Renal capsule 2021 3rd Quarter July - September

1. NKTI Celebrates Online Urology Week
This year, despite the extended pandemic and its corresponding lockdowns,
the Department of Urology of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute
celebrated Urology week through hosting four online activities. With the able
leadership of Dr. Apolonio Lasala, overall chairman of Urology Week 2021,
two symposia and two industry webinars were successfully organized.
The first symposium was held last August 18, 2021. It was a webinar on focal
therapy for prostate cancer. The event was conceptualized by Dr. Jose Benito
Abraham who laid down the framework for the scientific meeting.
D r . A r t C a s t r o J r .
R e s e a r c h C o o r d i n a t o r , D e p a r t m e n t o f U r o l o g y
I S S U E 3 J U L Y T O S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
N K T I P U B L I C I N F O R M A T I O N O F F I C E J U L Y T O S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
Level II 2015
Continued on page 2
Nutrition Month
Celebration, p.4
Health and Wellness
p.7
HEMB at the Helm, p.3
WHAT'S INSIDE?
Renal Throb. p.5
NKTI Spotlight, p.6

2. These events proved that our local speakers can be at par if not better than their foreign counterparts.
Despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic the Department of Urology under the guidance of their
chairman, Dr. Genlinus Yusi, is proving its resilience and adaptability by holding activities that celebrate the
art and craft of Urology in a safe and effective manner using online platforms. These activities were made
freely accessible to all attendees with the help of industry sponsors. Proceeds of the funds raised from the
sponsors will also be used in the assistance of our indigent patients.
We hope to celebrate Uroweek next year in a COVID free world. But for the meantime, let us all be vigilant,
get vaccinated, wear masks and observe social distancing.
Our very own Chief of Urologic Oncology, Dr. Rudolfo De Guzman delivered an industry sponsored lecture
on treatment of castrate resistant prostate cancer. The symposium was moderated by our Uro-Onco
alumnus Dr. Marlo Vir Batucan who adeptly controlled the lively discussion, navigating between the audience
and the speakers. It was graced by the present President of the Philippine Urological Association, Dr. Ernesto
Gerial, Jr. This activity garnered 196 attendees from all over the Philippines and from 6 other Countries: USA,
China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia.
P A G E 2
T H E R E N A L C A P S U L E
I S S U E 3
N K T I P U B L I C I N F O R M A T I O N O F F I C E J U L Y T O S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
Dr. Jose Vicente Prodigalidad and Dr. Arturo Castro Jr. invited world renowned experts on this treatment
modality. Our country’s pioneer on cryotherapy and MRI-fusion biopsy of the prostate, Dr. Jason Letran
spoke on the the role of MRI fusion biopsy as a spring board to focal therapy of the prostate. Dr. Murugesan
Manoharan, Chairman of Miami Cancer Institute’s Section of Urologic Oncology talked about the selection
criteria for focal therapy, evaluation of treatment success and failure, and limitations of focal therapy.
Professor Samuel Yee of the Chinese University of Hong Kong talked about the different modalities of focal
therapy.
The second symposium was held on August 20, 2021. The event was coordinated by Dr. Glen Santok. The
topic of the second scientific meeting was multimodality imaging and genomics in the diagnosis and
treatment of prostate cancer. Local experts were invited to share their knowledge on the topic. Dr. Jamilla
Gomez talked about the role of PSMA PET CT scan in the primary diagnosis of prostate cancer.
NKTI Celebrates Online Urology Week
Continued from page 1
NKTI is now PGS Compliant (Stage II)
The second stage of the Performance Governance System (PGS) centers on strategy execution.
By attaining the Compliant Stage, NKTI has been able to secure its performance commitments by
way of cascading and harmonizing deliverables to a performance incentive mechanism and
managed these activities through the Strategy Management Division.
