A family of 11 Filipino physicians recently received an award from an international humanitarian-civic organization in the United States for their outstanding achivements in their fields of expertise.

The Philippine Economic and Cultural Endowment (PEACE USA) gave the 2008 PEACE USA award to the Chua family in a ceremony held last June 14, 2008 at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The ceremony honored the family of cardiac surgeon Dr. Philip Chua, his wife, retired pediatrician Farida Quiambao Isip-Chua, and their children Sheillah C. Gentile, Felipe I. Chua, Portia C. Gonzales, Rachel Chua Brown, and Emily C. Greenlee, who are all doctors.

The Chua children are all based in the US. The daughters are also married to physicians Anthony Gentile, Luisito Gonzales, Jim Brown III, and Jeremy Greenlee.

"As a Filipino, I am truly proud of this PEACE Family Award, an honor I want to share with my fellow Filipinos around the world," Dr. Philip Chua said.

The event was attended by Philippine Ambassador to the US Willy Gaa, Linda and Libertito Pelay, publisher/editor of the Filipino Reporter of New York, PEACE officers and its founding president Dr. Cosme Cagas and leaders of various professional and civic associations in the US.

According to the Philippine News website, the award was presented to the Chua family by Gaa, assisted by PEACE president Frank Rabadam, MD, of New York, and PEACE board director Carmelo Dichoso, MD, of Houston, who also acted as master of ceremonies. PEACE executive direcotr Nelson Bocar, MD, coordinated the event.

PEACE USA recognizes an individual or a family for outstanding achievements in any field.