Obstetrics and Gynecology

Philosophy

The Faculty of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology believes in the joint responsibility of the nation, the community and the individual in the promotion and maintenance of health and common welfare. The kind of care rendered to the Filipino mother is a major determinant of the quality of the future breed of Filipinos.

Vision

A national center of excellence in reproductive health science and professions, a globally recognized leader in training and education, research, and service in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, socially relevant and contributing to the national health policy development in reproductive health.

In an atmosphere of academic freedom and integrity, compassion, justice, respect for persons and individual rights, we are committed to a dynamic leadership and excellence in training and education, research and service, socially relevant, and contributing to national health policies for reproductive health.

Mission

We are a community of empowered scholars in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, imbued with spiritual vigor and zeal for life-long learning; under exemplary mentorship, total commitment and support, able to perpetuate our kind and discover new knowledge about the specialty, nurture strong values and the finest of character, arouse a deep sense of nationalism, and ensure the best possible healthcare for the Filipino people.

The Department of Obstetrics was established in 1905, together with the Philippine Medical School, now recognized as the UP College of Medicine. It became one of the 11 primary departments when the Philippine Medical School was integrated as the College of Medicine in 1910. On the other hand, Gynecology, while initially a section of the Department of Surgery, gained recognition as a distinct specialty and Department in 1922.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultant and Resident Staff in 1957

The integration of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology was approved during the 720th meeting of the UP Board of Regents on April 3, 1964.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1964

It has become one of the most accomplished departments within UP Manila, College of Medicine, and Philippine General Hospital (PGH). The following are the Chairs of the Department from 1907 until the present:

Department of Obstetrics:

• 1907-1921 Fernando R. Calderon, MD
• 1921-1942 Baldomero L. Roxas, MD
• 1942-1953 Honoria A. Sison, MD
• 1953-1955 Guillermo J. Rustia, MD
• 1955-1959 Alfredo S. Baens, MD
• 1959-1964 Jose B. Villanueva, MD

Department of Gynecology

• 1922-1936 Fernando R. Calderon, MD
• 1936-1952 Carmelo M. Reyes, MD
• 1952-1964 Constantino P. Manahan, MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology:

• 1964-1967 Constantino P. Manahan, MD
• 1967-1972 Gloria T. Aragon, MD
• 1972-1973 Julita R. Jalbuena, MD
• 1973-1976 Luciano S.J. Sotto, MD
• 1976-1979 Nora I. Silao, MD
• 1979-1982 Jose S. Baens, MD
• <982-1985 Natividad I. Puertollano, MD
• 1985-1988 Isidro B. Benitez, MD
• 1988-1994 Augusto M. Manalo, MD
• 1994-1998 Genara M. Limson, MD
• 1998-2001 Greg B. Pastorfide, MD
• 2001-2003 Mildred N. Pareja, MD, MHPEd
• 2004-2006 Virginia R. de Jesus, MD, MHPEd
• 2007-2012 Lourdes B. Capito, MD
• 2013-2015 Blanca C. De Guia-Fuerte, MD, MSc
• 2016-2022 Efren J. Domingo, MD, PhD
• 2023-present Maria Antonia E. Habana, MD, MSc

Important milestones in the history of the Department:

