Conference Speakers &
Guest of Honors
Psoriatic Disease
Advancing Holistic Care and Beyond
Joel M. Gelfand, MD, MSCE
Topic: Psoriatic Disease, PsA, and Cardiovascular Health
- the James J. Leyden Endowed Professor of Clinical Investigation
- Professor, Dermatology and Epidermiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
- Internationally recognized expert in psoriasis, epidermiology, drug safety, and clinical trials
Prof. Sandra V. Navarra, MD,FPCP, FPRA
Topic: Psoriatic Arthritis(PsA) - Disease Overview and Early Diagnosis
- Professor, Internal Medicine – Rheumatology, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Director, People Empowerment for Arthritis and Lupus (PEARL) and Lupus Inspired Advocacy (LUISA), both administered by Rheumatology Educational Trust Foundation Inc, (RETFI)
- Awardee, Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) Most Distinguised Physician award and the APLAR Master Award.
Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell, MD, FPDS
Topic: Best Practices in Holistic Management of Psoriatic Disease
- has subspecialty Clinics and Research on DP, Contact Dermatology, Cutaneous Photobiology, and Complex Psoriasis Out-/In-Patients.
- Chairs, trains, mentors Residents of the Skin and Cancer Foundation Inc. – Armed Forces of the Philippines Dermatology Section, and at Makati Medical Center, as a Senior Consultant.
- has 50+ Psoriasis published papers in Journals, international, local meeting Proceedings, a book, and a chapter in two photo dermatology books, which include her bath PUVA for psoriasis experience since the 1980s.
- A testament to her love for patients with psoriasis is, she co-found with Josef de Guzman, PsorPhil
CECILIA A. JIMENO, M.D.
Topic: Diabetes and Psoriatic Disease – A Dual Challenge Internist, Endocrinologist
- Renowned Leader in Endocrinology – Chair of Pharmacology at UP Manila and a trailblazer in medical education and endocrine care.
- Award-winning Educator and Researcher—Recipient of the PCEDM Diamond Award and multiple UPMASA teaching honors.
- Pioneer in Clinical Practice Guidelines Lead author of Philippine guidelines on diabetes and thyroid health, shaping national healthcare standards.
Ma.Teresita Gabriel, MD, FPDS
Panelist: Future Directions in Psoriasis and PsA Care in the Philippines
Long-standing Leadership in Dermatology and Psoriasis Advocacy
- Dr. Gabriel has been the Head of the Psoriasis Support Club at RITM since 2004, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to supporting psoriasis patients and fostering community.
Accomplished Academic and Research Contributor
- Dr. Gabriel’s work reflects her deep knowledge and thought leadership in dermatological science. She has published numerous articles in local and international journals and contributed chapters to dermatology books.
Leadership Roles in Prestigious Organizations
- Her tenure as Past President of the Philippine Dermatological Society (2011–2012) and Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at RITM (2011–2022) showcases her exceptional leadership and influence in shaping the dermatological field in the Philippines.
Bryan Edgar Ko Guevara, MD, FPDS, FDSP
Topic: Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP)
Dual Expertise in Dermatology and Dermatopathology
- Dr. Guevara is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist with extensive training from prestigious institutions like Mount Sinai Hospital and Yale University, bringing a global perspective to his practice in the Philippines.
Groundbreaking Clinical Research
- As a Principal investigator in pivotal clinical trials, including studies on Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) and innovative therapies like spesolimab, Dr. Guevara is at the forefront of developing advanced treatment protocols.
Prolific Academic Contributions
- Dr. Guevara has authored nearly 50 publications in local and international journals, holding esteemed editorial roles such as Associate Editor of the Australasian Journal of Dermatology and Past Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society.
Jennifer Lavina T. Ngo, MD, MBA, FPDS
Topic: Cancer and Psoriatic disease: What and where is the link?
Global Expertise in Psoriasis and Research Leadership
- As a 2025 International Fellow of the International Psoriasis Council, Dr. Ngo brings unparalleled expertise in psoriasis research and treatment innovations.
Master Educator and Consultant Dermatologist
- A lecturer at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health and an active consultant at leading medical institutions, Dr. Ngo excels in combining academic rigor with practical application..
