No. 363 July - August 2017

constituent university shall be elected by the Board upon nomination of the President of the University, following a process of consultation with the constituents of the constituent university based on standards and guidelines set by the Board.” The process entailed the composition of a Search Committee (SC) in each of the three AUs through a nomination process for members representing the senior and junior faculty; research, extension and professional staff (REPS); administrative staff; students, and the UP President’s representative. The SC’s tasks include overseeing the conduct of the search, preparing a schedule of and organizing the activities, interviewing the nominees, and submitting a final report to the Office of the President. UP Chancellor Carmencita Padilla receives the mace from UP President Alfredo Pascual in this file photo of her investiture on June 26, 2015 as part of the university’s commencement rites. Witnessing her installation at that time was her son, UP College of Medicine medical student Patrick Jose Padilla. Administrative Order No. PDLC 2017-37 dated 22 August 2017 named the members of the UPM SC. They are Prof. Lourdes E. Search for UP Manila chancellor yields lone nominee Abadingo and Dr. Isidro C. Sia representing the Senior Faculty; Prof. Carl Abelardo T. For the first time, the search on September 29, 2017. At its meeting on instituted a search process for the Antonio, Junior Faculty; Ms. Elena Venturina, for the next UP Manila chancellor the 3rd or 4th week of October, the BOR chancellors of three of its autonomous REPS; Ms. Belinda Jubillo-Santos, has yielded only one nominee. will hold the voting for the chancellors of universities (AUs), UP Los Baños, UP Administrative Staff;Mr. Miguel Sandino The Search Committee for the three UP campuses: Manila, Los Baños, Visayas, and UP Manila. The terms of the O. Aljibe, Students; and Prof. Elizabeth R. UP Manila Chancellor, through its and Visayas. chancellors of the three AUs will end on Pulumbarit, President’s Representative. chairperson, Prof. Lourdes Abadingo, Search Process October 31, 2017. The UPLB and UPV chancellorships announced that only one nomination for The UP System, through Administrative The initiation of a search process is each have three nominees that include the the position was received as of the close Order No. 17-35 dated 3 August 2017 pursuant to Section 18 of RA 9500, which incumbent chancellors. of business hours at 5 pm on August 31, signed by President Danilo L. Concepcion, provides that: “The Chancellor of the search for chancellor | page 4 ► 2017, the deadline for the nomination. The lone nominee is National value of humility. And all the lessons that we Academy of Science and Technology learned were put to the ultimate test, as our Academician and incumbent UP Manila campus was completely destroyed by super Chancellor Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla. Typhoon Haiyan that struck central Philippines Chancellor Padilla is a pediatrician, last November 2013. human geneticist, former director of The school prepared us well. Instead of the Philippine Genome Center (PGC), feeling hopeless, instead of accepting defeat founding director of the National and giving in to grief, we remained strong. We Institutes of Health’s Institute of Human all worked hand-in-hand and our experiences SHS students with Chancellor Carmencita Padilla, were real-life testaments of inter-professional Genetics and of the Newborn Screening Vice Chancellor Nymia Simbulan, Vice Chancellor Michael Tee, education and collaboration. For sure, the Reference Center, and former chairperson Dean Salvardo Destura and SHS Palo Faculty members. students went through tough situations of the UP Manila College of Medicine- the school of health sciences - themselves, but we knew that we had a Philippine General Hospital’s Department community in need and therefore, we must of Pediatrics. She was greatly instrumental A Story of Hope move forward. in the enactment of Republic Act No Around 11:30 am on the 8th of November 9288 or the Newborn Screening Act of By Daisyrie Aidyl Pamogas & Naimah Karina Negad | Third Year MD Students, MD 17Th Batch 2013, the storm subsided. We packed our 2004, Rare Disease Act of 2016 and is The founders of the UP Manila - School flexibility and mastery that are essential for a nursing kits and rushed outside. Everything currently pushing for Folic Acid Bills of Health Sciences designed a curriculum healthcare provider. was devastated and the air smelled of blood filed as HB 3341 (by Cong. Pia Cayetano) that aims to produce clinically competent, However, we did not only gain new and mud. Some of our schoolmates were and HB 3128 (by Cong. Harry Roque) community-oriented, and socially accountable knowledge and skills. The SHS program shaped already helping the injured outside the Municipal Hall of Palo, . Some of the Chancellor Padilla’s term of health professionals who will serve the our character for the better. The harsh realities in underserved areas of the country. in the community - dangerous terrains, limited injured were writhing in pain while others office will end on October 31, 2017. chose to bury their agony in silence. For her foray into a second term, At the SHS, students are not only studying resources, and even complicated politics - all for themselves but also