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On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), it is my distinct honor and privilege to extend our warmest congratulations to the Overall Chair of the 49th PDS Annual Convention, Dr. Liza Marie Paz-Tan, Co-Chair Dr. Mary Charmaine Castillo, and the entire Organizing Committee for bringing together what promises to be a landmark event in Philippine dermatology.

This year's convention theme, “ALAB: Advances, Leading Trends And Breakthroughs in Dermatology”, will be held on November 3–7, 2026 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom.

This year, November 3 will not only features our excellent Research Forum but also features the first and inaugural PsorAsia-Pacific Psoriatic Disease Conference, hosted in partnership with Psoriasis Asia, Psoriasis Philippines, the International Psoriasis Council, and allied patient advocacy groups. This landmark scientific meeting brings together dermatologists and healthcare professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region to advance the future of psoriatic disease care — a historic collaboration that will empower dermatologists and allied health professionals who care for patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

November 3 also features the PDS Induction Ceremony, themed “Healing with Integrity,” during which we will proudly welcome 65 new PDS Diplomates and induct Fellows and Life Fellows of the Society.

The main convention from November 4-6, 2026 features a unique enriching program of predominantly plenary sessions. Day Two will feature two parallel tracks — the Medical Dermatology Track and the Aesthetic and Procedural Dermatology Track — ensuring comprehensive coverage across the breadth of our specialty.

This years Opening Ceremony on the morning of November 4 will features the Perpetuo Gutierrez Memorial Lecture, which will be delivered by Dr. Maria Angela Medina- Lavadia, a beloved past president and a physician who continues to lead and serve the PDS long after her tenure, a true embodiment of our society’s enduring spirit.

Our roster of international speakers is as eclectic as it is distinguished. We welcome experts from across the globe. For the medical track, we welcome Dr Bernard Ho, a psychodermatologist from the United Kingdom including who will speak on gender-affirming dermatology, and lymphedema. Dr. M Ramam from India in a superb dermatopathologist with a passion for infectious dermatology and granulomatous diseases. Dr. Tatsumi from Japan and representing the WHO, will discuss the impact of leprosy on mental health. Dr. Siew Eng Choon from Malaysia will be on our roster of psoriasis experts and will share on her passion for generalized pustular psoriasis, and Dr. Kok Wai Leong from Singapore specializes in phototherapy, eczema and psoriasis but will be discussing the impact of artificial intelligence in the practice of dermatology. For the cosmetic track, we welcome Dr. Dina Dorgham from Egypt, who specializes in a wide range of cosmetic dermatological treatments, including injectable, fillers, hair loss and rejuvenation. Prof Rungsima Wanitphakdeedecha, a highly esteemed and distinguished dermatologic surgeon widely recognized for her expertise in dermatosurgery and rejuvenation, cosmetic laser surgery, and injectable procedures will likewise be our speaker.

The Medical Dermatology Track will cover topics ranging from pediatric and adolescent dermatology to immunology updates, urgent care of vitiligo, drug eruptions, and emerging insights into hidradenitis suppurativa, rosacea, acne, and atopic dermatitis — all chronic inflammatory diseases of growing clinical relevance. We will also dedicate sessions to hair and nail disorders.

The Aesthetic and Procedural Dermatology Track will explore the regenerative frontier, featuring the latest in exosome therapy, pigmentation breakthroughs, periorbital rejuvenation, and cutting-edge techniques in dermal fillers, presented by leading authorities both local and international.

Beyond the scientific program, we are delighted to announce that the launch of the yearly Kalon Art Exhibit will be held on November 4, the PDS annual showcase of member artworks — this year featuring photography. Our beloved PDS Fellowship Night, themed “Groove and Glow,” will celebrate the talents of our colleagues in a memorable evening of camaraderie. The week concludes with our Annual Business Meeting.

We also mark a momentous milestone: the start of the 75th Anniversary of the Philippine Dermatological Society in 2027. The celebrations begin here, at this convention, as we honor our history and look forward with purpose and pride.

