MANILA, Philippines – October 10, 2025 – Further to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Health and Social Affairs and the Republic of the Philippines Department of Health signed in November 2024 by their respective Secretaries, another commitment has been formalized that will deploy a Philippine medical team to Pohnpei State Hospital and expand cooperation across the FSM’s four states.
The Philippine medical team from Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) will deploy to Pohnpei State Hospital in November, following the successful two-week OB-GYN mission to Chuuk State in 2024. The Pohnpei deployment will include ENT specialists, internal medicine doctors, and specialized nursing staff to enhance medical services at the facility.
Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Medical Center that sent a team last year will also return to Chuuk this year. “Our previous collaboration with the Philippine OB-GYN team in Chuuk State was so successful that we are expanding this model to serve more of our communities across the FSM. This partnership represents a new chapter in FSM healthcare cooperation,” said FSM Secretary Marcus Samo
The cooperation reflects the Philippines’ growing commitment to international medical diplomacy and regional healthcare leadership. The formalized partnership creates sustainable pathways for ongoing medical support and professional development between the two nations. Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “The Philippine healthcare professionals have always been at the forefront of international medical cooperation. This formalized partnership with FSM creates a sustainable model that strengthens healthcare delivery across Micronesian communities and demonstrates our commitment to our Pacific neighbors.”
Dr. Evelyn Victoria E. Reside, QMMC Medical Center Chief, noted: “We’re not just providing specialize medical services – we’re building lasting relationships and transferring knowledge that will strengthen healthcare systems across the FSM for years to come.”
The partnership includes plans for additional missions to Kosrae and Yap states to address the specific healthcare needs of each state hospital. The November deployments mark the beginning of what officials describe as a transformative approach to FSM healthcare cooperation, combining immediate medical intervention with sustainable capacity building.
Joining Secretary Samo on the trip were Dr. Nick Santiago, staff physician from Pohnpei State Hospital, and Mr. Kevin Tugruwfaimaw, Public Health Improvement Grant Evaluator.
