TAGUM CITY, Philippines – July 28, 2025 – A significant stride forward in the fight against a rare and devastating immune-mediated inflammatory chronic disease was made yesterday as patient advocacy group Psorphil and the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) formalized a powerful partnership. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks the establishment of the pioneering GPP Care Network, a dedicated initiative poised to transform the care landscape for patients with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) in Mindanao and beyond.
The ceremony, held at DRMC, brought together key leaders committed to addressing the critical unmet needs of GPP patients. This rare condition, characterized by widespread, painful flares of sterile pustules, high fever, and systemic inflammation, is not only physically debilitating but also life-threatening. Patients often face agonizing delays in diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, profound isolation, and significant stigma.
Bridging the Gap in Rare Disease Care
The Psorphil-DRMC GPP Care Network directly confronts these challenges. Its core mission is multifaceted:
- Establishing Specialized GPP Clinics: Creating dedicated access points within DRMC's Dermatology Department for expert diagnosis, management, and monitoring of GPP patients.
- Enhancing Healthcare Professional Expertise: Providing specialized training for dermatologists, residents, and primary care physicians across the region to improve early recognition and evidence-based management of GPP.
- Expanding Patient Support & Telemedicine: Leveraging Psorphil's advocacy network and technology to provide psychosocial support, patient education, and remote consultations, thereby reducing the burden of travel for patients who are often too ill to travel.
- Raising Awareness & Combating Stigma: Launching targeted campaigns to educate the public and healthcare communities about GPP, dispelling myths, and reducing the social isolation patients endure.
- Fostering Research & Data Collection: Building a foundation for understanding the real-world experience of GPP patients in the Philippines to inform better care and advocate for treatment access.
A Commitment to Collaboration
DRMC was represented by its highest medical leadership, underscoring the institution's commitment:
- Dr. Bryan O. Dalid, Medical Center Chief
- Dr. Victoria P. Guillano, Chairman, Department of Dermatology
- Dr. Niña Gabaton, Training Officer, Dermatology Dept.
- Dr. KC Cruz, Dermatology Consultant
- Dr. Chiara Santos and Dr. Lorraine Ferenal, Dermatology Residents
"This MOU signifies a crucial step towards comprehensive, compassionate care for individuals battling GPP, a condition often overlooked due to its rarity," stated Dr. Bryan O. Dalid. "DRMC is proud to partner with Psorphil to build a center of excellence right here in Mindanao, ensuring patients don't have to travel far for the specialized help they desperately need."
Psorphil's delegation, led by its founding leadership, highlighted the patient-centric focus:
- Mr. Josef de Guzman, Founding CEO
- Mr. Paul Albert Mendoza, Founding Member and President
- Ms. Mylou Casanova, Founding Member and Secretary
- Mr. Doms Delos Santos, Advocacy Head
"For GPP patients, the journey is often one of terrifying uncertainty, excruciating pain, and feeling utterly alone," emphasized Mr. Josef de Guzman, Psorphil Founding CEO. "This partnership with DRMC, a leading institution in the South, is more than just an agreement; it's a lifeline. It means faster diagnoses, expert local care, access to support networks, and, most importantly, hope. We are building a community where patients are seen, understood, and supported holistically."
Why This Matters: The GPP Patient Plight
“GPP is more than just a severe skin condition. Flares can strike suddenly, requiring urgent hospitalization,” said Dr. Guillano. The intense pain and visible symptoms frequently lead to social withdrawal, depression, and an inability to work or perform daily activities. Misdiagnosis is common, leading to ineffective treatments and prolonged suffering. Access to the latest targeted therapies remains a significant challenge. The Psorphil-DRMC GPP Care Network directly addresses these systemic issues, aiming to:
- Reduce Diagnostic Delays: Faster recognition means faster treatment and reduced risk of life-threatening complications.
- Improve Treatment Access & Outcomes: Centralized expertise ensures patients receive appropriate, potentially life-saving care.
- Alleviate Suffering & Isolation: Providing dedicated support groups and counseling addresses the profound psychosocial burden.
- Empower Patients: Education equips patients and their families with the knowledge to manage their condition and effectively advocate for themselves.
- Build a Model for Rare Disease Care: This network serves as a potential blueprint for addressing other rare conditions in the Philippines.
A Beacon of Hope
The signing of this MOU marks a pivotal moment in the Philippine rare disease landscape. The collaboration between a dedicated patient advocacy group and a major regional medical center represents a powerful, patient-driven solution to a critical healthcare gap. The Psorphil-DRMC GPP Care Network promises to be a beacon of hope, offering tangible support, expert care, and a renewed sense of community for individuals and families navigating the challenging journey of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis. “This partnership signifies that for GPP patients in Mindanao and across the Philippines, they are no longer invisible – help, understanding, and dedicated care are now within reach,” said Mrl Paul Albert Mendoza.
For more information about the GPP Care Network, please contact the Psorphil team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
