DAVAO CITY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026–“The vibrant City of Davao has long been a center of excellence in healthcare in Mindanao. Yet we all know that excellence must not remain confined within urban centers.”
This statement was made by Dr. Erwin Ybañez, in his acceptance speech as president of the Philippine Heart Association Davao - Southern Mindanao 2026-2027.
Dr. Ybañez
Heart disease, particularly ischemic heart disease is a global pandemic and the number one cause of mortality and morbidity in the entire Philippines.
But there is only one cardiologist for every 44,000 Filipinos.
Davao Region (or Southern Mindanao/Region XII) is at a vantage point for having 98 cardiovascular specialists, but 64.52 percent or a big majority of whom are based in Davao City.
As of February 28, 2026, the distribution of heart doctors in the region shows: (Davao City-60, GenSan-18, Tagum-4, Cotabato City-4, Marbel-4, Kidapawan-3, Digos-2; Panabo-1, Sultan Kudarat-1 and Nabunturan-1).
In addressing the country’s cardiology crisis, PHA Davao shares the priorities of the PHA National.
Ybañez identified “One Cardiologist for Every City: Access is not a Privilege, It is a Right,” “CPR-ReadyBarangay: Because Every Second is a Life,” and “PHA PUSO MUNA: Prevention is Power,” as the flagship programs of PHA Davao Chapter from 2026 to 2027.
“Today is not just a ceremony. Today is a declaration that Southern Mindanao is ready to lead, to innovate, and to ensure that no heart is left behind,” Ybañez pledged.
PHA Director II Dr. Avenilo “Jun” Aventura Jr. who is also Philippine Heart Center (PHC) executive director, inducted Ybañez and the rest of the PHA Davao-S. Mindanao officers, on behalf of PHA National President Dr. Walid Amil.
The PHA “One Cardiologist for Every City” dream goal was launched in July 2025.
Dr. Aventura Jr.
Aventura said: “the PHA has constantly encouraged newly-minted PHA fellows to practice in their hometowns or in the underserved areas, to bring heart care closer to the communities.”
Quoting Amil, Aventura said “The flagship direction of the PHA is towards the expansion of the Chapters for stronger grassroots impact. Large chapters are being subdivided based on population and geographic reach. January this year saw the creation of the Basilan Sub-Chapter, which is under the PHA ZamBaSulTa Chapter. The Tawi-Tawi and Sulu Sub-Chapters will be launched in March and April 2026. “
“Let us work together to expand, train, and serve. Disseminate and implement the PHA programs and advocacies to achieve our mission of reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in the Philippines,” Amil added.
PHA Davao-Southern Mindanao Chapter officers and members
Meanwhile, in welcoming the new batch of PHA Davao Chapter top brass, Dr. Raul Martin Coching, PHA Davao Chapter immediate past president said, “officers must ensure that our fellows and members are supported with continuing education. They need to thrive, and that all of this is part of the core of the PHA values.”
Dr. Coching
Aventura added that PHA started to offer scholarships in cardiovascular (CV) imaging, CV oncology and advanced heart failure in the past three years. As of March 1, 2026, the remaining slots available are for structural interventional cardiology, cardio-genomics and precision CV medicine.
“We have been preparing for the CPR-ReadyPH, now we will plan well for this CPR-ReadyBarangay offshoot. We will plan how to choose the barangays, the logistics, everything. We will coordinate with the city government on the priority areas, but we will target the poblacion barangays as the starting point, and this will be replicated in far-flung barangays,” said Dr. Jocelyn Mantilla, PHA Davao VP.
“CPR-ReadyPH or CPR-Ready Barangay is no longer just a slogan, it’s a life-saving reality in many communities,” Coching added.
The association promotes PHAPUSO MUNA—an easy-to-remember heart health advocacy designed to be practical and attainable in everyday life.
PHA PUSO MUNA stands for: Pagkain na malusog, Huwag manigarilyo, Aktibong pamumuhay, Presyon ay kontrolin, Uminom ng maintenance, Sugar ay kontrolin, Obesity ay iwasan, Matulog nang kumpleto, Umiwas sa stress, No to alcohol, at Ayawan ang cholesterol.
From L: Avenilo Aventura Jr, MD inducts the PHA Davao-Southern Mindanao Officers -- Erwin Janniño Ybañez, MD, president; Jocelyn Mantilla, MD, vice president; Catherine Gonzales, MD, secretary; Aida Maranian, MD, treasurer; Myrrene Blue Cabrera, MD, asst. treasurer; Desilu Macapagal, MD, Pamela Joanne Mansilla, MD, Ahlich Ibrahim, MD, Board of Directors; Raul Martin Coching, MD, immediate past president.