Trailblazer in Photodermatology and Advanced Dermatology
- With specialized training from the National Skin Center in Singapore and active involvement in key dermatology subspecialty groups, Dr. Ngo is at the forefront of advanced therapeutic solutions.
Dr. Antonio C. Sison, MD, FPPA, FPDS
Topic: Mental Health and Psoriatic Disease - Addressing Psychological Impacts in Psoriatic Disease.
Pioneer in Psychodermatology
- Dr. Sison is the first and only board-certified Psychiatrist and Dermatologist in the Philippines. He bridges mental health and skin disease, offering a holistic approach to care.
Innovative Research on Trauma and Skin
- His work explores how trauma affects chronic skin conditions. He studies EMDR therapy’s role in improving both mental health and dermatological issues.
Leader in Psychiatry and Dermatology
- A past President of the Philippine Psychiatric Association, he now serves as Treasurer and Psychodermatology Chair in the Philippine Dermatological Society.
Dr. Evan Glenn Vista, MD, FPRA
Panelist: Future Directions in Psoriatic Disease Care in the Philippines
Advocate for Psoriatic Patients
- National Medical Youth Adviser for Psoriasis Philippines, showing unmatched dedication to improving the lives of those affected by psoriatic disease.
Esteemed Clinician and Educator
- Consultant and Clinical Faculty at St. Luke’s Medical Center and the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, mentoring the next generation of physicians.
Global Research Expertis
- Published in leading journals on rheumatic diseases and psoriatic arthritis, focusing on translating research into actionable patient care.
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Conference Schedules
| TIME | PROGRAM | SPEAKERS |
| 8:00 – 8:30 AM | Registration | |
| 8:30 – 8:40 AM | Prayer / National Anthem | |
| 8:40 – 8:50 AM | Welcome Remarks | |
| Generalized Pustular Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis | ||
| 8:50 – 9:05 AM | Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) – Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment | Dr. Bryan Ko Guevara |
| 9:05 – 9:15 AM | Q & A | |
| 9:15 – 9:25 AM | Break | |
| 9:25 – 9:40 AM | Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) – Disease Overview and Early Diagnosis | Dr. Sandra Navarra |
| 9:40 – 9:55 AM | Q & A | |
| 9:55 – 10:00 AM | Break | |
10:00 – 10:30 AM | Panel Discussion: The Role of Multidisciplinary Teams in Managing Psoriatic Disease including GPP and PSA | Dr. Bryan Ko Guevara |
| Dr. Sandra Navarra | ||
| Emmylou Casanova | ||
| Richard Parza | ||
| Moderator: Dr. Ayees Mendoza | ||
| 10:30 – 10:45 AM | Break | |
| Psoriatic Disease and Comorbidities | ||
| 10:45 – 11:00 AM | Psoriatic Disease, PsA, and Cardiovascular Health | Dr. Joel Gelfand |
| 11:00 – 11:10 AM | Q & A | |
| 11:10-11:25 AM | Diabetes and Psoriatic Disease – A Dual Challenge | Dr. Cecilia Jimeno |
| 11:25-11:40 AM | Cancer and Psoriatic disease: What and Where is the link? | Dr. Jennifer Lavina Ngo |
11:40 AM-12:00 PM | Panel Discussion: Risks in Psoriatic Disease and PsA – Prevention and Counseling | |
| Dr. Cecilia Jimeno | ||
| Dr. Alex Delgado | ||
| Moderator: Dr. Lorna Frez | ||
| 12:00-1:00 PM | ||
| Holistic Care and Best Practices for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis | ||
| 1:00 – 1:15 PM | Best Practices in Holistic Management of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis | Dr. Vermen Verallo Rowell |
| 1:15-1:20PM | Q & A | |
| 1:20 – 1:40 PM | Mental Health and Psoriatic Disease – Addressing Psychological Impacts in Psoriasis and PsA | |
| Dr. Antonio Sison | ||
| 1:40-1:45PM | Q & A | |
| Moderator: Dr. Patricia Tinio | ||
1:45-2:15 PM | Patient Advocacy and Support Systems for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis | Ms. Silvia Fernandez Barrios (Argentina) |
| Mr. Paul Mendoza (Philippines) | ||
| Mr. Ralph Degollacion (Healthy Philippines Alliance) | ||
| Rep. Ray Reyes (Anakalusugan Party List) | ||
| 2:15-2:30 PM | Q&A Moderator: Dr. Lyra Tumalad | |
2:30-2:45 PM | Panel Discussion: Future Directions in Psoriasis and PsA Care in the Philippines | Dr. Ma. Theresita Gabriel |
| Dr. Evan Vista | ||
| Paul Mendoza | ||
| DOH c/o Doc Valera | ||
| Moderator: Dr. Vicky Guillano | ||
| 2:45-2:50PM | Summary and Key Takeaways | Dr. Jasmin Jamora |
| 2:50-3:00 PM | Next Steps for Advocacy and Policy in Psoriatic Disease and PsA | Mr. Josef De Guzman |
| TIME | PROGRAM | SPEAKERS |
| 8:00 – 8:30 AM | Registration | |
| 8:30 – 8:40 AM | Prayer / National Anthem | |
| 8:40 – 8:50 AM | Welcome Remarks | |
| Generalized Pustular Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis | ||
| 8:50 – 9:05 AM | Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) – Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment | Dr. Bryan Ko Guevara |
| 9:05 – 9:15 AM | Q & A | |
| 9:15 – 9:25 AM | Break | |
| 9:25 – 9:40 AM | Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) – Disease Overview and Early Diagnosis | Dr. Sandra Navarra |
| 9:40 – 9:55 AM | Q & A | |
| 9:55 – 10:00 AM | Break | |
10:00 – 10:30 AM | Panel Discussion: The Role of Multidisciplinary Teams in Managing Psoriatic Disease including GPP and PSA | Dr. Bryan Ko Guevara |
| Dr. Sandra Navarra | ||
| Emmylou Casanova | ||
| Richard Parza | ||
| Moderator: Dr. Ayees Mendoza | ||
| 10:30 – 10:45 AM | Break | |
| Psoriatic Disease and Comorbidities | ||
| 10:45 – 11:00 AM | Psoriatic Disease, PsA, and Cardiovascular Health | Dr. Joel Gelfand |
| 11:00 – 11:10 AM | Q & A | |
| 11:10-11:25 AM | Diabetes and Psoriatic Disease – A Dual Challenge | Dr. Cecilia Jimeno |
| 11:25-11:40 AM | Cancer and Psoriatic disease: What and Where is the link? | Dr. Jennifer Lavina Ngo |
11:40 AM-12:00 PM | Panel Discussion: Risks in Psoriatic Disease and PsA – Prevention and Counseling | |
| Dr. Cecilia Jimeno | ||
| Dr. Alex Delgado | ||
| Moderator: Dr. Lorna Frez | ||
| 12:00-1:00 PM | ||
| Holistic Care and Best Practices for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis | ||
| 1:00 – 1:15 PM | Best Practices in Holistic Management of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis | Dr. Vermen Verallo Rowell |
| 1:15-1:20PM | Q & A | |
| 1:20 – 1:40 PM | Mental Health and Psoriatic Disease – Addressing Psychological Impacts in Psoriasis and PsA | |
| Dr. Antonio Sison | ||
| 1:40-1:45PM | Q & A | |
| Moderator: Dr. Patricia Tinio | ||
1:45-2:15 PM | Patient Advocacy and Support Systems for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis | Ms. Silvia Fernandez Barrios (Argentina) |
| Mr. Paul Mendoza (Philippines) | ||
| Mr. Ralph Degollacion (Healthy Philippines Alliance) | ||
| Rep. Ray Reyes (Anakalusugan Party List) | ||
| 2:15-2:30 PM | Q&A Moderator: Dr. Lyra Tumalad | |
2:30-2:45 PM | Panel Discussion: Future Directions in Psoriasis and PsA Care in the Philippines | Dr. Ma. Theresita Gabriel |
| Dr. Evan Vista | ||
| Paul Mendoza | ||
| DOH c/o Doc Valera | ||
| Moderator: Dr. Vicky Guillano | ||
| 2:45-2:50PM | Summary and Key Takeaways | Dr. Jasmin Jamora |
| 2:50-3:00 PM | Next Steps for Advocacy and Policy in Psoriatic Disease and PsA | Mr. Josef De Guzman |