Lives renewed: Four liver transplant patients reunite at TMC-RMC program anniversary
For the first time, four liver transplant patients of TMC, RizalMed, and PCMC were gathered together in one room after their successful procedures.
Pasig City, Philippines – 11 May 2026 – The Medical City (TMC) and Rizal Medical Center (RizalMed) marked the first anniversary of their Joint Liver Transplant Program. For the first time, all three liver transplant patients of the program and their families, joined by another pediatric liver transplant patient from TMC’s partnership with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) were in one room.
The reunion highlighted the life-changing impact of collaborative transplant care as the four children and their families shared stories of recovery, resilience, and renewed life after undergoing successful liver transplantation. All four patients are now recovering well and living healthier, more active lives.
The celebration also served as the launch of the Pasig City Alliance on Organ Donation and Sharing, a city-wide initiative that aims to strengthen organ donation awareness and help more patients gain access to life-saving liver transplantation.
While pediatric liver transplant patients often receive donor support from parents or immediate relatives, adult patients face greater challenges in finding compatible donors. The initiative seeks to help address this gap by encouraging more individuals to become organ donors and by strengthening community awareness on organ donation.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa attended the event and pledged to strengthen the Philippine Network for Organ Sharing (PhilNOS) to help improve organ donation systems and expand access to transplant services for more Filipinos.
Secretary of Health Ted Herbosa graced the first anniversary celebration of TMC-RMC Joint Liver Transplant Program.
“My promise here today is to strengthen the organ donation program so that we can save more patients. Nasa agenda item ko ‘yan—Ligtas, De-Kalidad, at Mapagkalingang Serbisyong Pangkalusugan,” Sec. Herbosa shared.
Since its launch in 2025, the Joint Liver Transplant Program has combined the expertise and resources of TMC and RizalMed to provide comprehensive liver transplant care for Filipino patients. The partnership represents a collaborative effort between public and private healthcare institutions to make highly specialized treatment more accessible.
Dr. Stuart Bennett, President and Group CEO of The Medical City, emphasized the institution’s commitment to making liver transplantation more affordable for Filipinos by significantly reducing the cost of the procedure.
The Medical City President and Group CEO, Dr. Stuart Bennett.
“Reducing the cost of liver transplantation by 50% is incredibly challenging, but we are here to show that it is possible,” Dr. Bennett said. “We want patients to have these surgeries done here in the Philippines so they no longer have to go overseas, leave their work, or spend additional money for travel and accommodation. Here, they are cared for by healthcare professionals who speak the same language and understand the same culture. As much as possible, we want liver transplantation to be done here in the Philippines all the time, and that should be our shared goal.”
Dr. Maria Rica Lumague, Medical Center Chief II of RizalMed, thanked the medical teams, healthcare workers, and staff from both institutions whose dedication and collaboration helped make the program possible and continue saving patients’ lives.
Dr. Ruben G. Kasala, EVP and CEO of TMC Ortigas, expressed the institution’s commitment to elevating the capabilities of the hospital and its team to ensure that more patients can benefit from the life-saving treatment.
During the celebration, transplant recipients and their families shared emotional stories about their transplant journeys and the challenges they faced before receiving treatment.
Liver transplant patients and their families attended the first anniversary celebration of the TMC-RizalMed partnership. The Medical City doctors joined them.
King Leo Laurora, the first patient of the TMC-RizalMed partnership, is now a bubbly two-year-old who energetically ran around the venue during the celebration.
Eight-year-old Eli Meily brought laughter to the audience during his interaction with Sec. Herbosa. Asked what plant could heal people, Eli quickly answered, “Transplant!” prompting applause and laughter from attendees.
Meanwhile, one-year-old Clyden Reid Herrera, once critically ill as an infant, is now smiling and thriving as his mother and aunt recounted his recovery journey.
Also joining the gathering was five-year-old Troy Gonzales, one of the pediatric liver transplant patients under TMC’s Liver Center through its partnership with PCMC. Now recovering well, Troy and his family expressed gratitude to the medical teams who helped save his life.
As the Joint Liver Transplant Program enters its second year, TMC and RizalMed reaffirmed their commitment to advancing transplant care and creating more opportunities for patients to access life-saving treatment in the Philippines.
About The Medical City
The Medical City is the Philippines’ largest integrated healthcare network operating under a single brand. It is composed of one flagship complex in Ortigas, five provincial hospitals in Clark, South Luzon (Laguna), Iloilo, and Pangasinan, the only private hospital in Guam, USA, and over 70 clinics nationwide, serving patients across the country.
With multiple Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditations, global benchmark certifications, and continued investment in innovation, The Medical City is building a healthcare system not just for today, but for the future of Filipino care.
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