With a flag-raising ceremony and photo exhibit, the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City kicked off its 71st Founding Anniversary on November 9, 2026 — opening a series of commemorative activities that will run through December 3, 2026, the hospital announced in a press release.
Multi-Month Program Anchored on a Five-Year Theme
The anniversary is organized under a five-year institutional theme covering 2025 to 2030: "Saluting Our Past, Inspiring Our Future: 71 Years of Healing Heroes." According to the VMMC press release, the program honors staff members, veterans, blood donors, and medical trainees across a range of scheduled events.
Opening Ceremony Draws Former Directors and Personnel
The November 9 observance began with a formal flag-raising ceremony attended by former hospital directors, current officials, and employees who came dressed in Filipiniana attire. Dr. Joselito P. Quines, chairperson of the VMMC 71st Anniversary Committee, delivered remarks during the program.
"As we salute our past, we pay tribute to the visionaries, pioneers, and generations of dedicated men and women whose sacrifices and unwavering commitment have shaped the proud legacy of VMMC," Dr. Quines said, as quoted in the hospital's press release.
The opening day concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration at the VMMC Ecumenical Chapel.
Five DOH-Certified Specialty Centers Formally Recognized
During the anniversary program, the VMMC Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee formally recognized five specialty centers that have received certification from the Department of Health (DOH). The certified centers are Eye Care, Orthopedic Care, Physical Rehabilitation Medicine, Lung Care, and Mental Health, according to the hospital's press release.
Director with Over Three Decades of Service Acknowledged
VMMC Director IV Dr. Peter Paul Reuben G. Galvez used the occasion to formally introduce Dr. Eloisa S. De Guia, VMMC Director III, who has worked at the institution for more than 30 years. In remarks quoted in the hospital's press release, Dr. De Guia reflected on the challenges the hospital has overcome.
"We have faced challenges, limited resources, and demanding days, but we persevered. We adapted, supported one another, and continued to serve. That is the VMMC spirit," Dr. De Guia said.
'Kasaysayang Kinulayan' Exhibit Traces Hospital's History
Hospital officials also opened "Kasaysayang Kinulayan," a 71st Anniversary Photo Exhibit installed at the VMMC Lobby. The exhibit documents the institution's evolution from its post-war origins as the Veterans Memorial Hospital into its present form as a modern multi-specialty tertiary medical center, spanning seven decades of institutional development.
Scheduled Events Through December 3
The VMMC press release outlined the remaining anniversary events: a research event on November 12; the Operation: Lifeline 37th Anniversary with awards for blood donors on November 25; employee awards on November 26; a Christmas lighting ceremony on November 27; a gift-giving activity for veterans on December 1; and a commencement ceremony for residents and fellows on December 3.
VMMC's Unique Position Under the DND
VMMC remains the only tertiary-level hospital operating under the Department of National Defense, serving Filipino veterans, active military personnel, their dependents, and civilian patients. The hospital said in its press release that the anniversary reaffirmed its commitment to compassionate healthcare, continuous innovation, and institutional transformation.
Photo credit: Photos courtesy of VMMC
Source: Veterans Memorial Medical Center