previous winners
CARING CARDINAL
DISTINCTION AWARD
This award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the legacy of Cardinal Santos Medical Center. These are individuals who have gone far beyond their roles, whose work has left a lasting mark on our institution, and whose passion continues to inspire us all.
Dr Demetro Africa
Cardinal Santos Medical Center proudly honors Dr. Demetrio L. Africa for a lifetime of extraordinary service, compassion, and mentorship. A pillar of wisdom in the institution, his guidance has long been sought by hospital leaders in the most critical decisions — a testament to the deep respect and trust he has earned.
As Founding Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Africa envisioned a department where healing, learning, and compassion would thrive together. He established the hospital’s first Integrated Residency Training Program, shaping generations of pediatricians to serve with skill, empathy, and integrity. From 1980 to 1982, he further strengthened medical education as President of FIRST, laying a foundation of excellence that continues to guide the institution today.
For 17 years, he faithfully served as Chair of the Credentials Committee, upholding the highest standards of integrity and professional qualification for the medical staff. His dedication ensured that CSMC remained a place defined by excellence, ethical practice, and unwavering commitment to patient care.
His impact—felt in every medical consultant he mentored, every standard he upheld, and every life touched through his leadership—remains an enduring part of the legacy of Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
CARING CARDINAL
DISTINCTION AWARD
This award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the legacy of Cardinal Santos Medical Center. These are individuals who have gone far beyond their roles, whose work has left a lasting mark on our institution, and whose passion continues to inspire us all.
Maria Elena Lagniton
Ms. Lagniton has been instrumental in putting the Patient Experience Division at the forefront of hospital priorities—ensuring that compassion is not just a value we talk about, but a reality our patients feel.
Her initiatives have improved not only patient satisfaction, but have helped redefine service culture across departments. Her coaching, her tireless advocacy for empathy in healthcare, and her ability to bridge frontline service with leadership strategy make her a true pillar of CSMC.
Known for her grace, wisdom, and unshakable professionalism. She is more than a consultant—she is a culture builder, a mentor to many, and a champion of healing with heart.
CARING CARDINAL
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes the most outstanding employee who exemplifies the highest standards of excellence, dedication, and compassion, consistently going above and beyond in service to patients, colleagues, and the mission of Cardinal Santos Medical Center.
Elmer Borromeo
Finance
Government Relations & Social Services
Mr. Borromeo led the multi‑year initiative that earned CSMC national recognition from PhilHealth as the tertiary hospital with the least Return-to-Hospital claims in 2024. Through targeted process improvements, he reduced PhilHealth receivables from ₱637M to ₱112M, expanded Medical Social Service programs that assisted over 1,500 patients, and secured Z_Ben package approvals that positioned CSMC as the first private hospital in Metro Manila to achieve this milestone.
His dedication to education and compliance also elevated claim accuracy through strengthened training for resident doctors.
His transformative leadership in enhancing financial performance, operational efficiency, and patient support has made a lasting impact across CSMC.
CARING CARDINAL
EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes an executive whose leadership has been nothing short of exemplary—someone who not only drives strategic excellence, but also inspires compassion, collaboration, and commitment to our mission.
Dr Antonio Say
As the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Say is recognized for his exceptional leadership, guiding the organization with a balance of strategic clarity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to patient-centered care.
His influence continues to cultivate a culture of excellence, collaboration, and genuine service.
CARING CARDINAL LEADER
OF THE YEAR
(MIDDLE & SENIOR MANAGER)
This award recognizes a leader who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, fostering a collaborative and compassionate environment, while making a significant impact on the hospital's operations, patient care, and overall success.
Joseph Bryan Gaerlan
Nursing Services
Mr. Gaerlan made substantial contributions to improving clinical operations by redefining the roles of Clinical Patient Care Assistants (CPCA), easing staff workload, enhancing patient care, and supporting staff retention.
He further strengthened unit efficiency by implementing acuity‑based staffing, a strategy that helped address nurse burnout, promote patient safety, and ensure fair workload distribution across the team. During a critical leadership transition, he stepped up as interim Officer‑in‑Charge, providing steady guidance, maintaining smooth daily operations, and preserving team stability.
His work reflects strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to quality care and staff well‑being.
CARING CARDINAL LEADER OF THE YEAR
(SUPERVISOR & JUNIOR MANAGER)
This award honors a leader who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, fostering a collaborative and compassionate environment, while making a significant impact on the hospital's operations, patient care, and overall success.
