Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital Midwives Association

Celebrating the successful 5th Annual Convention of the DJFMH Midwives Association in partnership with Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives, Inc. (PLGPMI) held yesterday, May 23, 2026, at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel.

With the theme, “One Million More Midwives for Mother and Baby,” this gathering became a meaningful celebration of commitment, learning, and service for maternal and newborn care.

Our heartfelt thanks to all our speakers, guests, sponsors and participants for making this event inspiring and successful. Special thanks as well to the Nursing Service MANCOM for their support and consideration of our schedule.

Lastly, a sincere gratitude to Ma'am Vangie David
and Sir Glenn Accoucheur Baker for their unwavering love and support for the midwives. 💙

Together, we continue to empower midwives for every mother and every baby.

MX. MELODY “LOT” ALLANIGUE

​Mx. Melody "Lot" L. Allanigue, MS, is a multifaceted professional with a robust career spanning education, counseling, and organizational development. She currently serve as a full-time college instructor at the Metropolitan Medical Center – College of Arts, Science, and Technology, and as the Lead Teambuilding Facilitator for OrgDev Internationale Business and Training Consultants, Inc.

As an accomplished author and educator, Mx. Allanigue has developed specialized educational materials for Vibal Publishing House, Inc.—including Introduction to Medical Transcription for Senior High School—and authored the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Manual for Plan International Philippines.

A seasoned facilitator, she has a proven track record of delivering leadership and behavioral trainings across corporate, academic, and government sectors. Her extensive clientele includes premier universities (such as UP, Ateneo, and De La Salle), major corporations (including Honda, Volvo, and Coca-Cola), and key government agencies like DepEd, DSWD, and the DOH.

Mx. Allanigue earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and completed her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila.

FATE GWYNETH D. ANCIRO, RPm

Fate Gwyneth D. Anciro is a licensed psychometrician, research consultant, and Senior High School Research Teacher at Bernardo College in Las Piñas City. She is the founder of FateGuides Consulting, providing research advising and instrument validation services across the Philippines.

A Magna Cum Laude graduate of BS Psychology at Lyceum of the Philippines University, Fate has made significant research contributions both locally and internationally. She has presented her thesis and findings at the prestigious APCoRE Hybrid International Conference in Indonesia — where her work was later published in the Journal for ReAttach Therapy and Developmental Diversities. Her research has also been showcased at the SMEC Research Congress and the CAS Research Colloquium, and her thesis was officially entered in the 36th PAPJA National Convention.

Beyond presenting, Fate has hosted her own research colloquium, empowering students and peers to share their scholarly work. With deep expertise in psychometrics, research methodology, and student support, she continues to mentor, inspire, and advance academic excellence among learners and professionals.

DR. MARIAN MORENO-ALSASUA

Please welcome Dr. Alsasua, a dedicated Pediatrician-Neonatologist committed to providing quality care for small and fragile babies requiring intensive neonatal management. Known for being energetic, proactive, and hardworking, she continuously strives to elevate the standards of patient care while fostering harmonious relationships with colleagues and healthcare teams.

Dr. Alsasua currently serves as a Pediatrician-Neonatologist at Bicutan Medical Center and as a Medical Officer IV at the Department of Newborn Medicine of Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, where she also serves as the Newborn Screening Committee Coordinator. She is likewise an Active Consultant in the Department of Pediatrics at several institutions, including Medical Center of Taguig, Inc., Taguig City General Hospital, and Prime Hospital and Medical Center.

Her leadership experience includes serving as NICU Head and Newborn Screening Coordinator at Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center. She is also actively involved in numerous professional organizations, including the Philippine Pediatric Society, the Philippine Medical Association, the Taguig Medical Society, and the Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine, where she is a Diplomate and Regular Member in Good Standing. In addition, she serves as a Trainor and Facilitator for Neonatal Resuscitation Philippines+ and as a Trainor for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Insertion under Vygon.

Dr. Alsasua completed her Fellowship Training in Newborn Medicine at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, where she also served as Assistant Chief Fellow for Internal Affairs. Beyond medicine, she is passionate about technical and creative writing, visual arts and design, and music, which she considers a source of inspiration and stress relief. Guided by her strong faith, she upholds compassion, excellence, and service in all that she does.

With her expertise in neonatal care, leadership in pediatrics, and unwavering dedication to maternal and child health, we are truly honored to have Dr. Alsasua with us today.

MS. MARIA URSULITA UMALI

Please welcome Ms. Maria Ursulita Umali, an accomplished leader in the field of midwifery education and maternal healthcare. Her areas of specialization include Midwifery, Maternal, Child, and Newborn Healthcare and Nutrition, as well as Education.