1907	The Department of Obstetrics was established to provide clinical and didactic training in the field with Dr. Fernando R. Calderon as the first Department Chair. Dr. Calderon later became the first Filipino Dean of the College of Medicine and Director of the Philippine General Hospital in 1916.
1910s	The PGH Maternity Pavilion and the second-floor ward for obstetrics and gynecology care were created.
1921	Aseptic techniques and pioneering surgical procedures were introduced by then Chair Dr. Baldomero L. Roxas. In his honor, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) established the Dr. Baldomero Roxas Memorial Lecture and Award of Merit for Academic Distinction.
1922	Initially a section of the Department of Surgery, Gynecology was later established as an independent Department with Dr. Fernando R. Calderon appointed as its first Chair.
1936	Extensive research in surgery, obstetrics and gynecology such as ectopic pregnancies, surgical complications and cancer among Filipinos was supported by Dr. Carmelo M. Reyes.
1942	Advanced obstetrical practices were introduced in PGH by the first Filipina to perform a low segment cesarean section, Dr. Honoria D. Acosta-Sison. She conducted research on chorioepithelioma, choriocarcinoma, and developed standards for pelvimetry and cephalometry. She was the first President of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society in 1946.
1952	Postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology was initiated under the leadership of Dr. Honoria D. Acosta-Sison and Dr. Constantino P. Manahan.
1961	The Section of Gynecologic Oncology was established by Dr. Luciano S.J. Sotto. This included an outpatient gynecologic clinic, radiation treatment, protocol and a surgical training program in gynecologic oncology.

1964	The integration of the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology was approved during the 720th meeting of the UP Board of Regents on April 3, 1964.
	The Inaugural Chair of the merged Department was Dr. Constantino Manahan who established the Residency Training Program (RTP). The RTP included training in general pathology and anesthesiology. He was one of the founders POGS becoming the 2nd President of the Society in1949.
1965	The Family Planning and Postpartum Clinic was established, and was later known as the Reproductive Biology Center in 1968.
1967	The Department was organized into 3 major units: Obstetric Service, Gynecologic Service and Outpatient Service under then Chair Dr. Gloria T. Aragon. Dr. Aragon served as Dean of the College of Medicine, and Director of Philippine General Hospital from 1979-1983.
1973	Three main committees were established in the Department by Dr. Julita R. Jalbuena to oversee teaching and training, services, and research.
	The National Center for Exfoliative Cytology of the Female Genital Tract, the Department Research Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, the Integrated Women’s and Infant’s Welfare Center (the precursor of the Perinatology Center) and the Center for Trophoblastic Diseases were established.
1974	Establishment of the Study and Training Center for Surgical Sterilization by Dr. Luciano Sotto.
1977	Dr. Nora Silao merged the 3 major units of the Department and allowed general admission of cases into 3 General Services, known as Service A, B and C.
	Establishment of the Intensive Maternal Unit and High-Risk Clinic.
1979	The first fellowship training program, Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology, was established, through the efforts of Dr. Luciano S.J. Sotto, Dr. Augusto M. Manalo and Dr. Genera M. Limson.
1980	Establishment of the Division of Trophoblastic Diseases under the leadership of Dr. Rosario Isidro-Gutierrez and Dr. Fe Palo-Garcia.
1981	The Fellowship Training Program in Maternal and Fetal Medicine was started under the leadership of Dr. Natividad I. Puertollano, Dr. Vicente Poblete Jr., and Dr. Fernando dela Rama Jr.
1982	A Colposcopy Unit was established, with Dr. Rosario Isidro-Gutierrez, Dr. Erlinda G. Germar, and Dr. Angeles Cruz conducting training courses in cytology and colposcopy.
1985	Establishment of the Section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility under the leadership of Dr. Florante P. Gonzaga and Dr. Rosalinda B. Arceo.
	Menopause Clinic was started.
1988	Fellowship training programs in REI and Trophoblastic Diseases were started.
1989	The Section of Obstetric and Gynecologic Infectious Diseases was started under the leadership of Dr. Mildred N. Pareja.

