About WONCA Asia Pacific 2026
The Philippines has been steadfast in contributing towards the global advancement of family medicine as seen with three previous WONCA conferences hosted by the country; WONCA 1979 and 1993 in Manila, and 2011 in Cebu. Upholding this commitment, the Philippines is proudly hosting the WONCA Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in 2026 with the theme “Family Physicians are Gifted to Give: Hearts that care for Persons, Family, and Community”.
Gifted to give – a racial identity of Filipinos rooted on the word “Paglingap” or the unique sense of warm care and empathy that we Filipinos are known for all over the world. Paglingap allows Filipino family physicians to compassionately render person-centered, family-focused, and community-oriented care, a trust championed by Dr. Zorayda Leopando, a pioneer in Filipino family medicine.
Person-centered care has been woven into Filipino culture and tradition. Filipinos value people as “Kapwa” or mirroring oneself to others, whether a kin, friend, acquaintance, and stranger. Because Filipinos see each other as themselves, we are able to holistically and passionately give ourselves to one another.
Family ties and relationships are another integral part of the Filipino identity. The term “Ginhawa” is in the heart of every Filipino which gives prime to wellbeing, comfort, and healing throughout the person’s life. This is best experienced at the homes of Filipino families.
Each family is organized and centered on the spirit of communal unity and cooperation, known as “Bayanihan”. The exceptional ability of Filipino families to aid one another is mirrored in the commitment of Filipino family physicians to serve and to be with the people. This is exemplified in the vulnerable, geographically isolated, and disadvantaged where health resources are less accessible.
This 2026, the Philippines is proud to welcome the WONCA Asia-Pacific Regional Conference to the heart of the Philippines, Iloilo. Filipino family physicians, now more than ever, are gifted to give the Filipino values of paglingap, kapwa, ginhawa, and bayanihan. Let us inculcate person-centered, family-focused, and community-oriented care to the world.
WONCA ILOILO LOGO
The logo of WONCA Asia-Pacific Regional Conference 2026 is given life with the Philippines’ color of festivities. The vibrant green and yellow are also colors of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians.
The three people figure represents a family, aboard on a green boat while the yellow swirl represents sea waves. This is an ode to the “balangay”, crafted by Filipino ancestors to navigate the islands of the archipelago and the neighboring Asia-Pacific region. The “balangay” hosted not one but multiple families cruising the waves in search for settlement hence from it, “barangay” emerged which are Filipino communities of today. This history is exemplified by the dedication of Filipino family physicians in navigating people, families, and communities to the ever changing tide of health. The principle of Primary Health Care serves as the north start in the navigation, guiding everyone towards healthy lives and future. Lastly, all figures form a heart at the center of the logo. This portrays the Filipino heart, gifted to give; and the host province Iloilo, the heart of the Philippines.