“Being an Ambassador for Life is not a title, it’s a calling – a calling to serve, to inspire, and to make a difference.”
– Dr. Rollin Palermo Tabuena

In the heart of Iloilo City—endearingly known as the “City of Love”—Dr. Rollin Palermo Tabuena, an acclaimed Internist, Pulmonary Specialist, and Interventional Bronchoscopist, has emerged as a beacon of medical excellence and community leadership. Hailing from the modest town of Concepcion, Iloilo, Dr. Tabuena’s journey to national and international recognition is a story defined by resilience, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Dr. Tabuena's credentials are both broad and deep. He completed specialized training in Interventional Bronchoscopy at Hospital Torette in Ancona, Italy, and underwent Postgraduate Research Training at the prestigious Kyoto School of Medicine in Japan. His clinical and academic pursuits reflect a career steeped in both technical sophistication and human empathy.

Excellence Rooted in Purpose

As a proud Ilonggo, Dr. Tabuena’s contributions extend beyond hospital walls. His pioneering research, particularly on the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Test Kit (TB-LAMP) for detecting pulmonary tuberculosis, has advanced diagnostic accuracy and helped address major public health challenges in the Philippines and beyond.

His tireless dedication has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Tabuena is a multi-awarded physician, having received the following prestigious accolades: Asia’s Most Distinguished Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine, Renowned Medical Internist and Pulmonary Specialist of the Year (Asia’s Modern Hero Awards) and Most Distinguished Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine (Asia’s Golden Icon Awards) These honors reflect not just academic and clinical achievement but also an enduring commitment to humanizing healthcare.

Medicine Meets Community

Beyond his impressive medical résumé, Dr. Tabuena is a passionate advocate for community health. Alongside his wife, Dr. Ma. Daisy Tabuena, a renowned neurologist, the couple has become affectionately known as the "Dancing Doctors of Iloilo." Their creative and inclusive approach to health promotion—such as organizing Zumba sessions during the pandemic—has uplifted both physical and mental well-being in their community.

Dr. Tabuena is also part of the Lung Care Foundation of Iloilo, Inc. A group of pulmonologist, a board member of the American College of Chest physicians, Philippine delegation and continues to serve as a consultant at Iloilo Mission Hospital, where he mentors young physicians and leads public health research initiatives.

He focuses on innovative treatments for pulmonary diseases and one of his remarkable medical contributions was the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Test Kit (TB Lamp) for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis that was introduced in the hospitals in Iloilo City.

INTERVIEW: The Calling of an Ambassador for Life What does being named an Ambassador for Life mean to you?

“An Ambassador for Life embodies a profound, lifelong dedication to championing an organization's mission. This role entails unwavering passion, proactive advocacy, and the ability to inspire and mobilize others. It's about leading by example and being a role model for meaningful, lasting change.”

Being a doctor involves more than just identifying and treating patients' illnesses; it also entails being there for them at their most trying times, providing not only medical knowledge but also support, empathy, and hope. In addition to being healers, this book emphasizes how doctors serve as community leaders, educators, and public health and equity advocates.

It brings to mind the reason I became a doctor in the first place: to change the world, not just the exam room. We have a lifelong mission. Our work goes beyond the stethoscope, whether we're addressing a global health emergency, training the next generation of doctors, or advocating for the marginalized.

What makes the Philippine Cancer Society an organization close to your heart?

“As a doctor, I’ve witnessed the suffering of patients and their families firsthand. Their physical, emotional, and financial struggles moved me deeply. The Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), with its mission to educate, support, and empower, resonated with my own values. I saw it as more than an organization—it felt like a calling to help ease the burden and bring hope where it's most needed.”

Since it embodies the kind of comprehensive, caring, and proactive approach to cancer care that I support, the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) holds a special place in my heart as a physician. A life-altering experience that impacts patients, families, and entire communities, cancer is more than just an illness. PCS prioritizes patient support, advocacy, education, early detection, and equitable access to care in addition to treatment.