Sustained ISO - Integrated Management System
The NKTI was able to maintain its International Accreditation, ISO - Integrated Management
System by successfully merging the components of business into one system which includes ISO
9001:2015 Quality Management, ISO 14001: 2015 Environment Management, and OHSMS
45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management. The integration of these internal
management practices into one system is a testament of the Institute’s commitment on
performance excellence.
HR PRIME Level II Accredited
As a result of the Level II assessment, NKTI has satisfactorily implemented the Civil Service
Commission (CSC) Human Resource Management Systems / Program. With this mechanism, it will
continuously capacitate NKTI in the performance of its human resource management functions;
recognize best practices in the various areas of human resource management; and serve as a
venue for exchange and development of expertise in human resource management aligned with
the Philippine public service. Notably, the NKTI is now authorized to take final actions on
appointments.
NKTI's Commitment to
Performance Excellence

3. P A G E 3
T H E R E N A L C A P S U L E
I S S U E 3
Always Prepared: NKTI HEMB Team
N K T I P U B L I C I N F O R M A T I O N O F F I C E J U L Y T O S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
The month-long celebration of
this year's Disaster Awareness
Month began with the Monday
Flag raising ceremony last June
28, 2021, hosted by the HEMB
unit. The theme for this year was
“Tamang Pamamahala’t
Kahandaan at Pagtutulungan sa
Sakuna at Pandema’y Kalasag ng
Bayan.” During this kick-off
ceremony, the HEMB unit showed
a short video of all its activites
since I assumed as head last 2015.
Also, the Asst. Coordinator Tet
Bautista also announced the
activities lined up for the month.
b y D r . A l d w i n A Y a n e z a , H e a d / H E M B
HEMB at the Helm:
2021 Disaster Awareness Month
We started with a Public Health
Emergency Preparedness zoom
online lecture last July 8 2021
entitled “Are You Prepared?.” This
was delivered by Dr. Duds
Raymond Santos, a Medical
officer from PNP. In his lecture,
the following objectives were
addressed: 1] To understand and
prepare for possible disasters and
2] To be able to plan, mitigate the
effect of potential disaster
incidents. Dr. Santos also shared
the Survival Kit Bag or Go-Bag
and its essential contents.
In July, DOH also
commemorated the Cardio
Pulmonary Resuscitation ( CPR )
Week. In line with this event,
the IANAHP conducted a Mass
CPR/BLS update last July 16
2021 with Dr. Bernadette
Velasco, HEMB of East Avenue
Medical Center, as resource
speaker. Dr. Velasco
demonstrated the new
guidelines for Mass CPR.
This event was headed by
Asst. Coordinators Tet
Bautista and Darlynn del
Rosario and ably assisted by
the BLS Nurse Trainors.
HEMB shirts were raffled to
30 lucky participants.
Last June our Building
Administrator, Engr AJ Sonza,
initiated several sessions of Fire
Extinguisher Use Drill at the Eden
Garden, which was attended by
Operating Room staff. We plan to
hold these drills until we have
taught not only the healthcare
workers but also the office
employees and ancillary services
personnel. Remember HEMB’s
thrust: Prevention is better than
cure. We are here to remind that
we need to further equip
ourselves with best practices on
how we survive and how we can
help others in times of needs
most especially during this
pandemic.
After her zoom lecture, this
was proceeded by the Mass
CPR for BLS renewal of our
healthcare workers (nurses,
nurse aides, and doctors)
which was well participated.
Prevention is the key: some of the HEMB activities include Fire
Extinguisher Use Drill and Mass CPR for HCWs.

4. P A G E 4
T H E R E N A L C A P S U L E
I S S U E 3
N K T I P U B L I C I N F O R M A T I O N O F F I C E J U L Y T O S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
2021 Nutrition Month Celebration
b y F r a n c e s c a K a e C . S a n t i a g o , R N D
This year's theme for the 47th
Nutrition Month Celebration is
"Malnutrisyon Patuloy na
Labanan, First 1000 days
Tutukan!"
