The Rajakumar Movement Pre-conference 2026

A CANVAS OF COMPASSION: THE RAJAKUMAR MOVEMENT TRIUMPHS AT WONCA APR CONFERENCE 2026

By Dr. Michael Angelo J. Arteza
Chair, The Rajakumar Movement

The WONCA Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) 2026 in Iloilo City provided a vibrant and historic backdrop for the Young Doctors’ Movement to shine. Guided by the evocative theme “The HeART of Healing: The Family Doctor’s Identity,” The WONCA APRC 2026 Committee on Youth and Trainee Engagement along with the Rajakumar Movement (TRM) hosted a dynamic series of events that successfully merged the scientific rigor of primary care with the deeply human art of medicine.

Gathering at the Iloilo Convention Center Exhibition Hall D, young family physicians from across the region embarked on a multi-day journey to rediscover the calling, character, and compassion that define their profession.

Setting the Stage: The TRM Council Meeting

The momentum began to build on the morning of March 24 with the TRM Council Meeting. TRM Chair Dr. Michael Angelo Arteza opened the floor, providing a comprehensive update on past activities and highlighting key future initiatives to drive the movement forward. From eight o'clock, the hall buzzed with energy as representatives from various Member Organizations took the stage to provide vital updates on their local initiatives.

The assembly was enriched by insights from Dr. Ping Hsun Chang (Chinese Taipei Association of Family Medicine), Dr. Cheryl Chan (Hong Kong College of Family Physicians), Dr. Tristan Viktor Santos (Philippine Academy of Family Physicians Residents Organization), and Dr. Marshell Timotius Handoko (Indonesian Association of Family Physicians). Adding to this vibrant, cross-border exchange were Dr. Akihiro Sawa (Japan Primary Care Association), Dr. Wong Ling Ying (Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia), Dr. Mya Win Hnit (Myanmar GP Society), and Dr. Nisachon Tongtip (GP/Family Physicians Association of Thailand). This strong sense of global unity was further cemented by dedicated reports from ASPIRE, presented by Dr. Mya Win Hnit, and FM360, delivered by Dr. Akihiro Sawa.

The morning sessions established a strong sense of global unity, beginning with an inspiring opening message from WONCA APR President Dr. Brian Chang, who highlighted the crucial role family doctors play in advancing primary care across the region. Adding to the morning's momentum, WONCA Immediate Past President A/Prof Karen Flegg shared an empowering reflection on the transformative power of saying "yes" to new opportunities. WONCA President Prof. Viviana Martinez-Bianchi then delivered a moving address, urging the delegates to lift one another up to ensure no one is left behind, all while proudly embracing their shared identity as family physicians. The session was further enriched by warm, cordial messages from WONCA CEO Dr. Harris Lydigakis, WONCA Member-at-Large Dr. Kim Yu, and WONCA APR Member-at-Large Dr. Wong Ping Foo.

To beautifully cap off the morning, the WVSU Irog-Irog Dance Company treated the delegates to a captivating demonstration of Tinikling. Often considered the Philippines' national dance, its movements mimic the tikling bird nimbly dodging bamboo traps set by farmers, a vibrant representation of Filipino resilience and grace that perfectly set the stage for the afternoon's deep dive into the art of healing.

TRM with the WONCA World and Asia Pacific Regional Executives

Rediscovering Identity at the TRM Pre-Conference

The pre-conference was designed as a journey of self-discovery, focusing on three foundational pillars: Calling, Character, and Compassion. In an increasingly complex healthcare landscape, the sessions provided a necessary space for participants to reconnect with the "art" of their vocation. The sessions were moderated by Dr. Mark Louie Mann, and Dr. Andrea Angelica Aguba-Binay.

The academic discourse flowed naturally from one critical topic to the next, beginning with Dr. Marshell Timotius Handoko, who guided the young doctors on how to build a resilient professional brand in the modern era. This seamlessly transitioned into an earnest exploration of physician well-being, as Dr. Chan Yuen Ching Cheryl shared vital insights on maintaining happiness and sustainability within the demanding field of family medicine. The delegates then put theory into practice during the first workshop, collaborating to set clear, actionable visions for starting their own practices, before presenting their dynamic outputs in a lively plenary session.

