Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Delfin Tan, Founding President of the Philippine Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy

As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Philippine Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (PSGE), I am deeply moved to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Delfin Avendaño Tan, the founding president of our society. His pioneering contributions to minimally invasive gynecologic surgery in the Philippines were driven by vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to advancing women’s health care. This special issue of the Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology is not only a celebration of PSGE’s two decades of growth but also a tribute to the man whose passion made it possible. Dr. Tan’s journey into gynecologic endoscopy began with a spirit of innovation, determination, and self-reliance. While some of his colleagues sought training abroad, he taught himself the technical skills of endoscopy by practicing on animal models and collaborating with general surgeons. Adapting these techniques to gynecologic practice, he pioneered a field that was largely uncharted at the time. His decision to pursue gynecologic endoscopy, despite its challenges, was not immediately understood by his peers. Many questioned why he would “make life difficult” when traditional laparotomy could easily suffice, albeit with larger incisions and longer recovery times. A true visionary, Dr. Tan went beyond convention. Where others saw a difficult path, he saw an opportunity to transform care for Filipino women, making surgeries safer and less invasive. His belief in the profound benefits of minimally invasive surgery fueled his dedication to this approach. Dr. Tan was equally committed to making these advanced techniques accessible, offering minimally invasive surgery at lower costs–sometimes even more affordable than traditional laparotomy. His vision went beyond mastering a new approach; he aimed to ensure that more patients could benefit from these game-changing procedures. His journey was not without obstacles, but Dr. Tan’s perseverance inspired an entire generation of obstetrician-gynecologists to embrace endoscopy as an essential skill. His mentorship extended far and wide, reaching doctors across the nation and sparking a collective commitment to adopt and master endoscopic techniques. His influence was grounded in generosity—he was endlessly patient, dedicated, and always willing to share his time and knowledge. For him, the advancement of gynecologic care was not just a profession, but a calling, and his enthusiasm became contagious among those he trained and encouraged. Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Tan handled thousands of cases–more than the collective caseloads of multiple hospitals. These surgeries served as a reflection of his dedication to continual practice and excellence. Despite being largely self-taught, he achieved a level of expertise that was on par with, or even exceeded, that of his international colleagues. His tenacity and skill earned him the title of the Father of Modern Laparoscopy in the Philippines. Dr. Tan frequently represented the Philippines and PSGE at international meetings, making a name for our country and society in the global academic community. Recognized as a leader in the field, his contributions not only earned him international recognition but also opened doors for Filipino surgeons to engage with the world’s leading experts. Beyond his own work, Dr. Tan had a deeply lasting influence as an educator. His incredible body of work, coupled with his philosophy that “complications will always be there… we just have to train ourselves to be good enough that complications are reduced to a minimum,” reflected his relentless pursuit of better patient outcomes and set new standards for the field. His legacy lives on not just in the techniques he pioneered, but in the culture of teaching and learning he instilled—one that continues to inspire future generations of gynecologists to strive for the highest level of care and mastery. This commemorative issue of the Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology highlights PSGE’s ongoing commitment to advancing gynecologic endoscopy, featuring original research, case reports, and expert perspectives that embody the values Dr. Tan championed: innovation, resilience, and excellence in patient care. As his daughter and PSGE’s current president, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of his work–not only in advancing the field but in instilling values of humility, generosity, and dedication. His legacy has shaped my vision for PSGE, and I am deeply honored and humbled to continue his mission of making minimally invasive gynecologic surgery more accessible for all who wish to learn. Looking ahead, PSGE’s mission remains clear: to be an inclusive society that brings the benefits of gynecologic endoscopy to as many practitioners and patients as possible. By fostering a culture of mentorship and accessibility, we honor Dr. Tan’s vision and extend his legacy into the future. As we celebrate PSGE’s 20 years, let us be reminded of the foundations he laid and the responsibility we carry to build upon them with the same dedication and passion.