PCOM - La Union Chapter

08/04/2026

28/03/2026

Now Accepting Applicants: Advanced Course on Occupational Medicine (2026–2027)

Good day, Doctors!

The Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM) is now accepting applicants for the Advanced Course on Occupational Medicine (2026–2027).

This is a great opportunity to further enhance your knowledge and skills in Occupational Medicine and advance your professional growth.

Limited slots available, reserve your seat now!

Kindly scan the QR code for registration details.

15/03/2026

LUMED Hospital Hosts Lecture on Advancing Health, Safety, and Equity in the Workplace

In celebration of Occupational Medicine Week and the observance of Women’s Month this March, LUMED Hospital conducted a lecture titled “Advancing Health, Safety, and Equity in the Workplace” on March 11, 2026 at the LUMED Conference Room and simultaneously via Zoom.
The lecture was delivered by Dr. Rolando Q. Mallari, President of the PCOM La Union Chapter, who emphasized the growing importance of occupational health programs that ensure safe, healthy, and equitable working environments for all employees.

A total of 96 participants attended the event, demonstrating strong interest in workplace health initiatives. Twenty-eight participants attended face-to-face, while sixty-eight participants joined through the Zoom online platform, allowing professionals from different locations to participate in the discussion.

The activity highlighted key principles of occupational safety, preventive health care, and equitable workplace policies, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups in the workforce. In recognition of National Women’s Month, the lecture also underscored the need to strengthen workplace programs that safeguard the health and welfare of women workers, including protection from occupational hazards, support for maternal health, and the promotion of gender-responsive workplace policies.

Dr. Mallari emphasized that advancing workplace health requires collaboration among employers, health professionals, and policy makers to ensure that occupational health services remain responsive to emerging risks and the evolving needs of workers.
The event served not only as a learning opportunity but also as a reaffirmation of the commitment of LUMED Hospital and the PCOM La Union Chapter to promote health, safety, and equity in the workplace. By integrating occupational health advocacy with the celebration of Women’s Month, the activity highlighted the importance of inclusive workplace policies that protect and empower all workers.

The successful hybrid lecture reflects the growing role of continuing professional education and digital platforms in expanding access to occupational health knowledge and strengthening workplace health systems.

20/02/2026

MEET PCOM KA UNION CHAPTER PRESIDENT

Dr. Rolando Q. Mallari is an accomplished physician with over 40 years of distinguished experience as a medical specialist, surgeon, researcher, and public health practitioner. In the last six years prior to his retirement from active surgical practice, he transitioned into public health service, where he applied his clinical expertise to broader population-based health strategies and systems strengthening.

He is now on his third year as President of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine – La Union Chapter (PCOM–La Union Chapter), where he continues to provide visionary leadership and professional guidance to fellow occupational health practitioners in the region. Under his stewardship, the chapter has strengthened its commitment to evidence-based practice, regulatory compliance, and workplace health standards.

Dr. Mallari is a seasoned Occupational Medicine professional, specializing in workplace health, injury management, disability evaluation, and preventive care. His expertise includes employee health assessments, occupational risk evaluation, regulatory compliance with national labor and health standards, and effective return-to-work coordination. He has consistently advocated for integrating occupational health into organizational culture, ensuring that employee well-being aligns with productivity and corporate responsibility.

Deeply committed to workforce welfare, Dr. Mallari remains passionate about promoting safe, healthy, and resilient work environments. His career reflects not only clinical excellence but also a lifelong dedication to leadership, mentorship, and the advancement of occupational medicine in the region.

17/02/2026

MEET OUR PCOM–LA UNION CHAPTER VICE PRESIDENT

Dr. Brian Gilbert P. Fernandez is a dedicated physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Occupational Medicine, currently practicing at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC). A graduate of Saint Louis University College of Medicine, he has been in active medical practice since 2009.

With over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Fernandez brings a strong foundation in adult medicine and workplace health, combining hospital-based expertise with a preventive and systems-oriented approach to occupational safety and employee wellness. His work reflects a commitment to evidence-based care, patient-centered management, and the promotion of safe and healthy work environments.

