Initial meetings were called in October, 2000 when Dr. Enrique T. Ona, the director of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute invited all the practicing transplant surgeons to an informal dinner to explore the feasibility of creating a society of transplant surgeons.
That historic first meeting was attended by Drs. Rose Marie O. Rosete-Liquete, Benito VC. Purugganan Jr., Angel Joaquin M. Amante, Alex Siquijor of the NKTI, Drs Carlo Gerardo B. Ramirez and Dennis P. Serrano of the Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Renato Reyes from Batangas and Dr. Servando Sergio DC. Simangan Jr. representing Central Luzon. Drs . Jose Emmanuel del Fiero from Davao and Dr. Ma. Vanessa H. de Villa from PGH also signified their intention to join but could not be present physically.
From this batch was elected the first officers of the society with Dr. Ona as President, Dra. Liquete as Vice-President, Dr. Serrano as Secretary, and Dr. Amante as Treasurer. They are still the current officers. It was resolved during that night that this society will become the mother society of all transplant surgeons and will work to advance and promote the practice of organ transplantation surgery in all of the Philippines.
Since then, it has taken new members in the persons of Drs. Constancio Reyes, Fernando Tejada, Ronald Faller, Louie Metran and Francisco Sales.
Initial Meetings
Dr. Enrique T. Ona (Hon)
Founding President