Philippine delegates to the 94^th ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Services and Related Meetings with the Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild which showcased the Philippine cultural dances during the Welcome Dinner. Fourth from the left of the top row is Secretary Francisco T. Duque III.

(30 October 2019) – As part of the international commitment of the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) hosted the 94^th ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Services and Related Meetings last October 21-25, 2019 at Conrad Manila, Pasay City.

The DOH also hosted a Welcome Dinner for the 47^th Healthcare Services Sectoral Working Group (HSSWG) and the ASEAN Joint Coordinating Committee on Services (AJCCS) for Medicine, Nursing and Dental Practitioners on October 22, 2019 at Diamond Hotel, Manila. Secretary Francisco T. Duque III delivered the Welcome Remarks.

The HSSWG, led by the DOH, is one of the sectoral working groups and integration priority sectors of the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Services. The HSSWG is responsible for the facilitation and coordination of healthcare services and the implementation of health components of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint. Under the HSSWG are the three sub-working groups of the AJCCS: medical practitioners (AJCCM), nursing practitioners (AJCCN), and dental practitioners (AJCCD).

HPSDT OIC-Asst. Secretary Kenneth G. Ronquillo chairs the 47th Healthcare Services Sectoral Working Group meeting held last October 23, 2019. Main topics of discussion were the Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) for the three professions, e-Health and health tourism

Department of Health delegates to the ASEAN Joint Coordinating Committee on Services meetings from the Bureau of International Health Cooperation (BIHC) and the Health Human Resource Development Bureau (HHRDB). Standing at the center is Undersecretary Mario C. Villaverde of the Health Policy and Systems Development Team (HPSDT), to his left is HHRDB Director and HPSDT OIC-Asst. Secretary Kenneth G. Ronquillo and to his right is BIHC Director, Dr. Mar Wynn D. Bello.