Medical Administrative Corps, AFP

IN THE NEWS📰: Medical Logistics - MAC Officers Facilitate Landmark X-Ray
Donation

The Philippine Navy formally received five (5) portable X-ray machines from the Philippine
Charity Sweepstakes Office in a ceremonial handover conducted on 19 February 2026 at
Headquarters Philippine Navy, Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

The ceremony was graced by PCSO General Manager, Hon. Melquiades Robles, and the
Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy, VADM Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta PN. Their presence underscored the importance of the donation, which marks a significant milestone for naval medicine. Notably, these portable X-ray units are the first of their kind in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), representing a meaningful step forward in mobile diagnostic capability within the military.

The donation stemmed from a formal request initiated by the Office of the Chief Surgeon
Navy to PCSO for portable X-ray machines to enhance the Navy’s medical services. The
five units will be distributed to various Philippine Navy Military Treatment Facilities and will be used to support mobile recruitment activities, conduct annual physical examinations, and monitor the health of the servicemen and their dependents.

Behind the successful coordination of this initiative were Officers from the Medical
Administrative Corps (MAC) assigned to the Office of the Chief Surgeon, Navy.

Maj Joemar C Fernandez MAC, Chief, Plans, Training, and Operations Branch and Logistics Officer, led the overall coordination and oversight of the request. From ensuring that documentary requirements were complete to facilitating endorsements and liaising with concerned offices, he helped move the proposal from concept to approval. His role was both administrative and operational, ensuring that the requested equipment directly addressed existing medical logistical needs.

Working alongside him, 2Lt Joel Lynn A Segovia MAC, Assistant Chief, Plans, Training, and Operations Branch, assisted in facilitating all requirements necessary for approval. She
helped manage communications, documentation tracking, and administrative coordination throughout the process. Their combined efforts ensured that all prerequisites were met and that the donation moved forward without delay.

Their involvement extended beyond paperwork and coordination. During the ceremonial handover, Maj Fernandez MAC facilitated the conduct of the ceremony, ensuring its smooth flow and proper ex*****on. 2Lt Segovia MAC served as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding the program and formally marking the turnover of the five portable X-ray machines to the Philippine Navy.

The donation highlights not only the strengthening of naval medical capability but also the critical role of Medical Administrative Corps Officers in making such initiatives possible. While often working behind the scenes, MAC officers bridge planning, logistics, documentation, and coordination—turning operational requirements into tangible support for the health and readiness of navy and marines.

With these first-of-its-kind portable X-ray machines now in the Navy’s inventory, the impact of that work will be felt in recruitment sites, training commands, and treatment facilities across the service.

L👀K: PRIME MOVERS IN ACTION | MAC Officers Drive AFP Health Security Initiative for Balikatan 41-26

Demonstrating the expanding strategic role of Medical Administrative Corps (MAC) Officers as key architects of military health readiness, Ltc Juvilyn F Lacson MAC, Chief of the Health Service Support Training Branch, HSRD, OTSG, together with Task Group Health Service Northern Luzon representatives Col Andrew T Abianares MAC (GSC) and Ltc Rafael T Respicio MC, facilitated the conduct of the Table-Top Exercise (TTX) on Casualty Care and Evacuation under the Military-Civilian Inter-operability Training Exercise (Balikatan 41-2026) on 02 March 2026 at the Conference Room, Office of The Judge Advocate General, AFP.

The activity served as a key preparatory event for the upcoming AFP-US Balikatan Exercises 41-2026, focusing on enhancing coordination through scenario-based simulations, collaborative planning, and validation of operational concepts. The discussions enabled participating units to refine event scenarios, clarify operational linkages, and enhance the readiness of Forward Treatment Units (FTUs) in delivering responsive and effective medical support during contingencies.

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in the exercise were spearheaded by Col Emmanuel O Salmasan MAC (GSC), the Executive Officer of OTSG with OTSG Division Chiefs, representatives from the Health Service Corps. The participants include the medical planners from the Major Services and the AFP Medical Center, Operations Officers from Fort Magsaysay Station Hospital and Camp Aquino Station Hospital, Training Officers of HMC, AFP and V. Luna General Hospital (VLGH), and representatives from the 7th Forward Support Medical Company, Support Service Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

The successful conduct of the exercise underscores the MAC Officers’ indispensable contribution and role as prime movers in planning, preparing, executing, and assessing medical training initiatives that advance inter-operability, health diplomacy, and resilient military health systems—reinforcing the AFP’s commitment to proactive health security, mission readiness, global partnerships, civilian stakeholders’ cooperation and a stronger Bagong Pilipinas.