 

1991	The Ultrasound Unit was established under Dr. Augusto Manalo as Chair, with Dr. Felix Y. Salgado as Unit Head.
1996	The Section of Ultrasound, with its Fellowship Training Program was established, with Dr. Filomena S. San Juan as the Section Chief.
1998	Under the Chairmanship of Dr. Gregorio B. Pastorfide, the Master of Science in Clinical Medicine (Obstetrics and Gynecology track) was approved during the 1127th Meeting of the Board of Regents last December 18, 1998. It is a two-year program designed to provide a master’s level training program in obstetrics and gynecology.
1998	The Fellowship Training Program of the Section of Obstetric and Gynecologic Infectious Diseases was developed by Dr. Mildred N. Pareja.
2004	The Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, pioneered by Dr. Lisa Teresa T. Prodigalidad-Jabson, was established under the chairmanship of Dr. Virginia de Jesus.
2006	The  Fellowship  Training  Program  in  Urogynecology  and  Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery was started.
2012	The Reproductive Health Unit was rebuilt to become the Ortoll Primary Reproductive Health Care Center.
	The Section of Family Planning and its Dual-Track Fellowship Training Program was established under the leadership of Dr. Lourdes B. Capito.
2014	The UP Manila Primary Reproductive Health Care Center (formerly the Ortoll Primary Reproductive Health Care Center), previously operating under UP Manila, was transferred to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology under the supervision of Dr. Blanca De Guia-Fuerte.
2020	The Philippine General Hospital became a referral center during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Department responded to the need and catered to COVID-positive obstetric and gynecologic cases.
2021	Opening of the newly renovated OB Admitting Section and Department Administrative Offices.
	The Division of Sexual Health, being the youngest addition to the roster of subspecialty divisions, was formally launched under Dr. Effren Domingo, then Chair.
2023	Dr Maria Antonia E. Habana, as Chair, initiated a review of the administrative manual and of all academic and training programs in the Department. The Master of Clinical Science (Obstetrics and Gynecology), a dual track program of the trainees, a priority program of Dean Charlotte Chiong, has been approved by the University Curriculum Committee last April 29, 2024. The existing Master of Science in Clinical Medicine (OB Gyne track) is also undergoing revision.Two multidisciplinary clinics – the Center for Endometriosis and the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecologic Clinic were established.
2023	The Board of Regents, during its 1385th meeting on November 30, 2023, approved the creation of the Institute of Reproductive Health with Dr. Mario R. Festin as the founding Director. It was established to serve as a centralized resource of research on reproductive health issues and concerns, to guide policy and legislation, guideline development, training and educational needs, and research agenda setting.
2024	Publication of the first Obstetrics and Gynecology issue in the Acta Medica Philippina.
	Opening of the newly renovated Ward 15 Lactation and Counselling Room and the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center; upgrading of equipment to enhance patient care.
2025	Opening of the newly renovated Ward 16 Lactation and Counselling Room, and the Division of Ultrasound’s Comprehensive Center for Diagnosis and Treatment in Obstetrics and Gynecology; planning is underway for the renovation of the Chemotherapy Ward.

 

Courses and Programs Offered

The Department offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a four-year residency training program in General Obstetrics and Gynecology, post-residency fellowship training in specialized fields, and a Master of Science in Clinical Medicine with a focus on Obstetrics and Gynecology.

A. Undergraduate Programs

1. LEARNING UNIT 3

   HD 201: Ontogeny and Parturition The three-week course includes lectures on the histology and physiology of the female and male reproductive systems. It also covers lectures on maternal adaptation to normal pregnancy, prenatal care, conduct of normal labor and delivery, postpartum care, breastfeeding and family planning. A combination of didactic lectures, video presentations, and small group discussions are used as learning strategies.

2. LEARNING UNIT 4

   OS 215: Human Disease and Treatment V (Reproduction and Hormone Regulation) The course is a two-week rotation that integrates lectures and small group discussions to explore the pathophysiology, symptomatology, diagnosis and prevention, and principles of treatment of diseases of the reproductive and endocrine systems.

3. LEARNING UNIT 5

   OBGYN 250: Integrated Clinical Clerkship I in Obstetrics and Gynecology This course is a month-long rotation in the general and selected subspecialty clinics with supervised participation in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of commonly encountered obstetrics and gynecology problems in the outpatient setting.