The month-long activity began
with a flag-raising ceremony
last July 5, 2021, with a
recorded video presentation for
this year's Nutrition Month
theme.
The celebration continued with
an exhibit/ panel board display
and televised video
presentations at the Atrium.
A Nutrition Pantry was also
held where various food items
such as vegetables, fruits,
canned products, biscuits,
beverages, and even oral
nutritional support (ONS) were
made available to a limited
number of NKTI employees.
Free teleconsultations were
also offered on all Tuesdays of
the month as part of NDD's
community outreach program
and promotion of proper
nutrition.
NKTI employees also actively
participated in the Nutri-Quiz
that was done through the
Roundcube. The questions were
sent via the Roundcube system
and employees sent their
answers to the NDD official
mobile phone. The first one who
sent the correct answer won the
round, all while following the
provided instructions.
The closing ceremony for the
celebration was held at the
Claver P. Ramos Auditorium
with a "Nutrition Pantry." NDD
provided food donations (ayuda)
for NKTI employees. An Ayuda
Cook-off, a video cooking
contest, was held via Zoom. This
activity was carried out by the
NKTI employees, and the judges
included Registered Nutritionist
Dieticians from East Avenue
Medical Center and University
of the East Ramon Magsaysay
Medical Center.
As part of the NDD's thrust to
improve their services this pandemic,
they now also offer telenutrition
services for our outpatients.

5. Hazel Rodriguez, MD
Adult Nephrologist
P A G E 5
T H E R E N A L C A P S U L E
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N K T I P U B L I C I N F O R M A T I O N O F F I C E J U L Y T O S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
Renal Throb
The Renal Throb is a space where NKTI employees share lessons they've learned about life, love, and
other important matters. In this issue, nine of our healthcare workers share their struggles and
realizations during this pandemic.
Saul B. Suaybaguio, MD
IM- Resident
The challenges stemmed mostly from one
thing: the need for social distancing. Due
to this necessity, much was affected
ranging from being able to communicate
with patients to learning from our
consultants. Both work and education was
compromised, and we've had to look for
ways to compensate. Rarely do we see to
cases directly in line with our fields since
most of our time is spent caring for CoVid
patients. Although we do our best, I do
worry what lies in store for us in the
future. It goes without saying the
emotional burden has also been heavy.
People from your different circles contract
the illness and, unfortunately, some do
succumb to the virus. Those who you've
once talked to in person you now see as a
name adding to a long list of casualties. It
can be disillusioning how things are barely
getting better despite everyone exerting
everything, sacrificing as much as they
can, to improve the situtation. But it's
also haunting how, if we stop now, things
would only get worse.
What were the challenges you have
experienced in the workplace as a
healthcare worker during the pandemic?
Nagkacovid po ako, moderate noong Sept 2020
pinaiwas ko ang aking mga kamag anak na makipagkita
muna upang maiwasan ang pagkahawa hawa,
nagsakripisyo sa pinasyal na aspeto pero sinuportahan
naman ako ng aking aking kapatid dahil almost 1 month
ako naconfine at naquarantine
Payo ko po sa kanila, dapat nandun parin ang pag iingat,
huwag magpupuyat, magpahinga ng maayos at wasto,
kumain ng maayos. Kung dumating ang punto na may
nararamdaman na sila, huwag mahihiyang lumapit sa
ospital para maagapan at mabigyan ng wastong gamot at
pag aalaga.
SG Menardo Caliboso
Northcom
Mary Joyce Fernandez
Clerk III
As a healthcare worker, this pandemic
created lot of day-to-day challenges
which I needed to overcome. As an
example, I need to ensure to follow
strict health protocols from wearing a
facemask and faceshield everyday
wherever I go, hand sanitizing and
practicing physical distancing ultimately
for everyone's safety. In addition, I can
no longer do the things I previously did
to enjoy and unwind such as travelling
with family and friends. Lastly, there is
that feeling of anxiety a family member
might get sick.
