Gap Legaspi

The director of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Dr Gerardo “Gap” Legaspi is one of the country’s top neurosurgeons. He gained international recognition for pioneering “awake craniotomies” in the Philippines, a specialised brain surgery where the patient remains conscious to help doctors protect vital functions such as speech and movement. In late 2024, he was reappointed PGH Director for a historic fourth term, a rare achievement that underscores his long-standing commitment to public service.

Legaspi’s leadership is defined by modernisation and equitable access to specialised care. He pushed for infrastructure upgrades and digital records, helping PGH achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification, recognising the organisation’s quality management. He also secured funding to ensure charity patients could access free services and advanced technology such as robotic surgery. During the pandemic, he guided PGH’s rapid transition into the country’s main COVID-19 referral centre, prioritising both public safety and the protection of frontline staff.

Beyond the operating room, Legaspi has focused on strengthening the wider PGH community. He launched research grants specifically for nurses and technicians, empowering them to innovate alongside doctors, and led the restoration of heritage structures such as Bahay Silungan, transforming them into housing for patients and staff. His impact was recognised with the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, the Philippines’ highest honour for civil servants.

As a physician, academic and hospital leader, Legaspi also plays a role in medical education, with PGH serving as a major training institution for doctors and other health professionals within the University of the Philippines system. In 2026, he participated in planning discussions around the proposed Philippine General Hospital Diliman, a project intended to expand access to affordable, high-quality public healthcare.

Under Legaspi’s leadership, PGH continues to balance its roles as a major referral hospital, teaching institution and public healthcare provider, serving patients regardless of their ability to pay. His influence extends beyond clinical medicine to the development of the systems, facilities and medical professionals needed to meet the country’s growing healthcare demands.