   OBGYN 250.1: Reproductive Health in the Community This is a two-week elective rotation that offers didactics and facilitated discussions on reproductive health topics, focusing on prenatal, antenatal, and postpartum care, contraception and family planning, and screening for gynecologic cancer. More importantly, the rotation provides students with exposure to the healthcare administrative system in a local government unit and supervised immersion in a lying-in center.

4. LEARNING UNIT 6

   OBGYN 251: Integrated Clinical Clerkship II in Obstetrics and Gynecology The integrated clinical clerkship in obstetrics and gynecology is a month-long rotation that serves as a venue for introductory clinical exposure and active participation in the management of patients in a hospital setting. It also gives the students an opportunity to be exposed to broad-based reproductive healthcare, including family planning. The four-week rotation is primarily composed of attending departmental conferences, performing ward work during the pre-duty day, serving a 24-hour duty at the OBAS-LR-DR complex, and assisting in gynecologic elective cases on the post-duty day. Learning is further enriched through small group discussions, public health activities, topic conference, and an objective structured clinical examination at the end of the rotation.

   OBGYN 292: Clinical Elective in Obstetrics and Gynecology This is a four-week elective course that aims to provide students with an intensive patient care experience, serving in an intern-like capacity in general obstetrics and gynecology. The student participates in patient care in a responsible role under appropriate supervision. They will provide care for assigned patients on the inpatient service, performing the history and physical examination, participating in daily rounds, formulating the assessment and therapeutic and surgical plan, writing orders (under direct supervision of a resident and a consultant), writing daily progress notes, participating in surgical procedures in the operating room and participating in clinics. They will also attend and participate in all didactic activities with the residents and subspecialty fellows.

5. LEARNING UNIT 7

   OBGYN 260: Internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology The internship in obstetrics and gynecology is an eight-week course that includes rotations in the different areas of the Department, including the OB admitting section, labor and delivery room, gynecologic operating rooms, and the outpatient department. Through this course, students acquire skills in the diagnosis and management of normal pregnancy, the diagnosis of abnormal pregnancy, and the institution of initial emergency measures before the availability of higher-level expertise. Skills in performing certain minor OBGYN procedures, such as episiotomy and repair, and placental extraction, are also acquired.

B. Residency Training Program

The Residency Training Program is a four-year competency-based program designed to develop a medical graduate into a specialist equipped with the basic knowledge and skills necessary in the practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Philippines, capable of thinking and reasoning, and demonstrating traits of a caring physician, teacher, and researcher. Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) is being integrated into the training program, reflecting advances in surgical practice and supporting improved patient care outcomes. The program is continually reviewed and enhanced to align with the goals of Universal Health Care, ensuring that graduates are responsive to the evolving healthcare needs of the population.

C. Fellowship Programs

The Department provides fellowship training in eight subspecialties, namely Family Planning, Gynecologic Oncology, Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Trophoblastic Diseases, and Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery. The Family Planning fellowship is a dual-track program with a Master of Science in Clinical Medicine (OB-GYN).

Famili PLannin

The Division of Family Planning began as the Reproductive Biology and Women’s Health Care Center in 1966, the culmination of a research project by Dr Ruben Apelo under the Deanship of Dr Florentino Herrera and with the support of the Population Commission of New York. The center provided services that included intra-uterine device insertion, mini-laparotomy tubal ligation and culdoscopic fimbriectomy. The pioneering work of the center continued in 1980 when Dr Virgilio Oblepias introduced laparoscopic tubal ligation, and in the 1990s, when he and Dr Azucena Suplido conducted training for service providers locally and from other countries.

In 2012, the division started a dual-track Fellowship Training Program under the leadership of Dr. Lourdes Capito. The fellowship program is a two-year training course, consisting of a clinical fellowship in Family Planning in the Philippine General Hospital and a Master of Science in Clinical Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology program in the UP College of Medicine. The program aims to produce experts in the field actively involved in training and research as well as clinical practice.

