Message

Happy Holidays! The Philippine Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (PSO HNS) Board of Trustees congratulates the Editorial Board of the Philippine Journal of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (PJO-HNS), headed by Dr. Jose Florencio Lapeña, Jr., on the publication of this issue. Dr. Lapeña has been the editor-in-chief of the PJO-HNS for the past 18 years, and it has grown in scope and stature under his leadership. It is through the PJO-HNS that we achieve some of the objectives codified in our articles of incorporation. These articles state that the primary purpose of the PSO-HNS is to engage in the promotion of the welfare, training, and scientific advancement of ORL-HNS in the Philippines, particularly (among many other objectives), to develop programs to promote the exchange of scientific information among members, and to encourage, support and institute publication of scientific ORL-HNS literature for national and international consumption. This year, we will be proposing a new Vision for the PSO-HNS: To be a globally recognized society in ORL-HNS, driving innovation, collaboration, and excellence through an engaged community of Fellows and stakeholders by 2027. Part of the reason for the change was to facilitate recall of the vision statement. We want every Fellow of the Society to remember the vision so that individually and corporately, we can put this vision at the forefront of our plans and projects to ensure success. Part of the proposed Mission of the PSO-HNS is advancing innovation in ENT care by promoting research and development. The PJO-HNS will play an important role in achieving global recognition for the society by continuing its tradition of innovation and excellence in vetting, improving and publishing research papers from all over the world. Knowing our Vision and Mission is but the start of continuing our growth as a Society. To be truly relevant, we must look at the current situation of our nation and identify ways to improve the lot of the Filipino people, not just in terms of ENT care, but in all aspects of life that we can touch. The Society has increasingly focused on advocacies such as care for the environment, cancer consciousness, hearing health, road safety and the like. We have supported movements and statements for social justice, government accountability and PhilHealth reform. Let us continue to use our strength as a Society towards a better Philippines. I would like to share with you my life verse for this year. From the letter of Paul to the Galatians: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Let us continue doing good for each Fellow, for the PSO-HNS as a whole, and for the Filipino people who need our care. His Blessings!