By Dr. Dino L. Camonias
President, Northern Mindanao Society of Ophthalmology

The sun is rising on a brilliant summer, and we want you right at the center of it! From April 29 to May 1, 2026, join us as we gather in the City of Golden Friendship for our midyear convention. We aren’t just looking at the current standards of care; we are setting our sights on the “Gold Standard” of the future. 

While our scientific program promises to be intellectually invigorating, we believe that the best learning happens when the mind is relaxed and the spirit is high. Here is what awaits you: 

• Golden Opportunities for Learning: Our curated sessions feature local and international experts ready to share breakthroughs in surgical techniques, digital diagnostics, and community eye health
• The Gateway to Adventure: Need a break from the slit lamp? Experience the adrenaline of White Water Rafting, or find serenity in the lush highlands of neighboring Bukidnon and the enchanting island of nearby Camiguin.  

• A Taste of Northern Mindanao: From the freshest seafood to the sweetest pineapples and our world-famous pastel, your palate is in for a treat.
• Warmth Like No Other: There’s a reason we are the “City of Golden Friendship.” Expect the legendary hospitality of the Kagay-anons to make you feel right at home.

The adventure will begin on April 29 at Dahilayan, Bukidnon, where our young resident trainees will form teams and compete in a challenging event, called,  “Adventure Race: Ready, Set, See!” This course will not only be physically challenging, but will also test our young ophthalmologists’ clinical acumen on certain puzzling cases as well.  Solving them may even require the help of their senior consultant teammate. 

Once done, the delegates may proceed back to the congress venue, Limketkai Luxe Hotel, for the MSICS wet lab course. Those with limited reserved slots for this activity will be introduced to surgical skills that may be useful in their future practice. After a whole afternoon of training, a welcome dinner at the Cove Garden Resort will be hosted for invited guests and dignitaries.

Day 1 on April 30, will begin with the opening ceremonies in the congress ballroom, followed by a sequence of scientific sessions on Low Vision, Orbit, Glaucoma, Retina, YO, Cataract, ED/Cornea, and Pediatric Ophthalmology. After a whole day of educational activities, the delegates will be treated to a unique fellowship night at the wave pools of Seven Seas Waterpark and Resort. This night will offer a chance to unwind with music, good food, and the company of cherished colleagues. 

On the second day, May 1, the scientific sessions will continue with topics on Philhealth issues and ethics, followed by the closing ceremonies. While others might need to go back to their home base, we encourage the rest to go around, shop for souvenirs, or even do a side trip to neighboring tourist destinations. Summer only comes once a year, and Northern Mindanao will be a wonderful place to spend it.

On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to warmly invite everyone to take a break, come over and celebrate summer with us here in CDO. 

Hali na mo, mga higala!