Rowena Maniquiz
Philcare
Nagkaron po ako ng takot sa
bawat araw para sa sarili at
sa pamilya ko.
What would you like to say to your fellow
health workers who are going through
challenges this pandemic?
Buenafe Dela Cruz
IPCC Nurse
My fellow NKTI, we being a
family working and striving
together, facing this
Pandemic is far from over.
Please don't forget to smile
and thank God for the life
we have.
Daisy Lopez
Head Nurse, OPS
As the slogan says ”We Heal
As One” This means we have
to protect one another.
knowing today will never
come again. Let's all be a
blessing, be a friend, and
Let's all take time to care.
Joel Majuk
Radiologic Technician
Always follow the safety
protocols, Stay Safe always
and PLEASE PRAY for our
GUIDANCE!
Lanie Zarate
Nursing Attendant
We have to be united and
fight as one to win this
battle against this unseen
enemy
Sander S. Santos
NKTI-EAHW
Keep safe and inform OSH if
they have symptoms of
COVID-19.
Despite all the
uncertainties and
unexpected
changes we face
now, let us try to be
kind to each other.

6. P A G E 6
T H E R E N A L C A P S U L E
I S S U E 3
N K T I P U B L I C I N F O R M A T I O N O F F I C E J U L Y T O S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
NKTI
Dr. Concesa Casasola:
THE NKTI’S “RESEARCH” GATEKEEPER
We all know her as “Dra. Connie”
or “Dra. Con” since 1998 when
she entered the NKTI as an Adult
Nephrology Fellow alongside
with her batch-mates, Dr.
Ernesto Gerial, Dr. Joben
Abraham, and Dr. Sergio
Simangan. Notably, her entry, as
a first year fellow could be
traced back during the time
when part of the Lung Center of
the Philippines has caught fire
and the NKTI was gravely
affected.
Research has been very close to
her heart. This is rooted when
she became the Chief Fellow of
Adult Nephrology and chosen to
be the research assistant of
former Executive Director, Dr.
Enrique T. Ona. Back then, the
NKTI was the only hospital in the
Philippines to do research on the
immunosuppressive drug in
kidney transplantation.
Since then, Dr. Casasola has
been engaged with the research
activities of the NKTI. In 2001-
2002, she was designated as a
Research Associate to help Dr.
Romina Danguilan in the
Institute’s Research Committee
and was concurrently assigned
as the Industrial Clinic Physician.
Later on, she formally joined the
NKTI workforce as an Active
Consultant of Adult Nephrology.
She also became the Head of
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Education and Counseling Clinic
of the Adult Nephrology, and
together with her mentors,
crafted a program to improve
the outcome of CKD patients by
providing planned educational
pathways, which will enable
patients to comprehend the
disease process and treatment.
Dr. Casasola continues doing
research as well as supervising
the conduct of the Institute’s
researches as a Research
Associate from 2002 to 2007,
and during this time, the
Technical Review Board (TRB)
and Research Ethics Committee
(REC) were created with the
aim of ensuring quality
research output and of course,
in further realizing the mandate
of the Institute as a research
institution. With these
continuous developments, in
2009, the Clinical Trial and
Research Unit (CTRU) was
institutionalized until it
officially became a Division,
with its own human resource
complement and budgetary
provisions in 2018. Her passion
and commitment have become
vital in developing the NKTI’s
research arm alongside with
her mentors.
In her 23 years of service, Dr.
Casasola has seen and
experienced the progress of the
Institute and its journey of
becoming the premier hospital
for kidney and urologic
diseases, and organ
transplantation. She considers
NKTI as her “second home”
because since her fellowship
training, this is the only hospital
where she practice and grew
professionally and personally.
Most of her time are spent a lot at
the NKTI. She even jokingly
expressed that “maybe NKTI is my
first home because I stayed more
here than in my house and
considered the proximity of my
workplace in buying our house.”