for their respective molded us to be efficient, resourceful, and Everyone was hoping for a miracle. I she will present the highlights of her communities. innovative health leaders. The diversity of the experienced one that day. After providing first accomplishments during the past three The SHS experience is nothing but communities we served enabled us to expand aid to an old woman whose face was swelling years and her vision and mission for UP extraordinary. What we experienced there was our horizons and broaden our understanding and bloody, I noticed a pregnant mother Manila on September 11, 2017 at the not just a short-term immersion, but actual of our country and our world. lying on the floor. I approached her and the UP Manila Theater. Her presentation day-to-day interaction with the community. We were taught brotherhood and husband told me that she was in labor. He will be followed by an open forum. We lived with the people, experienced their camaraderie. They encouraged us to turn our pleaded for help. Grief and terror were in his The public forum will be followed by daily lives, and felt their struggles. We had differences into strength in order to empower eyes. The couple were soaking wet! They were left with nothing after the typhoon washed sectoral forums with the faculty, students, clinical rotations in different settings, from and transform our community. SHS also a local mother’s house and a bench under taught us that as health workers, we don’t away their house. We transferred the woman non-teaching staff, and alumni.The on a dry table. Shortly after, the amniotic sac Search Committee is expected to submit the tree, to a rural health clinic and a district work for the people. Instead, we work WITH hospital. These experiences instilled in us both them. Ultimately, the program taught us the | ► its report to the Office of the UP President a story of hope page 5 2 college/unit beats UP MANILA NEWSLETTER www.upm.edu.ph

Construction of SHS Baler Acad and Admin Buildings Phase 2 starts The groundbreaking ceremony for the different government agencies for the the School of Health Sciences (SHS) Baler SHS program will continue to benefit the Academic Building 2 and Administrative country. Building (Phase 2) was held on August 9, SHS Dean Salvador Destura thanked 2017. In attendance were officials of UP all those who attended the ceremony, Manila, province, and municipality especially Mr. Amado Angara who of Baler; representatives from partner represented DILG Director Atty. Teofilo A. agencies, such as the Department of Tactac Jr.; Dr. Lilia A. Pascua, Development Health and Department of Interior and Management Officer who represented Local Government; and SHS officials and DOH; and Engr. Leandro Dungca who alumni. stood for Aurora Memorial Hospital Chief In her message, UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Norma V. Palmero. He also thanked Carmencita Padilla acknowledged the the administration of Chancellor Padilla constraints in implementing the project for its unflinching support for SHS through but stated that the good thing is that the rebuilding program being undertaken they held on to the dream that the at the SHS Leyte and the strengthening of building will be erected. She reiterated the two SHS satellite campuses. her administration’s support for the SHS Responding on behalf of the SHS even as a nominee for the UP Manila alumni, Kate Celine L. Argonia expressed chancellorship three years ago. .Through gratitude to the SHS, her sponsoring UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla and SHS Dean Salvador Destura lead other UP Manila and SHS their representatives, Mr. Alex Ocampo barangay PINGIT, sponsoring municipality officials and representatives from partner agencies in the groundbreaking rites for the SHS Baler Academic and and Dr. Nenita Hernandez, Aurora Baler, and the DOH for her becoming a Administrative Building. Congresswoman Bella Angara-Castillo registered midwife and nurse. UP Manila administration. She also have a power house, Oblation, and Phase and Baler Mayor Nelianto Bihasa relayed In welcoming the guests, SHS Baler thanked Senator for the 2 of the Academic Building. The Oblation their greetings and commendations Director Robelita Varona mentioned release of funds for the project years ago. and Power House were finished in 2016. to the SHS on the new facility that will that the construction of Phase 2 is being In 2011, the UP System The budget for Phase 2 is Php 23, 877, benefit the students and expressed realized after years of waiting and she Reprogrammed Savings allotted P30 567.24. (Cynthia Villamor with report from optimism that the partnerships among credited this to the support of the current million for UPSHS Baler projects that will Prof. Robelita Varona) 3 new buildings up for completion in October Located at the back of the College of Medicine, the Sports and Wellness Center has a total area of 2, 912 sqm. Its first and second floor will be used for indoor physical education activities while the 3rd floor is a basketball court. The UP Manila Dormitory is a 308-bed dormitory with ground floor concessionaires, canteen, and laundry for the residents. With a budget of almost P58 million, the dorm is situated beside the Phi House Dorm between the Colleges of Pharmacy and Allied Medical Professions. Other major ongoing construction projects expected for completion in the next two years are the UP College of Medicine Academic Center, 18-story National Institutes of Health, 11-story College of Public Health Dr. Stephen Zuellig Hall, and 8-story University Library. Several renovation and construction projects are also being undertaken in the different colleges.(Cynthia Villamor)