I am deeply grateful to the Organizing Committee for their dedication and excellence. I look forward to welcoming you all to the 49th PDS Annual Convention and to learning alongside you in what promises to be another spectacular conference. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Mabuhay and welcome to the 49th Annual Convention of the Philippine Dermatological Society!

As we gather once again as a community of clinicians, researchers, educators, trainees, and industry partners, we celebrate not only our shared passion for dermatology but also our collective commitment to advancing the specialty and improving the lives of our patients.

This year, we proudly embrace the theme ALAB: Advances, Leading Trends and Breakthroughs in Dermatology. The word alab evokes a spark, a flame, and a driving force—symbolizing the passion that fuels our pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and excellence. It reflects the energy that propels our specialty forward as we explore emerging discoveries, cutting-edge technologies, and transformative approaches that are redefining dermatologic care.

The 49th Annual Convention in November 4-6, 2026 which will be held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, serves as a vibrant platform for learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Through scientific sessions, research presentations, expert discussions, and meaningful fellowship, we kindle new ideas and strengthen the connections that unite us as dermatologists dedicated to lifelong learning and service.

Preceding the Annual Convention is the PsorAsiaPacific Inaugural Psoriatic Disease Conference, which will be held on November 3, 2026, also at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. This landmark event is organized in collaboration with the International Psoriasis Council, International Federation of Psoriasis Associations, PsorAsia, and Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil). Bringing together local and international experts, advocates, and stakeholders, the conference underscores the growing importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing the understanding, management, and advocacy of psoriatic disease. It marks a significant milestone in our efforts to improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with psoriasis and related conditions.

As you explore this digital souvenir program, may it serve not only as a guide to the activities ahead but also as a celebration of the achievements, partnerships, and aspirations of our dermatology community. May all of these remind us of how far our specialty has come and inspire us toward the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Together, let us embrace the opportunities before us, learn from one another, and continue to elevate the standards of dermatologic care in the Philippines and beyond. Thank you for joining us in this exciting gathering of minds and hearts dedicated to excellence in dermatology. May the Inaugural Psoriatic Disease Conference and the 49th Annual Convention be enriching, inspiring, and transformative experiences for all.

Welcome to ALAB 2026. Let us ignite the future of dermatology together.

Warm greetings, colleagues and friends! As co-chair of this year’s PDS Annual Convention, it is my honor and pleasure to welcome everyone to this much-anticipated event. ALAB as our convention theme for this year is indeed apt, for not only does it stand for the flame of knowledge that is expected to be ignited through the highly-informative lectures and discussions, but it also reflects the passion and fervor that has fueled each and every member of the organizing committee, led by our chairperson, Dr. Liza Marie Paz-Tan, to come up with a comprehensive and innovative 4-day course for all participants.

As we are on the cusp of celebrating the 75th year of PDS, our 49th Annual Convention promises to be a perfect prelude to our upcoming milestone celebration. Starting with the inaugural PsorAsia Pacific Psoriatic Disease Conference on November 3 as our pre-convention course, this groundbreaking regional meeting will be co-presented with PsorAsia Pacific, in collaboration with major local and international bodies—the International Psoriasis Council (IPC), the Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), the Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR), and the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA). Expect a fully packed scientific program showcasing a multidisciplinary mix of distinguished international and local experts on psoriasis care.

This will then be followed by our main convention from November 4-6, which will feature enlightening plenary lectures, high-yield breakout sessions on aesthetic, procedural, and medical dermatology, and a surefire lively and fun fellowship night that should not be missed. With the participation of sought-after speakers, valued industry partners, and more than a thousand delegates, you can be assured that ALAB will provide a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and insights into Advances, Leading Trends And Breakthroughs in Dermatology.

I therefore enjoin everyone to be a part of this all-important event. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to learn, enhance one’s skills, forge meaningful connections, and ignite the flame in everyone!