First established in 1917, the Center was named the Davao Public Hospital along San Pedro Street in Davao’s downtown area. In 1946, the Center was renamed as the Davao General Hospital. The Center transferred in 1957 to a new location along JP Laurel Avenue. By virtue of Republic Act 1859, the Center was again renamed as the Davao Regional Medical & Training Center.
By 1966, the hospital moved to a 12.8 hectare of land along JP Laurel Avenue; and was designated as the Medical Center for Mindanao and Sulu. In November 19, 2009, the Davao Medical Center changed its name to the Southern Philippines Medical Center or SPMC. SPMC is a Government Hospital operating under the Department of Health by virtue of Republic Act 09792.
“The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) is again in a happy mood in the celebration of the National Hospital Week (August 5-9) held within the hospital compound. We are truly glad that, despite our busy schedules, we are given this opportunity to share this special occasion with the public,” said the ever friendly Dr. Ricardo Audan, the multitasking SPMC Chairman of the National Hospital Week Stirring Committee. The good doctor welcomed an exuberant crowd which filled the nondescript basketball court turned instantly into a pageant venue complete with a gaudily decorated stage last August 8, 2019, at 6:00 p.m.
“In line with the Department of Health’s slogan, “Towards a Universal Health Care: Health for All”, we are presenting SPMC’s Search for the Mr. & Ms. SPMC 2019 plus sports and cultural competitions for everyone to enjoy.
The “Health for All” is a nationwide lifestyle campaign movement of the DoH.
It aims to inform and engage the youth and adults in forming healthy habits and leading healthy lifestyles through the promotion of physical activity, proper nutrition, and the prevention and cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption. The SPMC is the DoH’s flagship hospital in this part of the country,” Dr. Audan informed the guests. The Chief of Hospital of SPMC, Dr. Leopoldo J. Vega, and his loving wife, Dra. Bebot Vega, were in attendance to show their strong support.
The Mr. & Ms. SPMC pageant was initiated in 2008 when Dr. Leopoldo J. Vega was the newly installed chief of the hospital. Since then, the pageant has become a highlight of the annual celebration of the National Hospital Week. “It is held not only to showcase the talents and beauties and hunks of the hospital staff but primarily to strengthen the camaraderie and unify the hospital’s personnel. It’s a fun way to introduce them to the public,” reasoned Dr. Audan.
This year’s program started (despite irritating problems with the sound system) with the SPMC Grand Chorale interpreting a spiritual song followed by the Philippine National Anthem. Xai Nacionales, SPMC’s perennial host, and Nurse Arnie Apa-ap introduced the judges for the pageant which included Mutya ng Davao Clydel June Tabacolde, Ginoong Davao Kyle Gaite, Nurse Edgar Mariano with Archt. Michael E. Dakudao, Ph.D. as Chairman of the Board of Judges.
Xai and Arnie then introduced the candidates to loud cheers from the audience. The competing male contestants included Erwin Saculyes, Raul Martin Andutan, Bryan Marcial Berguin, Jan Elizer Sandoy, Sean Clark Labang, Glen Apulin, Sean McJeremae Ubod, Kenny Gene Salvador, Hanzel Dave Sabelling, Vince Ian Bungco, Ronald Lingusan, and Von Lovel Zarra. The lovely female candidates were comprised of Nikki Sabellano, Stephanie Salvoro, Grezel Joy Abaja, Charizee Rochelle Pangan, Angela Elefante, April Dream Cofreros, Nneka Mae Rubia, Joy Emmarie Galupo, Rezyl Christine Neri, Sharwin Marie Catedral, Marjorie Aijie Lucero and Rea Dapiton.
By the end of the almost three-hour pageant, the judges finally presented the eagerly awaited results. Declared Mr. & Miss SPMC 2019 were Nurse Sean McJeremae Ubod and Nneka Rubia as they personify brains, beauty and a healthy lifestyle. Coming in a close second were Dr. Vince Ian Bungco and Dr. Rea Dapiton; followed by Dr. Raul Martin Andutan and Nurse Charizee Rochelle Pangan.
The dance group representing the Administration was proclaimed the winner of the SPMC Bollywood Dance Competition with their highly energetic, well choreographed (by no less than the voluptuous Ghing Madrona Quitain) and well performed dance routines; not to mention their stylized costumes.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants in advocating the DOH slogan of Towards a Universal Health Care for All!
Thank you, Dr. Ricardo Audan, for personally inviting me. Mabuhay, SPMC. Countless lives depend on you.