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UP MANILA NEWSLETTER Sport Science and Wellness Center, UP Manila Dorm, and SHS Palo Academic and Administrative Buildings. THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA Three new buildings, one at the pantry will be located. The other wing were made. EDITORIAL STAFF School of Health Sciences Palo, and two is the academic area with classrooms, The SHS building completes the in the Pedro Gil side of UP Manila will be a multi-disciplinary laboratory, audio historic return of the SHS to its main The UP Manila Newsletter is published ready for use in October, their expected visual rooms, and a faculty room. campus in Palo after the damage caused bimonthly by the Information, Publication, and date of completion. They are the SHS Palo Funded by PhP20,062,306.96 grant from by Typhoon Yolanda. The rebuilding Public Affairs Office (IPPAO), 8th floor, Philippine Administrative and Academic Building, the national government and UP. The consisted of the newly-rehabilitated Dr. General Hospital Central Block Building, Taft UP Manila Dormitory, and the UP Manila building’s blueprint was developed by a Herrera Academic Building inaugurated Avenue, Manila, with tel no. 554-8400 local 3842 Sports and Wellness Center. team of highly skilled and experienced UP in April 2015, the new four-classroom and email address [email protected]. Dr. Erlyn A. Sana, Editorial Consultant; The SHS Administration and engineers, urban planners, and architects building opened in August 2015 and Cynthia M. Villamor, Editor; Fedelynn M. Academic building consists of the after consultations with the various donated by the Sagip Kapamilya of ABS- Jemena, Cynthia M. Villamor, January Kanindot, first wing at the ground floor where stakeholders were conducted by the UP CBN, and another building donated by Charmaine A. Lingdas, Anne Marie D. Alto, the offices of the director, faculty and officials and projections as to degree the Mercy Relief Singapore inaugurated in Staffwriters; Joseph A. Bautista, Photographer; administrative staff, supply room, and programs expansion and student growth January 2016. Sigrid G. Cabiling, Circulation Officer. NO. 363 JULY - AUGUST 2017 3

National Telehealth Center marks 19 years of leading telehealth at PH With almost two decades of working “Health being holistic, the challenges to improve the health of Filipinos through are growing, changing, and getting the optimal use of information and bolder and so are our advances in communications technology, the National information technology applications. Telehealth Center (NThC) is geared to We, at UP Manila, are proud that NThC further its services and programs as it has been keeping up with the pace of celebrated its founding year on July 27, technological innovations in health 2017 at the New World Manila Bay Hotel. through collaboration and research and The NThC’s 19th anniversary capability building activities with national celebration had the theme, "Bringing and international institutions and Digital Health Innovations to Scale organizations,” Chancellor Padilla said. and Beyond." Keynote speakers from For her part, Vice Chancellor the Department of Health (DOH), Cutiongco-Dela Paz shared key areas Department of Science and Technology where NThC would need to consider in

(DOST), Department of Information and Mr. Arturo Ongkeko, Jr of the National Telehealth Center points to the poster exhibits of the Center’s advances in order to become the country's leader Communications Technology (DICT), and promoting telehealth during its anniversary celebration. in telehealth – the three Ps: Products, experts from UP Manila and its partners to inspire and mobilize our stakeholders shared the upcoming projects of the Platforms, and Partnerships." She delivered lectures on varied topics and in using information and communication agency on telehealth. “With the e-health emphasized that the NThC should served as resource persons during the technology for health as the key to committee chaired by the DOH, we are improve on current technologies, parallel sessions and workshops. Posters achieving health for all," stated Secretary trying to establish an architecture for the innovate and invent new ones, leverage from researchers of different universities Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial in her speech Philippine health information exchange as and develop applications that are ready and institutions were exhibited. read by Dr. Charity Tan, Chief, and a central critical component of a national to be interoperable with other systems, DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña Knowledge Management Division of DOH. infrastructure for our health sector.” With evaluate all platforms and leverage reported the milestones and agenda of Secretary Rosell-Ubial shared the this, he emphasized that electronic medical open source technologies in developing the National Unified Health Research future plans and programs of the DOH records (EMR) running in individual health