The narrative of identity and care continued with Dr. Victor Ng, who emphasized the critical importance of values formation during family medicine training. Grounding the regional discussions in a uniquely Filipino context, Dr. Alvin Michael De Luna then explored the role of young doctors in manifesting "Paglingap," or genuine care and nurturing. Inspired by these lectures, the participants engaged in a second workshop, where they translated the abstract concept of compassion into visual cultural metaphors and proudly shared their reflections during the final afternoon plenary.

Workshop Outputs

As evening fell, the atmosphere in Hall D transformed for the highly anticipated Fellowship Night. Understanding that a resilient healthcare network relies on genuine human connection, the delegates gathered for a networking dinner filled with shared stories and newfound cross-border friendships. After a few heartfelt welcoming messages, the room erupted in laughter and camaraderie through spirited games and a lively open mic karaoke party that lasted well into the night.

TRM Fellowship Night

The First YDM Knowledge Quest

The momentum of the TRM activities continued two days later on March 26, 2026, from 03:00 PM to 04:45 PM back at ICON Exhibition Hall D. Hosted by the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians Residents' Organization (PAFPRO), this Medical Trivia Quiz Show was an engaging event specifically designed for residents and young doctors in their first five years of practice. It tested the clinical acumen and general knowledge of the delegates in a lively, competitive environment.

The event concluded with the inaugural set of winners:

• Champion: Dr. Ei Ei Lin - Myanmar General Practitioners’ Society (MMA-GPS)
• 1st Runner Up: Dr. Estella Chua - Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia (AFPM)
• 2nd Runner Up: Dr. Aishah Latiff - Malaysian Family Medicine Specialists’ Association (FMSA)

Winners of the 1st YDM Knowledge Quest

Looking Ahead

The success of these events is a powerful testament to the enthusiasm of young family physicians in the region. The activities in Iloilo seamlessly blended professional development with an appreciation for the visually rich, empathetic aspects of patient care.

As we leave the "City of Love," we do so with renewed energy and a stronger, more connected network, ready to translate the true "HeART of healing" into everyday practice across the Asia Pacific.

Special thanks to the following for making this event possible: WONCA APR Council, led by Regional President Dr. Brian Chang; WONCA APRC 2026 Organizing Committee, led by Dr. Karin Estepa-Garcia, Dr. Aileen Espina, Dr. Leilanie Nicodemus and Dr. Peter Francisco; Philippine Academy of Family Physicians led by National President Dr. Josefina Isidro Lapena, and Chapter Presidents Dr. Sharon Pagunsan and Dr. Edilyn Beray; WONCA APR 2026 Committee on Youth and Trainee Engagement: Dr. Michael Angelo Arteza, Dr. Tristan Viktor Santos, Dr. John Christian Mirasol, Dr. Mark Louie Mann, Dr. Francis Jay Lagudas, Dr. Alvin Michael De Luna, Dr. Ray Anthony Camaliga, Dr. Mark Loise Peralta, Dr. Axel John Briz, Dr. Karl Michael Pasag, Dr. Daniel Jacob Bautista, Dr. Daphne Jarito Arintoc, Dr. Kurt Jimwell Resuello, Dr. Ivan Estreller, Dr. Luigi Angelo Borlongan, Dr. Doreen Sorolla, Dr. Michell Desiree Estirver, Dr. Jedidiah R. Diente, Dr. Faye Dominique Palmares; The Rajakumar Movement Executives: Dr. Michael Angelo Arteza, Dr. Wong Ling Ying, Dr. Nisachon Tongtip, Dr. Haslina Mukhtar Aajamer, Dr. Liu Ya An, Dr. Mya Win Hnit, Dr. Akihiro Sawa, and Dr. Ping Hsun Chang.

With some of the medical students

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