WONCA Iloilo Organizing Committee engages with Local Government
The 27th WONCA Asia Pacific Regional Conference Organizing Committee, headed by host chair, Dr. Karin Estepa-Garcia, had courtesy meetings with the local governments of Iloilo City and Province of Guimaras in the Western Visayas Region of the Philippines.
The organizing team was warmly accommodated by Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas on July 9, 2025. Mayor Treñas, Iloilo City’s first woman elected as Mayor, pledged her support for the success of the WONCA Iloilo conference on March 25 to 27, 2026 in Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City, Philippines.
Iloilo is dubbed as the “heart of the Philippines” because of its location in the middle of the Philippine archipelago. This “heart” aligns with the theme of the WONCA Iloilo “Family Physicians are gifted to give: hearts that care for persons, family, and community.” The conference theme underscores the compassionate care of family physicians and their vital roles in providing patient-centered, family-focused, and community oriented care.
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas
The organizing team also visited the Province Island of Guimaras which is known for producing one of the sweetest mangoes in the world, is a 15 to 20 minute boat ride from Iloilo City. Guimaras Province Governor Ma. Lucille L. Nava, who is also a medical doctor, welcomed the organizing team on August 22, 2025 and they discussed preparations for the conference.
Guimaras Province Governor Ma. Lucille L. Nava
WONCA Asia Pacific Regional Conference in 2026 will be in Iloilo City, Philippines. Iloilo City is known for its mouthwatering local dishes with rich tradition and culture, such as La Paz Batchoy (noodle soup) and Pancit Molo (dumpling soup). This earned Iloilo City’s designation as UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2023. Apart from the gastronomic feast, Iloilo City is also known for its rich heritage sites and vibrant festivals such as the Dinagyang.
Abstract submission for the WONCA Iloilo conference is ongoing. Submissions for symposia, workshops, research papers, and policy pitches are welcome along the topic threads including primary care innovations, health systems strengthening, social determinants of health, planetary and environmental health, family-based care interventions, community-based care interventions, and health equity and social responsibility.
The Philippines is excited to welcome family doctors from all over the world and experience the Filipino hospitality and heart of healing.
For abstract submission, kindly visit the website: wonca-apr2026.org