Last June 19, 2011, the Philippine College of Emergency Medicine (PCEM) and the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) have signed a memorandum of agreement to promote the Basic Evaluation and Training for Trauma and Emergency Response (BETTER).

As partners in trauma prevention, the two specialty societies planned to organize several training activities to enhance the capacities of doctores to manage trauma cases. Dr. Faith Joan Mesa-Gaerlan, PCEM Vice-President representing Dr. Noel Lagman, PCEM President and Dr. Josefina Almonte, the first female President of PCS gave their respective messages in support of this endeavour.

The signing held at the Philippine General Hospital was witnessed by the participants from 1st BETTER course organized by PCEM and PCS. Residents and graduates of emergency medicine who attended the course came from the training institutions of Makati Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital, Manila Doctors Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Daniel Mercado Medical Center, and De La Salle University Medical Center.