products, and lastly, continue to work Agenda (NUHRA) for 2017-2022 through that include leveraging eHealth to realize facilities can all be interconnected and synergistically with other e-health his speech read by Merlita Opeña, Chief of health system goals that aspire for financial through that transactions can start to flow stakeholders and work towards a Research, Information, Communication, protection, better health outcomes and data collected. progressive partnership. and Utilization of the Philippine Council and the creation of service delivery “We are working on our national Dr. Raymond Francis R. Sarmiento, for Health Research and Development. network. She stated that the programs, broadband plan,” stressed Secretary NThC OIC, identified the Community The research agenda is an output of the projects, and activities in eHealth shall Salalima. He stated that about 201 rural Health Information Tracking System Research Agenda Committee co-chaired be undertaken collaboratively with NThC, health units and 26 hospitals are already (CHITS), RxBox, and the National by UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Research DOST, and DICT. connected through free public WiFi. Telehealth Service Program as the most and National Institutes of Health Executive “In the years to come, we will count on successful programs of the Center. Director Eva Cutiongco dela Paz. There eHealth to enable widespread access to Historical and future highlights “About 457 people were trained and are six themes of research studies in the health care services, health information, Chancellor Carmencita Padilla provided service in their use of CHITS NUHRA: (1) research responsive to health securely shared and exchanged across recalled that the NThC started in 1998 and the Mag-Ina Telereferral System, 781 systems, (2) research that could enhance various health IT platforms in support of under the administration of former health workers and 70 IT staff trained on and extend lives, (3) holistic approaches safer quality services for all,” the health Chancellor Perla Santos Ocampo who RxBox, 41 new RxBox partner sites and to health and wellness, (4) health secretary stated. envisioned early on the role of telehealth in 169 implementing sites nationwide,” resiliency, (5) global competitiveness and The above plans and programs the Philippines. The Center began through he cited latest figures. He revealed that innovation, and (6) equity in health. will rely on adequate infrastructure. circuit courses and teleconferences to RxBox1000 is being rolled out to 1,000 "We hope in the Department of On behalf of DICT Secretary Rodolfo provide continuing education to doctors new health care facilities across the Health that our partnership will continue Salalima, Undersecretary Dennis Villorente and other health professionals. country. (Charmaine A. Lingdas)

UP Manila doc ranked 5th in top 10 editors Dr. Jose Florencio Lapeña, an otorhinolaryngologist and immediate president of the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Journal Editors, was ranked number 5 among the top 10 editors who handled the most scholarly manuscripts on Publons for Publons Peer Review Awards 2017. He was the only Asian and Filipino journal editor to have been included in the prestigious award that honors the top Standards and Interoperability Lab for Asia launched reviewers across all the world’s journals. The Dr. Jose Florencio Lapeña The Asia eHealth Information Network service and expressed hope that UP Manila site publons.com states that Dr. Lapeña had involved in conducting medical writing (AeHIN) has chosen UP Manila as its partner can be one of the key stakeholders for 326 editorial records between 1 October 2016 workshops for physicians, surgeons, allied for the establishment of the Standards terminology in the Philippines. and 1 September 2017 and has supervised medical professionals and health professions and Interoperability Lab (SIL) for Asia. As “We will be happy to interact and one student under the Publons Academy. trainees in Southeast and Asia Pacific. the national health sciences center, the collaborate with our counterparts from other Dr. Lapeña is president of the Philippine The rankings are determined or University will become the hub for health countries. The Department of Health is now Association of Medical Journal Editors calculated by the number of verified editorial information systems interoperability for the negotiating for us to be the national health and director of the World Association of records added to Publons between 1 October country and for other countries in Asia. The terminology service provider in the country,” Medical Journal Editors. He is professor 2016 and 1 September 2017. Each editorial SIL was launched on August 16, 2017 at the said UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla of otorhinolaryngology at the UP Manila record represents a manuscript for which UP Manila Board Room. in short message read by Vice Chancellor for College of Medicine, consultant attending the editor managed the peer review process As home to the Philippine General Research Eva Cutiongco-Dela Paz. otorhinolaryngologist at the Philippine before an editorial decision was made. Hospital (PGH), largest public hospital in UP Manila, as a charter member of General Hospital, and fellow of Pediatric The award recognizes that peer the