L👀K: MINDANAOAN - PRIMEMOVERS IN ACTION |
MAC Officers Lead Strengthening Health of 10th Infantry “Agila” Division, 10th Station Hospital, Philippine Army, Mawab, Davao De Oro and its Community.

1LT ILONA CRIS G REDOLOSA MAC, Logistics Officer, and 2LT CHRISTOPHER E BALGUNA MAC, Operations Officer of the 10th Station Hospital, represented the Medical Administrative Corps during a coordination meeting held at 10th Station Hospital, Davao de Oro, Mindanao on 09 March 2026.

The Officers engaged with Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) and the Municipal Health Office (MHO) – Mawab to strengthen coordination on blood supply and support mechanisms for the hospital’s operational and emergency requirements.

Through this engagement, the Officers facilitated discussions on improving blood availability, referral systems, and collaborative support between military and civilian health facilities, ensuring timely and adequate blood resources for patient care and operational contingencies.

This activity highlights the continuing role of Medical Administrative Corps in strengthening Civil–Military health collaboration, enhancing healthcare coordination, and supporting the readiness of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Health System.

MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE CORPS, AFP
TAKING PART IN THE “10 Critical Steps on Our Way Out of Crisis”

As our nation continues to navigate complex health, economic, and security challenges, the path forward demands unity, values-driven leadership, and institutional strength.

The “10 Critical Steps on Our Way Out of Crisis” shared by Dr. Jess Estanislao emphasize national solidarity, good governance, human capital development, and inclusive growth. These principles strongly resonate with the mandate of the Medical Administrative Corps (MAC), AFP in strengthening health security within the Armed Forces and beyond.

In support of these critical steps, the Medical Administrative Corps contributes by:

• Upholding core national values in health service leadership and decision-making
• Aligning military health systems with national priorities
• Strengthening partnerships with LGUs, government agencies, and stakeholders
• Promoting social inclusion through accessible and responsive healthcare services
• Developing human resources and advancing professional competencies
• Enhancing financial stewardship and sustainable resource management
• Coordinating national action during public health emergencies and disasters

The Corps continues to Strengthen Health Security, reaffirming its commitment to synergy and excellence of AFP Health Security across AFP Health Service Units to achieve optimum impact, sustain joint operations, and contribute to the AFP’s broader mission of fostering a prosperous Bagong Pilipinas.

Health security is national security. Through strategic leadership and collaborative action, MAC remains committed to building a resilient and future-ready AFP healthcare system.

L👀K: PRIME MOVERS IN ACTION | MAC Officers Lead Strengthening Health Security in Pacific Partnership 2026

Maj Cristy A Serquiña MAC, Assistant Lead Medical Planner, highlighted the Medical Administrative Corps’ role as prime movers of health security during the Mid-Planning Working Group (MPWG) Conference for Pacific Partnership 2026 at St. Regis Hotel. Over five (5) days, he performed vital roles in planning and preparations for the ex*****on and assessment of key Medical Lines of Efforts—covering Host Nation Outreach, Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Relief, and Engineering Civic Action Programs—ensuring AFP’s health service capabilities are fully integrated and ready for joint operations this CY 2026 in Tacloban City, Sta. Fe, and Palo, Leyte.

This engagement underscores that MAC Officers lead not only in local AFP health service initiatives but also in international military medical affairs. Through Pacific Partnership, they strengthen regional inter-operability, advance Health Diplomacy, and build resilient health systems in collaboration with the US, partner and like-minded nations, and allies—demonstrating AFP’s commitment to proactive, world-class health security.

L👀K: PRIME MOVERS IN ACTION | MAC OFFICER ASSIGNED AFPRESCOM ADVANCE RESERVE FORCE HEALTH SECURITY

CPT Pio Aguirre MAC, Deputy Group Commander, Office of the Affiliated Reserve Group, AFPRESCOM and Chief, AFLO NCR, with his staff, conducted a coordination visit to the 6th AFP (Mission) General Hospital, an Affiliated Reserve Unit of AFP Reserve Command, on 13 February 2026 in Pasig City. The team engaged MSg Jesus G Lorenzo (MC) (RES), Executive Officer and Chief of Clinic, to discuss AFPRESCOM thrusts, unit status, and pathways toward activation and integration into the Regular Force.

