By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Council commended the Southern Philippines Medical Center here led by Dr. Ricardo B. Audan, on Tuesday, May 5, for receiving multiple national and international awards.
Audan said the awards represent more than institutional recognition. “They honor the dedication of thousands of healthcare workers, administrative employees, and support staff who continue to deliver service with compassion, excellence, and resilience.”
Councilor Trisha Ann Villafuerte, chairwoman of the Committee on Health, congratulated SPMC for being the Most Sustainable and Livable Hospital in the Philippines during the 10th Nation Builders and MOSLIV Awards at Okada Manila on April 22.
Villafuerte said the recognition reflects SPMC’s commitment to creating a hospital environment that is sustainable and conducive for both patients and healthcare workers.
Audan was named the Most Visionary Iconic Professional of the Year during the Grand Honors 2026 Asia Iconic Excellence and Innovation Awards in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The recognition placed Audan among Asia’s distinguished healthcare leaders and highlighted his role in steering the hospital’s growth.
The SPMC was also cited by the Philippine Hospital Association as first runner-up in the Most Outstanding Hospital Award for the government sector, Level 3 category, on Nov. 19, 2025, at The Manila Hotel.
The SPMC was ranked 29th in the Philippines in the list of the World’s Best Hospitals 2026 published by Newsweek and Statista on Feb. 25, 2026.
The hospital has maintained a five-star rating for four consecutive years under the Department of Health’s Green Viability Assessment program that measures environmental sustainability in healthcare facilities.
The SPMC ranked 142nd among 300 employers nationwide in the Philippines’ Best Employers 2026 survey.
“These awards are not just for SPMC. They are for every Davaoeño, every Mindanaoan, every Filipino who has ever depended on this great institution,” Villafuerte said.
These citations came as SPMC continues to deal with overcrowding and staffing shortages. Hospital officials have acknowledged these issues.
