MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT  Warm greetings to everyone!
It gives me great honor and pleasure to welcome you all to this important scientific gathering. For decades, each March brings to us the opportunity to both learn and share during our Annual Convention, and 2008 is no exception. This year's Joint Annual Convention of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy and Hepatology Society of the Philippines, otherwise known as "Philippine Digestive Health Week 2008", is our premiere activity where we not only chart our own course, but also help to shape that of others through meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences. This year's impressive line-up of speakers as well as scientific and social activities will surely exceed one's expectations. The Convention Organizing Committee has painstakingly worked for many months to bring us a very comprehensive set of scientific plenary sessions, state-of-the-art lectures, clinical symposia and industry-sponsored talks that cover a wide array of topics in alimentary tract and liver disease, as well as digestive endoscopy, conducted by acknowledged local and overseas experts. I encourage everyone to actively participate in all the activities and sessions for your maximum benefit. Already on its second year run is our pre-convention Lay Forum entitled "Tiyan-Katutak na Istorya: Ikalawang hirit". This recent addition to our convention is scheduled on March 9th at the SM Megatrade Hall 1 and is the result of our desire to impart useful information on digestive health not only to our colleagues, but also to the Filipino public. By directly speaking to as many lay people as we possibly can through easy-to-understand lectures, we hope to provide them with the proper knowledge that will empower them to make important health decisions for themselves and their families. We have also taken this lay education campaign to the provinces through our monthly scientific outreach programs. I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the entire Organizing Committee, scientific faculty, convention delegates and all sponsors and exhibitors, whose important participation ensures the success of this meeting. Wishing you all a gratifying learning experience! Sincerely, JAIME G. IGNACIO, MD, FPSG, FPSDE, FPC President Philippine Society of Gastroenterology |
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