Underscoring MAC Officers as prime movers of health security, the visit highlighted efforts to strengthen coordination with AFP reservist units and advance the procurement, organization, and sustainment of reservist personnel.




Security

L👀K: PRIME MOVERS IN ACTION

Colonel Abdu Halim F Tadzmina MAC (GSC), Chief, Health Service Plans Division, Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG)/Action Officer CSAFP SO Nr 5; Colonel Andrew T Abianares MAC (GSC), Deputy Chief for Administration, Camp Aquino Station Hospital (CASH), NOLCOM; LTC Neil M Ventura MAC, Assistant Chief, HSPD OTSG/Chief, RPODB, HSPD, OTSG; and LTC Rocelle C Castro MAC, Acting Chief, MSLD, OTSG, joined BGEN FATIMA CLAIRE S NAVARRO MC, The Surgeon General, Armed Forces of the Philippines, in the cascading of SO Nr 5 – Strengthening Health Security and the proposed Interoperability Exercise Concept to the Health Service leadership of Department of Health Region I.

The engagement focused on collaborative planning, preparation, ex*****on and assessment for the upcoming Military–Civilian Partnership Interoperability Exercise in Region I, in preparation for Balikatan Exercises CY 2026.




Security

L👀K: PRIME MOVERS IN ACTION

Reinforcing strategic direction in advancing health security, Colonel Abdu Halim F Tadzmina MAC (GSC), Chief, Health Service Plans Division, OTSG and Action Officer for CSAFP SO Nr 5, together with Colonel Andrew T Abianares MAC (GSC), Deputy Chief for Administration, CASH, NOLCOM, and other Medical Administrative Corps (MAC) Officers, joined BGen Fatima Claire S Navarro MC, The Surgeon General, Armed Forces of the Philippines, in a strategic health facility survey at Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, Region I.

The activity marks a key step in strengthening military–civilian medical interoperability in Northern Luzon and advancing collaborative planning for the Military–Civilian Partnership Interoperability Exercise in preparation for Balikatan Exercises 2026.

Through proactive coordination and strategic action, MAC Officers continue to drive the framework of planning, preparation, ex*****on and assessment for the integration of military and civilian health systems—reinforcing of health security as a vital pillar of national defense.




Security

L👀K: PRIME MOVERS IN ACTION | 11 February 2026 | AFP HEALTH SECURITY FRAMEWORKS BRIEFING

Col Emmanuel O Salmasan MAC (GSC), Chairperson, TWG for OTSGTR and Member of the AFP Strategy Management Committee, served as Subject Matter Expert during the Scenario Development Workshop (CAPEX 01-26 Concept Plan) at ITG Conference Room, Paquit Hall, Camp O’Donnell. He briefed participants on the AFP Health Security Frameworks, emphasizing clear roles, enhanced health service force packages, clarified coordination lines, and harmonized health service support to sustainment joint operations in pursuance to national strategic objectives.

Aligned with the AFP 2028 Vision, the initiative strengthens unified health service networks, specialized health service capabilities, and responsive health services to ensure soldiers welfare—embodying the principle “Salus populi suprema lex esto”. This reinforces MAC’s commitment to synergy and excellence across AFP Health Service Units, and Education and Training Units, sustaining joint operations and contributing to a stronger and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas.

IN THE NEWS📰: CHIEF MAC, AFP AND COMMANDER AFPRESCOM STRENGTHEN TIES

The Chief, Medical Administrative Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Colonel Raymund C Elpedes MAC (GSC), rendered a courtesy call to Commander AFP Reserve Command, BGen Ferdinand Geminic P Ramirez PA, at Headquarters AFPRESCOM on 09 February 2026, reinforcing coordination toward a stronger reserve health force.

Key discussions covered the TAS Reserve Table of Organization, integration of MAC Reserve, and incorporation of retired MAC Officers—further strengthening ties and advancing the integration of MAC Reserve into the Regular Force in support of national defense.




Security