Its dedication to addressing marginalized communities is what I find particularly significant. Simply because they lack access to screenings or the necessary information, people in many parts of the Philippines continue to receive late diagnoses. Through community activities, mobile screening units, and awareness campaigns, PCS tirelessly strives to close that gap.I know firsthand the impact that early detection and appropriate education can have. I have seen survivors who are still alive today because they were given the proper information and prompt care—often thanks to PCS-sponsored programs—and I have lost patients who arrived too late.

Supporting the Philippine Cancer Society is a moral and emotional connection to a cause that saves lives and provides people a fighting chance, and it goes beyond professional alignment.

How do you hope to further assist the organization in the future?

“I’m committed to supporting PCS through several avenues:”


A. Volunteerism – Participating in events and offering emotional and medical support to patients. "In the future, I hope to further assist the organization by deepening my involvement in volunteer initiatives that align with its mission. I would love to take on more leadership roles in organizing events, recruiting and mentoring new volunteers, or even helping develop community outreach strategies to broaden our impact. I also hope to bring new ideas to the table—whether it’s through fundraising efforts, educational workshops, or social media promotion—so we can engage more people and expand our reach. Ultimately, I want to continue being a reliable and passionate supporter of the organization’s goals, contributing not just my time, but my skills and creativity as well."

B. Fundraising – Organizing events like charity Zumba sessions to generate resources for the society. “I would want to assist in organizing and carrying out innovative fundraising activities, forming alliances with nearby companies or sponsors, and investigating digital channels for online donation campaigns. Writing grant applications or assisting in the telling of the organization's narrative in a way that motivates donations are some ways I would want to help. In order for us to keep growing our activities and leaving a lasting impression on the community, I want to contribute to the organization's financial resources.

C. Advocacy – Using social media and public platforms to raise awareness about cancer and the mission of PCS. "In the future, I hope to further assist PCS by expanding my role in advocacy, particularly through social media and public platforms. I believe raising awareness about cancer and PCS’s mission is vital in educating the community, reducing stigma, and encouraging early detection and support. I plan to use my voice and digital skills to share survivor stories, promote educational content, and amplify PCS’s events and campaigns. By building an active and engaging online presence, I aim to help reach wider audiences, inspire community involvement, and ultimately strengthen the impact PCS has on those affected by cancer."

D. Policy Support – Advocating for legislative initiatives that benefit cancer patients and their families.

I hope to further assist the organization by advocating for legislative initiatives that directly benefit cancer patients and their families. I believe that policy change is essential to improving access to affordable care, advancing cancer research, and protecting the rights of those affected. I plan to support PCS by engaging in advocacy efforts such as meeting with lawmakers, supporting awareness campaigns, and mobilizing the community to take action on key legislative issues. By lending my voice to these efforts, I hope to help influence policies that lead to better care, stronger support systems, and lasting change for cancer patients and their loved ones."

E. Mentorship – Sharing expertise and guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals. By mentoring the upcoming generation of medical professionals, I wish to support the organization. I want to help students and early-career professionals navigate their route in healthcare by sharing my knowledge, experience, and thoughts. I can assist them in gaining the technical know-how and compassionate care techniques necessary to deal with cancer patients and their families by serving as a mentor. Investing in future leaders, in my opinion, will not only improve the workforce but also support and broaden PCS's mission for many years to come.

F. Leadership – Aiming to serve on the PCS Board of Directors, lead committees, and help shape organizational strategy and outreach. By taking on a leadership position where I can support long-term development and strategic planning, I intend to further support the company. In addition to leading important committees and serving on the PCS Board of Directors, my goals are to actively influence the organization's outreach, impact, and direction. With a strong dedication to PCS's purpose, I hope to contribute to the development of meaningful collaborations, expand our programs, and make sure that our initiatives continue to address the changing needs of cancer patients and their families. I think that by exercising leadership, I can contribute to long-lasting change and increase PCS's community reach.

Legacy in the Making

Dr. Rollin Palermo Tabuena’s story is not just about awards or accolades—it is about impact. His life’s work transcends the confines of traditional medicine, fusing innovation with compassion, research with service, and leadership with humility. As an Ambassador for Life, he continues to illuminate pathways of hope and healing, not only in Iloilo but throughout the Philippines and across the globe.