We learned of the very sad news of Dr Adriano Laudico’s passing on 10 November 2024.
Dr Laudico trained as a cancer surgeon, dedicating his life to helping others. Working initially with Drs Max Parkin and Calium Muir, a close relationship with the Agency began nearly 40 years ago. Considered by many as the father of cancer registration in the Philippines, he led under the Philippine Cancer Society the establishment of the first population-based cancer registry covering the original four cities of Metro Manila. Later together with Dr. Divina Esteban, he led the DOH Rizal Cancer Registry covering the 13 municipalities-turned-cities of Metro Manila. He made numerous contributions in research and the development of educational resources.
As a teacher, Dr Laudico mentored medical students in surgery, pain medicine, and epidemiology. His work was recognized among global peers with the distinction of being awarded an Honorary Lifetime Award from the International Association for Cancer Registries for his achievements.
As a person, Dr Laudico embodied a warm, humble and sincere approach that came through in the first minutes of meeting him. A fierce believer in doing the right thing, he stayed active in supporting the cancer registry long after his retirement. Dr Laudico cited his greatest professional achievement as successfully advocating for the availability of outpatient oral morphine for pain relief in palliative care patients. This followed from an injury he had incurred where the personal experience made him determined to not allow others to suffer without pain relief.
Dr Laudico was a dedicated colleague who became a friend to many peers worldwide.
Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Photos (Clockwise):
1) Dr A. Laudico;
2) Dr Laudico at the IACR 2016 Annual Conference in Marrakesh with IARC’s Isabelle Soerjomataram and Chelle Fernan.
3) Taken in Sept 2023 at the Manila Cancer Registry. Dr Laudico and Dr Rachael Rosario (whom we also lost in May 2024);
4) Dr Laudico and Les Mery during the latter’s visit to Manila Sept 2023; and
Bottom photo: Drs Laudico (rightmost), Freddie Bray, Rica Mirasol-Lumague, Rachael Rosario, Manila