Gynecologic Oncology

The three-year Gynecologic Oncology fellowship is designed to provide comprehensive training in both the clinical, surgical and research aspects of gynecologic cancer care. The fellows-in-training are devoted to intensive clinical training. They conduct face-to-face consultations, assessment, and treatment of cancer patients through the guidance of consultants and mentors. The fellows rotate through inpatient and outpatient services, as well as ambulatory chemotherapy units. The second and third years focus on surgical training and research. Enabling fellows to develop expertise in basic science, translational, epidemiologic, or clinical investigation under the guidance of experienced mentors. During this time, fellows often complete graduate-level coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, and study design, while working toward producing publishable manuscripts or a thesis. They perform a wide range of complex surgical procedures, including open and laparoscopic techniques, as well as multidisciplinary operations involving urology, colorectal, and vascular surgery.

Training also includes systemic chemotherapy administration, perioperative critical care, and collaboration with radiation oncology, pathology, and palliative care teams. Throughout the training, fellows participate in a structured system of didactic activities such as tumor boards, morbidity and mortality conferences, journal conferences, and malignancy rounds together with other subspecialties. They are encouraged to present at national and international conventions, publish research papers, and develop leadership skills, emerging from the program as both technically skilled surgeons and academically grounded physician-oncologists prepared for independent practice in gynecologic oncology.

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology

The program is designed to provide graduates of residency in obstetrics and gynecology with the necessary expertise to manage and control infections affecting the female genital tract and to conduct relevant research in this special field. It consists of basic courses in bacteriology, virology and laboratory techniques and procedures, clinical experiences, participation in infection control activities, an participation in basic and clinical research. The duration of fellowship training is two (2) years.

The general objectives of this fellowship training program are to be able to diagnose and manage in a systematic manner infectious diseases as they affect women, and to apply the principles of proper specimen collection and processing. Our goals include acquiring skills in performing basic microbiologic tests, applying principles of infection surveillance and control, conducting research, and learning principles of immunology as they pertain to vaccination and use in infectious diseases afflicting our women.

Maternal and Fetal Medicine

The Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) is a subspecialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology dedicated to the care of high-risk pregnancies complicated by medical, surgical, obstetric, or fetal conditions.

The MFM Division co-manages high-risk pregnancies in close partnership with the Department’s general service. Committed to innovation and continuous growth, we are expanding our capabilities in fetal therapy and advancing research in complex pregnancy care. Our team manages challenging cases requiring intensive monitoring, with fellows leading the High-Risk Clinic and the Intensive Maternal Unit (IMU).

Through collaboration, advanced practice, and patient-centered care, we aim to improve outcomes for mothers and babies facing high-risk pregnancies.

Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound

Established in 1996, the Division of Ultrasound became the fifth subspecialty division within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). It launched with a one-year Post-Residency Fellowship Training Program, which was expanded in 2022 into a comprehensive two-year curriculum.

The enhanced curriculum is anchored on a university-approved framework and utilizes competency-based assessment tools aligned with internationally recognized standards for obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound practice. These tools define the minimum training requirements and ensure that fellows are equipped with the essential skills and knowledge for clinical excellence. The fellowship program integrates specialized modules in interventional gynecologic ultrasound, and employs varied learning modalities to support both theoretical and practical training.

Since 2022, the program has fully adopted the two-year curriculum as recommended by the Philippine Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (PSUOG) and formally approved by the University of the Philippines. Fellows are required to complete all academic, clinical, and research components within the two years.

The Division of Ultrasound is accredited by PSUOG and has consistently maintained its status as a certified training institution in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound. As of 2024, the program has produced 134 graduates, many of whom have become leaders and educators in ultrasound practice across the country.

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

The UP-PGH Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) is dedicated to providing excellent, ethical, accessible, and innovative reproductive medicine services with integrity and compassion. Established in 1987, it pioneered the nation’s first REI fellowship program, offering comprehensive training in reproductive medicine, reproductive surgery, and minimally invasive techniques. The Division aims to serve patients with complex reproductive issues while advancing the field through cutting-edge research, education, and clinical excellence. Over the years, it expanded to include specialized subunits and established key collaborations internationally, strengthening its role as a center of excellence. The Division remains committed to nurturing skilled professionals, advancing knowledge, and delivering compassionate care to improve reproductive health nationwide.

