It’s not every day you see doctors, nurses, educators, and public servants trade their uniforms for formal wear. But at the Gawad Galing: Global Award of Excellence in Healthcare 2025, the spotlight belonged to them—the people and institutions redefining what it means to care for others.

Photo: Top Group of Companies
Held at the Grand Ballroom of City of Dreams Manila, the event gathered leaders, professionals, and educators from across the country for an evening that recognized compassion and innovation in Philippine healthcare. Presented by the T.O.P. Group of Companies, led by Dr. Roland D. Villegas, the ceremony honored individuals and organizations making an impact not just within hospitals and classrooms, but in communities nationwide.
Among the distinguished guests were Hon. Angelica Portes-Tatlonghari, Hon. Myca Vergara, Hon. April A. Nery, Hon. Arth Jhun Marasigan, and Hon. Francisco Javier M. Zamora, alongside representatives from key institutions in both healthcare and education.
Celebrating heart, innovation, and service
Gawad Galing 2025 was about gratitude. At a time when healthcare continues to face challenges in access, modernization, and workforce development, the awards shone a light on the dedication that keeps the system moving forward.
From universities pioneering new approaches to healthcare education, to hospitals and organizations delivering compassionate service on the ground, each award told a story of resilience and heart.
The 2025 Gawad Galing Awardees
National Excellence Achievement Award
- Ateneo de Davao University
- Gordon College
- Angeles University Foundation
Exemplary Innovation in Healthcare Education
- Lyceum of the Philippines – Batangas
- University of Batangas
- Southville International School and Colleges
- Olivarez College Tagaytay
- Manila Central University – Dentistry
- University of Luzon
Healthcare Education Development Champion
- Centro Escolar University – Malolos
- De La Salle University Lipa
- Easter College
- Pines City Colleges
- Father Saturnino Urios University
- Holy Name University
- University of Makati
- University of the Assumption
- Calamba Doctors’ College
Distinguished Advancement in Healthcare Education Award
- University of Bohol
- Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc.
- St. Bernadette of Lourdes College
- Nazarenus College and Hospital Foundation, Inc.
- Emilio Aguinaldo College – Cavite
- National University Clark – Psychology
- Philippine Christian University – Psychology
- Cordillera Career Development College
Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare Education Award
- President Ramon Magsaysay State University
- Bicol University
- Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University
- Southern Luzon State University
- Universidad de Manila
- Bataan Peninsula State University
- Central Mindanao University
- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
TOP Public Servant for Allied Health Award
- Hon. Angelica Portes-Tatlonghari
- Hon. Myca Vergara
- Hon. April A. Nery
- Hon. Arth Jhun Marasigan
- Hon. Francisco Javier M. Zamora
Excellent Online Educator Award
- Ms. Riyan Portuguez
- Dr. Ella Roxas
- Mr. Rainier Ladic, MA, RPsy (The Juan Psychologist)
Distinguished Nurse Actor Award
- Enrico Raphael “Rocco” Nacino
Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare Award
- Dr. Denis C. Ngo
Outsourcing Services Champion
- Shearwater Health Advisors Inc.
Innovation in Clinical Staffing
- Choice Personnel Resources LLC
Innovation in Health Workforce Solutions
- Camox Philippines, Inc.
Excellence in Cognitive Wellness and Learning
- BrainTrain School of Positivity
Distinguished Healthcare Organization
- Mother and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines, Inc.
- Society of Nursing Leaders of the Philippines
- Global Society for Philippine Nurse Researchers, Inc.
- ANG NARS
International Nursing Distinction Award
- Phi Gamma Chapter
Innovation in Health Services Champion
- Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center
Excellence in Outpatient Healthcare
- RelianceUnited
Integrated Healthcare Champion
- MaxiCare Health Services Inc.
Holistic Health Champion
- Commonwealth Hospital and Medical Center
Excellence in Community Healthcare
- Immaculate Conception Medical Center of Central Luzon, Inc.
Compassion-Driven Champion
- Diliman Doctors Hospital
Excellence in Medical Advancement
- St. Anne General Hospital, Inc.
Champion of Healthcare Award
- Gabriela Party List
By the end of the night, it wasn’t the trophies or titles that lingered, but the sense of shared purpose. The event reminded everyone that healthcare isn’t just about systems or structures, but about people driven by empathy, courage, and commitment.
Gawad Galing continues to be a platform that celebrates not only achievement, but the collective heart behind Philippine healthcare. Because real excellence isn’t measured in accolades; it’s seen in the lives that are changed every day.
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