She currently serves as the Midwifery School Principal II of the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital – School of Midwifery, a position she has held since October 2022. Prior to this, she served as Midwifery School Principal I from 2018 to 2022, demonstrating her dedication to academic excellence and quality midwifery training.

Ms. Umali also contributes nationally as a Committee Member of the CPSP-CATS under the Professional Regulation Commission, serving from 2021 to 2024 and continuing her service from 2025 to the present.

In addition, she is actively involved in professional organizations and currently serves as the NCR Coordinator of APSOM National, further strengthening collaboration and leadership within the midwifery profession.

With her commitment to education, maternal and newborn care, and professional development, Ms. Umali continues to inspire future generations of midwives and healthcare professionals.

DR. JOSEPHINE HIPOLITO

Please welcome our esteemed guest, a distinguished leader and advocate in the field of midwifery and public health. She currently serves as a Member of the Board of Midwifery and is a retired Health Human Resource Management Officer III of the Health Human Resource Development Bureau.

Throughout her career, she has made invaluable contributions to the advancement of maternal and child healthcare in the country. She is recognized as the initiator of two significant national programs under the Department of Health: the Midwifery Scholarship Program of the Philippines (MSPP) and the Rural Health Midwives Placement Program (RHMPP), both of which have greatly strengthened the midwifery workforce and expanded access to healthcare services in underserved communities nationwide.

Her dedication to professional development, public service, and the empowerment of Filipino midwives continues to inspire healthcare professionals across the country. We are truly honored to have her with us today.

Dr. Marie Therese A. Pacabis RN,RM,MAN,DNM

Is a graduate of Doctor in Nursing Management (DNM) from The Trinity University of Asia. She took her basic nursing course at the UP-PGH School of Nursing. She is also a Nurse-Midwife.

She worked as a Staff Nurse at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital prior to her departure as a USRN at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach Florida. Upon her return to the Philippines, she was hired as Nurse Instructor I in the School of Midwifery of the DJFMH in 1977. She rose from the ranks until she became the Midwifery School Principal in 1994. Major milestones under her administration were the acceptance of international midwifery Affiliation from the Bastyr University & Seattle School of Midwifery- both based in the US which lasted for about 2-3 years. She took the lead in the development and launching of the Midwifery Residency Training Program (MRTP) which to this day is still enforced. She also maintained the top performing status of the DJFMH-SOM as recognized by the Board of Midwifery & continuous to the present.

She was appointed as Chief Nurse of the hospital in 2002 up until her retirement in 2015. Major accomplishments under her administration were the development of the Nurse Residency Training Program (NRTP), the creation of the Nurse Certification Program for Maternal & Child Nursing through the auspicious & direction of the Dept. of Health, The National Training for IE-Suturing Program in Partnership of the Mother Child Association of the Philippines & the installation of the Research Unit of the Nursing Service.

She is affiliated as officer & member of the following organizations: Bless Tetada Kangaroo Mother Foundation, Phil. Nurses Association, Association of Nursing Service Administration of the Philippines & a founder officer of the Society of Nursing Leaders of the Philippines.

Shea has received recognitions awards in Leadership & Maternal & Child Nursing. Currently, she is active in her role in the SNLP organization-developing updates, seminars for all nurses across health care settings. She is also a national reviewer for Nursing & Midwifery for the PNLE Midwifery board Exams.

She remains to be an advocate to the advancement of the Midwifery Profession and a staunch supporter of the Midwives!

DR. ESMERALDO T. ILEM MD,FPOGS,FPSRP

Please welcome our distinguished speaker, who currently serves as the President of the Philippine Society for Responsible Parenthood, Inc. since 2024 and as the Vice President of the Philippine Society of Medical Specialists in Government, Inc. since 2023.

A respected Fellow of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society since 1995, our speaker is also a member of the Technical Working Group for the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines on Cesarean Section and Family Planning under POGS.

In addition, he serves as a Consultant at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Comprehensive Family Planning Service and Training in Voluntary Surgical Contraception of Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital.

With his extensive experience and dedication to women’s health, reproductive care, and medical leadership, we are honored to have him with us today. Again, Dr. Esmeraldo T. Ilem

With approved 6 CPD Units‼️

“One Million More Midwives for Mother and Baby”

📅 May 23, 2026

📍 Manila Grand Opera Hotel, Manila

⏰ 8am-5pm

• Pre-Reg: ₱2,000
•Onsite: ₱2,500
•Student: ₱1,000 (with ID)

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