Philippines with different information the National eHealth Steering Committee, Otorhinolaryngology at the Royal Children’s reviewers are the unsung guardians of systems, the lab can help integrate these is committed to the integration of health Hospital, Melbourne University. He has served/ science and research who keep watch systems and advise PGH on how to move services through interoperable information still serving as editor of several journals, such as over the quality and integrity of scholarly forward with its IT investments. systems. The need for different stakeholders the Philippine Journal of Otorhinolaryngology communication. It recognizes both the Former National Telehealth Center to be able to exchange information for Head and Neck Surgery and is also a quantity and quality of their valuable Director Dr. Alvin Marcelo stated that one better care and our hosting of the Lab is our reviewer for several international journals. contributions to scholarly communication component of the Lab is a terminology contribution to this effort.(Cynthia Villamor) For years now, he has been actively over the past year. 4 college/unit beats UP MANILA NEWSLETTER www.upm.edu.ph

health of the modern-day worker, Dr. pointing out that health and wellness is Mercado, an alumna of the College of an individual state of mind. Public Health, discussed several factors For his part, Dr. Greg Suarez, Head that contribute to the working conditions of the Health Program and Studies and eventually affect the health of Division, Health Service Office of the workers, such as climate; pollution; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) who natural and man-made disasters; and way represented the workforce from the of life, including diet, tobacco use, alcohol public sector explained that the health of consumption, and sedentary lifestyle. our country rests on the shoulders of our Reactors from different sectors were workers. This, he affirmed, is the most also invited to share their viewpoints and significant concept he realized from the their agencies’ position on the said topic. lecture. He cited as an example the health Dr. Maria Teresa S. Cucueco, Director of of BSP employees. If their health declines, the Bureau of Working Conditions who it will affect the economy of BSP and represented the Department of Labor because BSP is the financial institution and Employment, agreed mostly with the of the Philippines, it will later affect the ideas presented in the lecture. However, economy of the country. she cited the problems encountered in Dr. Valeriano V. Timbang Jr., Division Managers should be “epidemiologists, the workplace that undermine the health Chief of the Occupational Disease Division economists, and reformers” to ensure and overall well-being of workers. who represented the Department of “When we go beyond safety and health Health (DOH), bared that the DOH is workplace health and wellness and look into the fundamental needs working continously to accomplish the The entire earth is our workplace and managers ensure health and wellness in of workers, we see gaps in the general Philippine Health Agenda and the health- that a true public health perspective can the workplace? labor standards,” Dr. Cucueco disclosed. related Sustainable Development Goals no longer confine the workplace to offices In defining the roles of managers She stated that some companies do not and is working closely with the Civil Service or structures in the built environment in creating and maintaining a healthy comply with the general labor laws, such Commission and the Department of Labor where we call work. Workers are exposed workplace, Dr. Mercado stated that as paying minimum wage; providing to address the needs of the work sector. to a wide range of unhealthy conditions managers should be health advocates social benefits, such as social security In a message read by Vice Chancellor in the workplace, such as toxic chemicals, and keep in mind that the health of and retirement; paying overtime work, for Academic Affairs Nymia Pimentel- poor air quality, noise, dust, poor workers is one and the same with and regularizing employees. She stressed Simbulan, UP Manila Chancellor sanitation, unsafe water and food, stress productivity. Managers should act as an that one role of the managers is to comply Carmencita Padilla stated that as the and extreme temperatures. epidemiologist, always gathering data with the minimum requirement set by our UP System’s flagship campus is health, it In such a setting described by Dr. for better health programs. The manager labor laws. is expected of UP Manila to be the leader Susan P. Mercado, former Director, should also be a health economist and Dr. Joselito L. Gapas, Environmental, and model in meeting adequately the Division of Noncommunicable Diseases value the return of investment in health Occupational and Health Executive of the health needs of its constituents in the and Health Through Life Course, of the prevention. Managers are health system First Philippine Holdings Corporation, campus. She enumerated the health World Health Organization Western reformers and provide an integrated shared the viewpoints of the workforce and wellness programs and financial Pacific Regional Office, during a lecture response to specific health needs. Lastly from the private sector. “You have to create assistance programs