Ofelia M. Samar-Sy

On May 18, 2018, the Philippine Medical Association, at the Philippines International Convention Center in Manila, presented Sy with the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award as Outstanding Physician in Leadership and Community Service.

Likewise, as lead volunteer of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, she helped in raising funds for making and distributing 83 yellow boats for a disadvantaged community in Mababoy Island, Masbate for use in bringing their children to school and for their livelihood. She was instrumental in facilitating with Department of Education (Philippines) the fast realization of an extension school with makeshift classrooms. As of December, 2017, the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation has donated 2,024 yellow fishing boats, 20,211 yellow school boats, built eight schools, one bridge, and sponsored 10 Yellow Boat Adventures in impoverished areas of the Philippines.

Ofelia Manibog Samar-Sy is a Filipino physician in Internal medicine and Cardiology, medical educator, researcher, humanitarian, and socio-civic leader. Medical Director of Ibalong Medical Center in Legazpi City, Albay, in May 2014 she was additionally appointed Dean, College of Medicine of Bicol Christian College, also in Legazpi City. She has led various medical missions, relief distributions, feeding programs, and gift-giving activities as President of Ibalong Medical Center Foundation, as a volunteer, as president of Pinoy Power Bicol Coalition, Inc., and as president of Albay Medical Society. Samar-Sy is a board member for several Filipino NGOs. She is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (2013) as well as a life member of the Philippine Medical Association and the Philippine College of Physicians.

Along with Jay Jaboneta and Anton Mari H. Lim, she helped create the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, and she was instrumental in helping the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation win the Liberal Project Award by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in November 2011. She has also been recognized as the "2010 Bicolano Outstanding Businessperson of the Year for the Province of Albay" and has received the "Outstanding Alumni Award" from Bicol University September 2009 and University of Saint Anthony in 1998. She is a Dangal ng Pilipinas Awardee during the Consumers' Choice Dangal ng Pilipinas 8th Annual Awards in 2009.

For eight straight years she was president of Philippine Science High School Bicol Region Campus - GPTA and led the parents of Bicol Scholars as volunteers in assisting the school in building an eLearning Center and classrooms during its initial undeveloped stage, as well as sponsoring medical missions and various support activities for the promotion of better quality education. Through her leadership, the GPTA was also able to help delegates of the school to various national and international competitions. The Philippine Science High School System is the Philippines' premiere secondary education institution for gifted scholars in the fields of science, mathematics, and technology. In line with her advocacy for better education, Samar-Sy dedicated her time and efforts as GPTA President of Bicol University Integrated Laboratory School from 2007 to 2010 and led parents in creating an eLearning Center and reading programs.

She has also led in various medical missions, relief distributions, feeding programs and gift-giving activities as President of Ibalong Medical Center Foundation since 2005, as a volunteer and President of Pinoy Power Bicol Coalition, Inc. since 2009, and as President of Albay Medical Society from 2010. She has led volunteers in participating in the good governance and anti-poverty programs of various government agencies.

In 1994 she was named an Associate Fellow of the Philippine Heart Association Philippine College of Cardiology, after finishing becoming a Residency Fellow in Cardiology at the University of Philippines, Philippine General Hospital December 31, 1993. In May 1994 she became a Diplomate in Internal Medicine given by the Philippine College of Physicians,. She completed her Fellowship Training Program in Cardiology at University of Philippines, Philippine General Hospital.

In 1977 she graduated from the University of St. Anthony secondary school, then went on to study at Bicol University, with an undergraduate degree (baccalaureate), later graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bicol University, in 1981. She next earned a Doctor of Medicine degree at University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in 1986, followed by post-graduate internship at the University of Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (one year) and post-graduate rural service for another year. She took her post-graduate residency training for specialization in Internal Medicine at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital from January 1988 to April 30, 1991. Her post-graduate fellowship training for specialization in cardiology also took place at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital with post-graduate training in Internal Medicine and Cardiology for another two years, finishing December 31, 1993.

Born and raised in Malawag, Nabua, Camarines Sur, Philippines, she graduated from Malawag Elementary School in 1973. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Bicol University, she was awarded a full State Scholarship in Doctor of Medicine. Once she became an internist-cardiologist, she returned to Bicol and begun practicing her profession in the countryside. She has sponsored many scholars, and in addition to her formal practice, has treated many indigent patients. She participates in service to her community and nation through various educational programs, scholarships, and medical and charitable programs.