Glorefe Arcebuche
Finance
Finance Operations – Spend/Payables
Ms. Arcebuche significantly enhanced operational efficiency by streamlining billing and collection processes, resulting in faster turnaround times and improved accuracy. She also led key process automation initiatives that reduced manual errors and optimized overall workflow, contributing to a more reliable and efficient system.
In addition, she strengthened the organization’s compliance with regulatory and audit requirements through timely and precise submissions, ensuring consistent adherence to standards. Her contributions reflect strong analytical skills, a commitment to quality, and a proactive approach to process improvement.
CARING CARDINAL
INNOVATOR’S CIRCLE
(INCREASE IN PATIENT EXPERIENCE RATING)
This is awarded to a team whose innovative efforts have led to a measurable and significant improvement in patient satisfaction and overall experience.
Project: Decision under pressure
ESI triaging workshop for CSMC ER Triage Nurses
Proponents: Trixie Crisostomo, Rielly Macairan, Ma. Kristinielle Alviz, Jannice Bunsoy, Julius Flores
Division: Nursing Services
This initiative strengthened the critical thinking and triage accuracy of ER nurses through a structured four‑day Emergency Severity Index (ESI) training and competency revalidation program. By enhancing nurses’ capability to assign accurate ESI levels, the project ensured timely and appropriate patient care while improving overall ER efficiency.
The program delivered measurable results: nurse assessment accuracy increased to ≥80%, triage time decreased to 5 minutes, and ER turnaround times significantly improved — reducing admission TAT from 291.65 to 191.55 minutes and discharge TAT from 296.70 to 178.55 minutes.
These improvements contributed to sustained performance targets and a 91.11% patient satisfaction rating, demonstrating the program’s direct impact on patient experience and operational excellence.
CARING CARDINAL
INNOVATOR’S CIRCLE
(COST-SAVING)
This is presented to a group whose initiatives have resulted in notable cost-efficiency measures, positively impacting the hospital’s resource management while maintaining high standards of care.
Project: Pay Express
Proponents: Shielalyn Perez, Glorefe Arcebuche, Mirasol Dacumos, Jennylyn Torres
Division: Finance
This initiative transformed supplier payment operations by removing the bottleneck of single‑branch collections and reducing manual interventions through the implementation of UnionBank’s PayExpress platform. Designed to streamline processes, enhance cost efficiency, and strengthen vendor trust, the project prioritized faster payments and the capture of prompt‑payment discounts.
The results delivered significant impact: a 60% reduction in manual work, ₱1.7M in prompt‑payment savings in 2024, near‑zero supplier inquiries, and markedly improved staff productivity. The initiative also strengthened vendor relationships, enabling extended payment terms and fostering greater partnership confidence.
This project stands as a key driver of financial efficiency and operational modernization.
CARING CARDINAL
STAFF OF THE YEAR
This award honors rank and file employee who not only excel in their job performance but also contributes positively to the hospital's culture and uphold its mission of providing compassionate and high-quality care.
Adolfo Dizon, Jr.
Ancillary Services
Specialty Center – Eye Center
Mr. Dizon played a key role in strengthening operations at the Eye Center by developing a structured procedural checklist that streamlined onboarding, reduced errors, and boosted the confidence of new staff.
Beyond his clinical responsibilities, he consistently exceeded expectations by mentoring new hires, creating comprehensive onboarding materials, and conducting weekly check‑ins to support team growth and morale.
As second‑in‑command, he demonstrated dependable leadership, effectively overseeing daily operations in his supervisor’s absence and ensuring uninterrupted, high‑quality patient care. His initiatives reflect strong organizational ability, dedication to staff development, and steady leadership within the clinical environment.
CARING CARDINAL
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes new hire who has demonstrated exceptional job performance, actively contributed to a positive workplace culture, and upheld our mission of delivering compassionate, high-quality care to our patients and community.
Ma. Cheeny Sy
Nursing Services
Special Nursing Areas – Operating Room
As a fresh graduate entering the Operating Room, Ms. Sy quickly demonstrated a strong ability to learn and adapt. She progressed from assisting in minor procedures to supporting complex surgeries such as kidney transplants and neuro‑spine operations, reflecting her commitment and readiness for demanding clinical responsibilities.
She consistently upheld the highest standards of sterile technique, accurate instrument counts, and thorough documentation, contributing to patient safety and efficient surgical workflows. Her attention to detail reinforced a reliable and safety‑focused OR environment.
Alongside her technical skills, she communicated clearly and professionally with both patients and surgical staff. Her calm, supportive presence helped maintain smooth coordination during high‑acuity situations and strengthened overall team performance.
Her early OR experience highlights her dedication, competence, and collaborative nature—qualities that position her well for delivering safe, high‑quality care in complex surgical settings.