7 Planning Officer, Merigine C. Otara received the Walk with a Doc Award.
With these partnerships and award, ATI-7 continuously support PCLM’s thrust on the important role Lifestyle Medicine has to play, to address both the Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) and the pandemic affront. It is an evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach that promotes prevention, treatment, and even reversal of some chronic conditions.