Trophoblastic Diseases

The Department is home to the world's only subspecialty training center exclusively dedicated to gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD). Since its establishment in 1980, this pioneering division has offered a comprehensive one- year fellowship program, training graduates of basic obstetrics and gynecology residency in the specialized management of both benign and malignant trophoblastic conditions.

As the Philippines' premier tertiary referral center, the Division attracts complex cases nationwide, exposing trainees to extensive clinical experience across the GTD spectrum. Beyond clinical training, the program emphasizes active participation in teaching and research activities. The center maintains the Philippines' largest GTD registry, providing unique opportunities for consultants and trainees to conduct relevant clinical investigations that advance diagnosis and management of these rare but serious conditions. Through its multidisciplinary approach, the Division delivers compassionate, cutting-edge care while contributing significantly to the global understanding of trophoblastic diseases.

Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

The two-year fellowship program in Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery is the first and only postgraduate training program in the Philippines specifically dedicated to this subspecialty. It focuses on the comprehensive diagnosis and management of lower urinary and lower intestinal tract disorders related to obstetric and gynecologic conditions. Fellows gain expertise in treating pelvic floor disorders including pelvic organ prolapse, congenital anomalies of the mullerian system, urinary dysfunctions like incontinence and neuropathy, and urinary tract issues linked to gynecologic conditions such as genitourinary fistulae. The program also addresses recurrent urinary tract infections, functional bowel disturbances, and complications from obstetric trauma such as anal sphincter disruption and rectovaginal fistulae.

Grounded in our vision to become a national center of excellence and a global leader in training, research, and service, the fellowship prepares specialists to provide superior care to women with pelvic floor disorders. Our mission emphasizes delivering specialized expert care, fostering collaboration across centers, producing highly skilled subspecialists, and advancing the field through quality research dedicated to improving Filipino women's quality of life.

D. Graduate Program

The Master of Science in Clinical Medicine is designed to provide a Master’s level training program in Obstetrics and Gynecology, specifically for graduates of clinical training to be faculty members knowledgeable and skilled in teaching, research and administration. The Diploma in Clinical Medicine is an alternative program that has similar requirements without a thesis requirement

The MSCM (Ob-Gyn) program is composed of a total of 37 units, with 16 units of basic or core courses, 11 units for major courses, 4 units for electives, and 6 units for thesis. At the end of the course, the trainee will be able to: (1) Apply appropriate teaching techniques and methods in the various levels of training in Obstetrics and Gynecology, such as undergraduate and graduate programs, clinical programs and other post- graduate programs; (2) Perform and supervise researches in the specialty that can be used in the improvement of clinical practice and biological science (3) Evaluate and plan improvement in the organization and management of program in the specialty and (4) Contribute to the improvement of the clinical practice of the specialty through teaching.

V. Institute of Reproductive Health

The Institute of Reproductive Health (IRH) is one of the newest institutes under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of UP Manila, officially approved by the UP Board of Regents on November 30, 2023. It serves as a national center for innovative research in sexual and reproductive health, grounded in the academic and clinical expertise of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the UP-Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and the UP College of Medicine. IRH-NIH builds on decades of faculty-led research in maternal care, gynecologic oncology, contraception, infertility, and more.

Evolving from the Philippine Study Group on Reproductive Health, the IRH now aims to address the country’s most pressing reproductive health challenges through evidence-based research, training, and policy development. With a vision to lead in reproductive health innovation by 2028, IRH is committed to translating science into practice, from bench to bedside to community.

Department Organizational Chart and Faculty List

Administrative Office

The Administrative Offices of the Department are located on the second floor of the right wing of the Main Building of PGH behind the Central Block Building. It was renovated together with the OB Admitting Section.