As the Vice President of the PCOM–La Union Chapter, Dr. Fernandez plays a vital leadership role in advancing occupational medicine practice in the region, strengthening professional collaboration, and supporting initiatives that uphold workplace health standards across Ilocos.

16/02/2026

MEET PCOM-LA UNION’s 2016 SECRETARY

Dr. Mary Grace D. Del Castillo is a dedicated Medical Officer III and Head of the Human Resource Welfare Section at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office I. A graduate of St. Louis University College of Medicine, she has devoted more than a decade of public service to advancing employee health, workplace safety, and institutional resilience—earning recognition as a 10-Year Loyalty Awardee for her steadfast commitment to social welfare and development.

In her current role, Dr. Del Castillo leads occupational health initiatives that promote employee wellness, preventive care, fitness-for-work assessments, mental health support, and compliance with occupational safety standards. She has strengthened workplace health systems within the agency by integrating risk assessment, surveillance, and preparedness planning into human resource welfare programs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role in disaster preparedness and response at the Regional Office, implementing health protocols, infection prevention measures, and continuity strategies to protect personnel while ensuring uninterrupted public service delivery.

Dr. Del Castillo also serves as Secretary of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM) – La Union Chapter, where she actively supports professional development and the advancement of occupational medicine in the region.

16/02/2026

MEET OUR ASSISTANT SECRETARY AND ILOCOS SUR BOARD OF DIRECTOR REPRESENTATIVE

Blessing Jaramilla Prado, MD
Dr. Blessing Jaramilla Prado is a dedicated physician and public health advocate serving as Assistant Secretary and Ilocos Sur Board of Director Representative. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from DMMMSU–South La Union Campus (SLUC), Agoo, La Union, and completed her Doctor of Medicine degree at Our Lady of Fatima University.

Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to both occupational health and community-based public service. She served as an Occupational Health Physician at PMFTC, Inc., where she ensured workplace safety and employee well-being. She further strengthened primary care systems as a Universal Health Care Implementer under DOH Region 1, providing technical and programmatic support to the municipalities of Sta. Cruz and Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur.

At present, Dr. Prado practices as a General Physician at Tagudin Mobile Clinic and Wellness Center in Bio, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, continuing her mission to make quality healthcare accessible to communities.
Her leadership, clinical expertise, and dedication to public service make her a valuable asset to the organization and the region.

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15/02/2026

MEET THIS YEAR’s TREASURER

Dr. Michelle De Guzman-Arellano, RMT, MD, MPH is a physician-leader and public health advocate with a strong commitment to Occupational Medicine and hospital administration. A proud graduate of Saint Louis University, she earned her BS in Medical Technology in 1996, her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2001, and completed her Master in Public Health in 2017, graduating cm laude. She began her professional career at Lorma Medical Center from 2003 to 2007 before entering government service with the Provincial Government of La Union in 2008. She served at Naguilian District Hospital from 2008 to 2022 and currently leads Rosario District Hospital as Chief of Hospital. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated strong leadership in healthcare systems strengthening, quality improvement, and patient-centered service delivery. Beyond hospital leadership, she has actively supported workplace health programs and the promotion of worker safety. She has served the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine – La Union Chapter in various capacities, contributing to its professional and technical initiatives. She also previously served as Assistant Treasurer of the La Union Medical Society. Dr. Arellano continues to exemplify dedication, integrity, and excellence in both public health service and occupational medicine practice.

15/02/2026

Meet our Assistant Treasurer and Board Director-at-Large

Dr. Diana Jeane D. Escalo is a graduate of the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine. She began her medical career in 1989 in Family Medicine and General Practice, laying a strong clinical foundation that would later shape her distinguished work in Occupational Medicine.
A founding member of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine – La Union Chapter in 2009, Dr. Escalo has faithfully served the organization in various capacities and currently holds the position of Assistant Treasurer and Board Director-at-Large. Throughout the years, she has been recognized for her steadfast dedication to advancing occupational health standards and promoting worker safety and wellness.
After retiring from government service, Dr. Escalo continues to contribute her expertise as a medical adviser and adjudicator in a large tertiary training hospital, where her depth of experience and sound clinical judgment remain invaluable. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to protecting the health of workers and strengthening occupational medicine practice in the region.