On the morning of July 14, 2017, this year’s PAMET North Luzon Regional Conference was launched, welcoming hundreds of medical technologists from all over the region into the halls of Tarlac State University Hotel. The Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET) held the 2-day conference for the 11th year with its strong commitment to educate and learn still unfazed. The theme of the event was ‘Enhancing Capabilities Unfolding Global Opportunities’, an objective consistent with PAMET’s attitude towards progressive Filipino healthcare.

The first day was spent on registration and the opening ceremonies. Before the event proper, workshops were conducted by renowned experts like Mr. Roberto Manaois, RMT, MBA and Ms. Laurine Anne Reyes, RMT. At around 6 PM, The PAMET North officials, along with the guests of honor Gov. Susan Yap and Mayor Maria Cristina Angeles, made their entrance into the Priscilla Hall for the event’s opening ceremonies.

MEDTEK and MAN Pharma, as exhibitors in the event, had set up a joint booth earlier that day. Our booth drew crowds with our product line-up and fun giveaways. Medical technologists, doctors, and students all showed interest in our featured products like our chemistry analyzers, rapid tests, and diabetes care products. Each registrant were able to take home a piece of MEDTEK and MAN Pharma in the form of notepads, pens, and bags.

The first day closed with a parade of distributors, donning their best Filipiniana attire. This is all in preparation for the Kanlahi Festival-themed cultural night. This celebration was meant to highlight Tarlac’s rich heritage and strengthen the bond of the North’s top medical technologists.

Plenary sessions took over the majority of the second day’s itinerary. A total of eight plenary talks were given, each taking on a specific issue faced by Filipino medical technologists. MEDTEK’s very own Dr. Razel Kawano held a lecture titled ‘Discrepancies in HIV Testing: Root Causes of Its Implications’. Another notable session was conducted by PAMET President, Ronaldo Puno, RMT, MBA-H. He talked about the key components of having an efficient laboratory management system. The conference ended with a turn over and the closing ceremonies.

For more than a decade, PAMET North has provided local medical technologists with a deep sense of community and connection, always fostering an open avenue for discussions. Their yearly conference continues to play a huge role in the collaborative spirit of medical technologists across the region and MEDTEK is always honored to contribute to their cause.