Conference Room

In 2022, the Honoria Acosta-Sison Plenary Hall, which is located at the second floor of the OBAS complex, was renovated and collapsible dividers were placed, allowing the conference room to be divided into 4 small rooms. The plenary hall is now able to simultaneously be used for different learning activities at a single time

Laparoscopy Skills Simulation (right) at the Honoria Acosta-Sison Plenary Hall, 2nd floor of the OBAS complex

 

Daily summary rounds at the Honoria Acosta-Sison Plenary Hall, 2nd floor of the OBAS complex

Library

The Constantino P. Manahan Library of the Department consists of a variety of references that have been collected over the years. Consultants, trainees and students have access to the latest editions of textbooks, clinical practice guidelines and journals, both of general obstetrics and gynecology, as well as of the various subspecialties in obstetrics and gynecology. Provision for internet access is available to allow access to journal subscriptions of the University of the Philippines Manila. In addition, pelvic models are available for hands- on simulation and skills training.

Constantino P. Manahan Library used for a residents’ skills workshop

Outpatient Unit

The Outpatient Unit of the Department is located on the 1st floor of the Outpatient Department (OPD) building. It consists of 5 rooms - 2 for the General Service (Room 138 and 139), 2 for the Subspecialty Services (Room 133 and 134), and 1 for the High Risk Clinic (Room 135). In addition, the Department also holds the Gynecologic Oncology clinic at the Cancer Institute (Room CI 101).

Beyond these services, the Department offers several multidisciplinary clinics that provide specialized and holistic care. The Endometriosis clinic, which provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to the management of endometriosis, is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry, Division of Colorectal Surgery, and the Pain Clinic. The Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology clinic is dedicated to the reproductive health and gynecological concerns of infants, children, and adolescents. This clinic works closely with Pediatric Surgery, Adolescent Medicine, and Pediatric Endocrinology to ensure coordinated and patient-centered care.

Lastly, the Sexual Health clinic, run by the Division of Sexual Health of the Department, is where cisgender women and sexual and gender minorities can access healthcare without fear of discrimination or disrespect in the clinical setting. This is a collaboration of different multidisciplinary units whose aim is to advocate the sexual and reproductive well- being of cis- gender women and the sexual gender minorities (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, intersex, queer, and transmen and transwomen). One thrust of the Division is to break the barriers to health care. Providing a safe, welcoming and culturally- appropriate environment in the clinic is essential to ensure that the clientele seek care when indicated and that the physicians will be able to care for them with compassion and competence, through: prevention and treatment of STIs particularly HIV and malignancies, counselling, contraception, management of sexual dysfunction, gender- affirming healthcare, address issues and counsel victims of sexual violence and FGM, address mental health issues related to sexual health and promotion of safe and satisfying sexual experiences.

The Outpatient Department also has minor and major operating rooms that cater to a wide range of gynecologic surgical procedures, including interval bilateral tubal ligation and hysteroscopy.

General Service Outpatient Clinic at Room 138 and Room 139

General Hospital Layout

The Department is situated at the first and second floors of the left wing of the Main Building of PGH behind the Central Block Building. The first floor houses Ward 15, the Intensive Maternal Unit, the Maternal and Fetal Medicine Center, and the OB Admitting Section (OBAS). The second floor houses Ward 14B, Ward 16, Ultrasound Unit, Colposcopy Unit, Urogynecology Cystometry Unit, Trophoblastic Disease Chemotherapy Ward and the Administrative Complex of the Department.

Admitting Section

The OBAS serves as the Department’s triage and emergency unit for both obstetric and gynecologic patients. The OBAS complex consists of examination and holding areas, labor and delivery rooms, operating rooms, and recovery room. There is also an Ultrasound room which allows for point-of-care sonographic examination.

The OBAS underwent renovation last 2018 and re-opened during the third quarter of 2021.

