Profile :: Hon. ESPERANZA CABRAL
Tel#: 931-7916; 931-8068 | Email: eicabral@dswd.gov.ph
Website: www.dswd.gov.ph
Renowned
cardiologist and top-ranked physician, Dr. Esperanza Icasas-Cabral
never lacked for respect – or success. The indefatigable
Dr. Espie is a teacher, scientist and doctor, with countless
hours spent tending to her patients, students and researches.
She is a good communicator and uses her skills to make the
public and her patients more knowledgeable of health and
diseases. A tireless advocate, her personal exemplification
of the ideals and values she believes in, is a source of
inspiration for the many who have come to know her. With
more than 30 years of success and accomplishments behind
her, it was time for Dr. Cabral to step out of her comfort
zone and try her hand at a similarly challenging pursuit
– social welfare and development.
The Pasay native earned her medical degree at the University
of the Philippines and completed her training in Internal
Medicine, Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology at the Philippine
General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts
General Hospital, and the Joslin Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts,
USA.
Dr. Cabral held key positions in the top medical institutions
in the country. She was a professor at the UP College of
Medicine Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology and Director
of the Philippine Heart Center, as well as Chief of Cardiology
at Asian Hospital & Medical Center. She was also editor
or editorial consultant of medical journals and publications.
She has authored and co-authored more than 85 scientific
papers on hypertension, cardiovascular pharmacology and
clinical and preventive cardiology. In addition, she was
a TV show host in two public service programs, HeartWatch
on Channel 13 and InfoMedico on Channel 9, where she presented
health information and advice.
Aside from having been Director of the Philippine Heart
Center, her experience in government includes consultancy
work for the Dangerous Drugs Board, the Bureau of Food and
Drugs and the Department of Health. Prior to her appointment
at the DSWD, she was the commissioner representing Science
and Health of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino
Women.
Her distinguished and multi-faceted career has been recognized
with notable citations such as the National Outstanding
Young Scientist for Medicine Award for 1981 by the Department
of Science and Technology, the 1982 Achievement Award by
the Philippine Society of Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology,
the Outstanding Woman in the Nation’s Service Award
for Medicine in 1986 and the 1st Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award
by the Philippine Medical Association in 1991.
Espie, as she is fondly called by close friends, is married
with three children. Her husband, Dr. Bienvenido V. Cabral,
is an ophthalmologist and her children, Cristina, Patricia
Anne and Brian Michael are all medical doctors.
Her new position as Secretary of Social Welfare and Development
should enable her to cap a full life of service with even
greater service.