Dr. Casasola witnessed and
experienced the story of NKTI
from its lowest point to its rising
to the top as she went through six
(6) leadership, from the time of Dr.
Filoteo Alano to the present
Executive Director, Dr. Rose Marie
O. Rosete-Liquete.
Dr. Casasola is looking forward to
the future of NKTI and very proud
to be part of this excellent and
innovative team.
The NKTI Spotlight showcases the story and journey of leaders and employees at
the NKTI which will serve as a source of motivation and encouragement to others
to develop a strong commitment to public service.
SPOTLIGHT

7. P A G E 7
T H E R E N A L C A P S U L E
I S S U E 3
N K T I P U B L I C I N F O R M A T I O N O F F I C E J U L Y T O S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
Health and Wellness: Creating an
Ergonomic Workplace
b y P h y s i c a l M e d i c i n e a n d R e h a b S e c t i o n
The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Section
(PMRS) sees and treats employees who experience
various musculoskeletal pains (eg: upper back pain, low
back pain, knee pain, etc.). More than 50% of them are
diagnosed with low back pain and undergo
rehabilitation. Among the causes of their low back pain
are poor body posture and improper body mechanics.
Body mechanics is the use of one’s body to produce
motion that is safe, energy conserving, anatomically
and physiologically efficient. Proper body mechanics
helps maintain good balance and control. Good posture
is an easy and very important way to maintain a healthy
mind and body. When you practice correct posture,
your body is in alignment with itself. This can alleviate
common problems such as back or neck pain,
headaches, and fatigue. In addition, being in good
general health and standing (or sitting) tall will also
boost your bearing and self confidence.
Let's get physical: The Lifestyle Medicine Program
sends through NKTI roundcube their exercise videos
weekly to encourage employees live a healthy and fit
lifestyle.

8. IN MEMORIAM
I S S U E 3 P A G E 8
T H E R E N A L C A P S U L E
N a t i o n a l K i d n e y a n d T r a n s p l a n t I n s t i t u t e
E a s t A v e n u e , Q u e z o n C i t y
1 1 0 1 , P h i l i p p i n e s
S a k i t s a b a t o , s a g o t n a n d i t o . . . N K T I k a a g a p a y m o !
8 - 9 8 1 - 0 3 0 0 / 8 - 9 8 1 - 0 4 0 0 p r o @ n k t i . g o v . p h
f a c e b o o k . c o m /
n k t i . g o v . p h
n k t i . g o v . p h
The Renal Capsule pays tribute to them through the words of those whom they have worked with at NKTI.
They left an indelible mark at the hearts of those who knew and treasure them most-- their families, friends,
and co-workers.
Dr. Caguete lived an admirable and adventurous life. He was a faithful
family man, a doting husband to his wife and father to his children,
keen on sharing life’s joys and adventures through his many travels. He
was a compassionate physician, and a generous soul who likes to
experience happiness by sharing with others. We are thankful for the
time he spent with us, and are grateful for his service and commitment
since the early years of the department. He has been with us through
many accomplishments and challenges alike, and we will always be
thankful for his influence and impact to both our professional and
personal lives. He will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.
Edwin P. Marcelo
Nov 12, 1964 - May 4, 2021
Dr. Ferdinand Caguete
May 10, 1960 - September 14, 2021
General and Interventional Radiologist.
Storekeeper IV
Edwin rose from the ranks as Nursing
Attendant in 1993 to Storekeeper IV
assigned at the Property Division. He
served with dedication in NKTI for 26
years.
mission vision core values
We are a healthcare institution
that provides compassionate and
quality care for all patients with
renal and allied diseases,
urologic conditions, and
transplantation.
To be the premier center
for renal health and
transplantation adhering to
the highest standards of
patient care, training, and
research.
Excellence
Visionary
Service with Integrity and
Compassion