OB Admitting Section

Labor and Delivery, and Recovery Rooms

Delivery area with anesthesia machine and pediatric warmer with resuscitation equipment

The OBAS-ER complex has 4 operating rooms, with 2 operating rooms exclusive for use by the Department. The operating rooms cater to various surgical procedures including cesarean deliveries and emergency obstetric procedures. Emergency minor gynecologic procedures can also be performed in these operating rooms. Each operating room has its own pediatric resuscitation equipment and warmer. 

Consultant-assisted Cesarean Section OBAS OR

The Department has three dedicated wards (Wards 14B, 15, and 16) and one Intensive Maternal Unit (IMU) for its obstetric and gynecologic charity admissions. The pay/private rooms are located on the 4th to 7th floors and are shared with all the other departments.

The IMU caters to high risk, undelivered obstetric patients. It has eight available beds with its own dedicated nursing staff. It is equipped with a centralized telemetry.

Gynecology Operating Rooms

The operating rooms for elective gynecologic cases are located at the 3rd and 4th Floor Left Central Block (LCB) OR complex. Services include provision for hysteroscopic, laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. Pay obstetric procedures are also done at the 4th floor LCB OR.

Consultant-assisted gynecologic procedure at the 3rd floor LCB OR

Equipment and Services

a. Ultrasound Services

The Division of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology serves both outpatients and inpatients. The Center located at Ward 16 has recently been renovated. It recently upgraded its ultrasound machines – further enhancing its diagnostic and interventional arms. Equipment for ultrasound-guided procedures such as Tru-cut biopsies, guided removal of retained intrauterine devices, saline infusion sonography and paracentesis are also available. The Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine has a newly renovated Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center where they perform biometry, biophysical profile, congenital anomaly scans, doppler studies, and intrapartum monitoring of admitted patients. Special procedures such as amniocentesis, amnioreduction, and external cephalic version are also done in the center. Outpatient ultrasound is likewise performed at the UP-PGH Department of Out-Patient Services Building.

b. Fetal Surveillance

The Department acquired new fetal tocomonitors that are used in the OB Admitting Section, Outpatient Department, Wards 15 and 16, and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center. A centralized telemetry is likewise available in the IMU.

c. Colposcopy

The Colposcopy Suite is located in Ward 16. The new colposcopy unit has a high definition binocular optic colposcope system with digital video and imaging capability and an incorporated patient record software. The suite offers the following services: basic colposcopy,targeted biopsies (of the cervix vulva and vagina), cauterization of genital warts, loop electrosurgical excision procedures, pap smear and cryotherapy.

d. Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Minimally invasive gynecologic procedures are performed at the 3rd and 4th floor LCB ORs. Gynecologic laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and robotic surgical procedures are performed under the Divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Gynecologic Oncology.

The Department is closely collaborating with UPCM in the establishment of an advanced simulation laboratory for residents, fellows, and faculty training. The Department fully supports further training in gynecologic endoscopy and robotic surgery.

IX. BRILYO: PAGGUNITA SA 60 TAON NG HUSAY AT SERBISYO

The Department’s year-long 60th year Anniversary Celebration of its fusion, Brilyo: Paggunita sa 60 Taon ng Husay at Serbisyo, last April 3, 2024 commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass and blessing of the newly renovated areas and equipment. The Department opened its photo gallery featuring photos of the Department from 1959 up to the present. There were weekly social media releases of feature articles on previous Department Chairs and their contributions to the Department as we know it today. The celebration was capped by a reunion with alumni across the nation last November 11, 2024.

Brilyo reaffirmed the strong bonds among UP-PGH OB-GYN alumni and their shared commitment to excellence in women’s health. As the Department looks to the future, the night served as both a reflection of its enduring impact and a promise of continued leadership in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Address: Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Contact number: +63 2 8554 8400 local 2359
Email address: ob-gyne.uppgh@up.edu.ph
Facebook page: UP PGH Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology