The Birth - a seed planted
November 14, 1992 – A group of Alumni of the U.P. College of Veterinary Medicine met with Dean Mauro Manuel at the home of Dr. Gloria Genuino. Dean Manuel updated the group on the immediate needs of the College. Alumni present collected $1,500.00 for the immediate repair of college facilities. Sustained assistance to UPCVM and other veterinary schools in the Philippines became the primary mission “battle cry” of PVMA- USA.
Early Years 1993-1997
March 1993 – PVMA (East Coast) formally organized at a meeting in Pleasantville, NJ with 58 charter members. PVMA Gazette maiden issue came , Summer of 1993. Constitution and By Laws was drafted and finalized on March 9, 1994. Dr. Perfecto R. Santiago was elected as the President for 1993 -1995 , re-elected 1995-1997. Inaugural Ball and Induction of Officers held September 25, 1993 in Baltimore, MD.
Significant Milestones
April 21, 1994 - PVMA-USA, Inc. was incorporated
September 24, 1994, a pledge campaign, “A Commitment to Excellence” was launched under the leadership of Drs. Florante Rellosa and John Reduque. Pledge campaign reached $9,000 mark
Oct. 16, 1995 – PVMA-USA, Inc. received its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3). In September 1997, first scholarship was granted at UPCVM. (Discontinued in 2001)
June 25, 1998 – UPCVM was designated as the 4th independent Pathology Study Center outside the USA by the Charles L. Davis Foundation. PVMA, Inc. USA earmarked $10,000 to the construction of the facility.
January 4, 2002 – MOU was signed between PVMA, Inc. USA (Dr. John Reduque) and UPLB Chancellor David establishing the Professorial Chair in Veterinary Medicine.
September 2006 – Dr. Meliton Novilla at his induction as President, committed to expand the membership and organized the regional integration of members. Fund raising for the construction of the Veterinary Pathology Resource Facility (VPRF) began.
October 2008 - Drs. Constante Tinaza and Larry Hirshenson were inducted as President and Vice- President. Fund raising for VPRF continued.
December 2009 - UPCVM Veterinary Pathology Resource Facility was officially inaugurated
November 2012 – Drs. Romy Perez and Steve Dempsey took over the leadership and were inducted as President and Vice-President. At this time, the regional chapters have been established.
November 2016 – Drs. Carmencita Lavilla and Bruce Bumstead were elected, President and Vice-President. 25th Anniversary Convention and Gala was held in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2018. Continued expanding and recruiting young members and more involvement from West Coast Veterinarians.
October 2020- Under the leadership of Drs. Ricardo Plamenco (President) and Bernardo Lomongsod (Vice) , PVMA-USA, Inc. changed its name to Philippine American Veterinary Medical Association, Inc. (PAVMA,Inc.), new by-laws was incorporated and established tax exemption status 501(c)3.
Presidents in chronological order:
Dr. Perfecto Santiago; Dr. Delfin Tumibay; Dr. Adelaida Malihan; Dr. Johnny Reduque; Dr. Rudy Lizardo; Dr. Meliton Novilla; Dr. Constante Tinaza; Dr. Larry Hirshenson; Dr. Romeo Perez; Dr. Steve Dempsey; Dr. Carmencita Lavilla; Dr. Bruce Bumstead; Dr. Ricardo Plamenco; Dr. Bernardo Lomongsod; Dr. Florentino Romero
Authors: Drs. Perfecto Santiago and Carmencita Lavilla.
