Infectious diseases expert Melecia Antonio-Velmonte gets GTO Visionary Award

Infectious diseases expert Dr. Melecia Antonio-Velmonte was awarded the Dr. Germiniano T. De Ocampo (GTO) Visionary Award for Medical Research during a ceremony in Manila City on Wednesday.

Velmonte is recognized as a pioneer in infection control, which proved crucial during the 2003 SARS crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a practicing doctor and researcher, she campaigns for continuous training of healthcare professionals and good infection control.

"It’s a big thing because what we did, the job we did in infection control, was recognized as important," said Velmonte, who is also the founder of the Philippine Hospital Infection Control Society.

As the 2026 GTO Visionary Award winner, Velmonte received a GTO medal, a plaque from the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), and a P100,000 cash prize.

Given every two years, the GTO Visionary Award for Medical Research was created to recognize clinician-researchers who have created the vision for medical research in the country through their outstanding work that blazed and/or pioneered the trail for medical innovations, health research, and development. —VBL, GMA News