In an organization long dominated by male specialists, pediatric cardiologist Dr. Aurora Muriel Gamponia has carved a historic place in Philippine cardiology after being elected the 75th president of the Philippine Heart Association-Philippine College of Cardiology (PHA-PCC).
PHA leadership handover from Dr. W. Amil to Dr. A. Gamponia
Gamponia’s election by the 2,550-member PHA-PCC was announced during the Business Meeting on the third day of the 56th PHA Convention and Scientific Meeting at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City, held from May 26-29, 2026.
Dr. Rodney Jimenez, chair of the 2026 Elections Committee, formally announced her ascent to the top post.
Being only the fifth pediatric cardiologist and the 10th woman to head the traditionally male-dominated association, her presidency is expected to reflect the growing visibility of women and pediatric heart specialists in shaping national cardiovascular programs and policies.
Her leadership philosophy is marked by “wisdom of continuity,” emphasizing the importance of sustaining programs that address longstanding gaps in cardiovascular care, particularly in underserved areas.
Among the priorities she identified are the Rheumatic Heart Disease PH Eradication Program and the campaign “One Cardiologist in Every City and Province,” which gained momentum following the launch of the Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga Sibugay Sub-Chapters.
It is a move which forms part of the association's efforts to strengthen cardiology services in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
In the Philippines, there is only about one cardiologist for every 44,000 Filipinos—far below the ideal workforce capacity needed to meet the country’s growing cardiovascular health burden.
The disparity becomes even more apparent when compared with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of one cardiologist for every 25,000 people and one cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) for every 500,000 to one million population, highlighting the urgent need to expand cardiovascular services, specialist training, and healthcare infrastructure to ensure timely access to life-saving heart care.
Surrounded by the people closest to her, Gamponia took her oath as the new President of the PHA in a heartfelt moment witnessed by her family. Joining her in this milestone were her husband Dr. Reynante Gamponia; her children Dr. Katrina Mae Gamponia-Garcia (not in photo are her husband Jose Antonio Jobim Garcia and children Olivia and Jacob); Dr. Kristine Joy Gamponia-Perona and her husband Edsel Andrew Perona with their children Gabrielle and Frankie; and her son John Michael Gamponia.
Beyond her professional achievements, Gamponia comes from a brood deeply committed to advancing cardiovascular health. Her husband is a thoracic, cardiac, and vascular surgeon. Their dedication to medicine has inspired the next generation, with their daughters likewise pursuing careers in the field. Dr. Kat Gamponia-Garcia, is an adult cardiologist, while Dr. Kristine Gamponia-Perona specializes in pediatric medicine.
Gamponia follows a distinguished line of pediatric cardiologists who previously served as PHA presidents, including Drs. Wilberto Lopez, Asuncion Reloza, Edgardo Ortiz, and Aurelia Leus.
Her election also adds to the roster of women who have led the organization, among them Drs. Helen Abundo, Esperanza Cabral, Asuncion Reloza, Annette Borromeo, Ma. Belen Carisma, Ma. Teresa Abola, Eleanor Lopez, Nannette Rey-Melgarejo, and Aurelia Leus.
Gamponia was inducted by PHA Past President and Dr. Mariano Alimurung Memorial Lecturer Dr. Jose Abanilla Jr.
Also elected to the PHA Board of Directors for 2026-2027 were Drs. Richard Henry Tiongco II as Vice President, Luigi Pierre Segundo as Secretary, Lourdes Ella Santos as Treasurer, Avenilo “Jun” Aventura Jr. as Director I, Iris Garcia as Director II, and Eric Oliver Sison as Director III. Dr. Amil as Immediate Past President is part of the PHA 2026-2027 Board of Directors.
From left: Drs. Gamponia, Tiongco, Segundo, Santos, Aventura Jr., Garcia, Sison, and Amil
