MANILA, Philippines - Filipina psychiatrist Dr. Lourdes Ignacio is the latest recipient of the 2014 Lifetime Asia Achievement Award from the Asian Federation of Psychiatric Associations (AFPA).
This is the first time in the history of the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA) that one of its members ranked among the most celebrated psychiatrists in the Asian region.
According to PPA, the AFPA Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a “select male or female senior psychiatrist who has devoted (himself or herself) by working very hard for the betterment of mental health services for the mentally ill, not only in (his or her) own country, but also in other Asian countries.â€
The award was granted by AFPA president Pichet Udomratn who in his speech highlighted Ignacio’s remarkable achievements, which include her extensive involvement in various international agencies and organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation.
“In presenting the AFPA Lifetime Achievement Award 2014, we are proud to recognize Dr. Lourdes Ladrido-Ignacio as a psychiatrist who has shown sustained excellence as a teacher, researcher in psychiatry and mental health, and committed involvement in community psychiatry and mental health programs of high social relevance, both in her country as well as internationally,†said Udomratn.
A medical degree holder from the University of the Philippines, Ignacio has been recognized for her works in the fields of research, teaching, mental health advocacy, and community service, throughout her medical practice.
“As a psychiatrist, she has devoted much of herself in working toward the betterment of mental health service in her country as well as in other Asian countries,†Udomratn added.