implemented at UP held on August 18, 2017 at the UP Manila and most essentially, a manager should an enabling environment for workers,” he Manila for its constituents composed of College of Public Health’s Department of be a role model. declared while discussing the health and faculty, researchers, non-teaching staff, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, how can Recognizing the complexities of the wellness programs of their company and and students. (Charmaine A. Lingdas) search for chancellor from page 1 ... memoranda of agreement with the CHED to increase accessibility of qualified higher Highlights of Achievements education institutions’ faculty and staff from Nov 2014 to Aug 2017 to quality graduate programs through scholarships; developed a multi-specialty Major infrastructure projects completed at Psychosocial Wellness Program, supported the the main campus were the Student Center, expansion of the Service Recognition Program Sports and Wellness Center, and UPM (eSRP), and implemented the UP Manila Heath Student Dormitory. For the SHS campuses, Benefit Fund which entitle regular faculty and constructed were the Sagip Kapamilya staff to P100,000 hospitalization expenses Classroom Building, Mercy Relief Building, and every year that eventually evolved to eHOPE the Administrative and Academic Building in program of UP System. Palo, Leyte while the Dr. Florentino Herrera Building severely damaged by Typhoon Under Working in a Collegial and Supportive Yolanda in 2013 was renovated; Oblation in Environment, accomplished were the creation Baler, Aurora; and Gymnasium in Koronadal of the Organic Office of the Bids and Awards City, South . Committee; Information Technology Upgrade (campus network capacity will increase from The construction of the National Institutes 100mbps to 10,000 mbps (10gbps) improving of Health is ongoing while the construction access to online academic resources; of the University Library, UPCM Academic installation of additional wifi points; installation Center, CPH Zuellig Hall, and SHS Baler of 65 CCTV cameras in strategic areas of UP Administrative and Academic Building will Manila; renovation and upgrade of classrooms, start anytime soon. Several renovation and laboratories and research environment; upgrading projects were completed, such as lighting of Pedro Gil and Padre Faura Streets, the UPManila Theater and Gusaling Andres strengthening of the UPM Health and Safety Bonifacio both at the College of Arts and Committee, including the Emergency/Disaster Sciences, and are being undertaken, such as Preparedness and Response Committee; the Joaquin Gonzales Building, Salcedo Hall, and strengthening of the Good Neighbors Calderon Hall, CPH Annex, CPH Library and Initiative (GNI), a group of workplace neighbors Laboratories. Upgrading of classrooms and Transfer and Business Development Office and municipalities; participation of representing various sectors, such as the laboratories across all colleges is ongoing. (TTBDO) and Office of International Linkages Ugnayan ng Pahinungod beyond medical/ academe, business, church, government (OIL); expanded provision of research surgical missions and disaster response offices, and barangays with jurisdiction over Under Excellence in Academics and Research, dissemination and publication grants, by participating in Educational Assistance the districts of Ermita-Malate. the major strides were: recognition by the scholarships; and increased access to Programs (teachers development, tutorial Professional Regulation Commission as top research grants both within UP Manila, local services); Community Health (emergency A more detailed account of the achievements performing school in all health licensure and international granting agencies. room volunteers, hospice care, health during the past three years and the vision exams in 2015 and 2016; thorough review trainings); Community Social Welfare (street for the next three years will be featured in of undergraduate and graduate programs; For Heightened Individual and Institutional children, immersion services, disaster the September-October 2017 issue of the UP approval of the PhD in the Health Sciences by Extension Services, the following were preparedness and risk reduction) Manila Newsletter. For more of Chancellor Research; restructuring of the Research Grants the major achievements: expansion of Padilla’s qualifications and accomplishments, Administration Office to help researchers focus PGH services and training with the goal of To Empower and Protect the Assets of log on to www.upm.edu.ph. (Based on a report on their studies; creation of the Technology a PGH graduate in all provincial hospitals the University, the administration signed submitted to the Search Committee) NO. 363 JULY - AUGUST 2017 awards and recognition 5

CPH Students and Faculty win Award

Five students and a faculty from de Chavez (BSPH 2017), Frances the College of Public Health, University Evangeline Vista (BSPH 2015), and of the Philippines Manila were cited Dr. Amiel Nazer Bermudez (faculty, for papers presented during the 49th Department of Epidemiology and Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium Biostatistics) were given Outstanding for Public Health (APACPH) held Oral Presentation awards, while in Seoul last 17-19 August 2017. Yves Miel Zuniga (BSPH 2016) and Jenalynne Mareah Chua (BSPH, Richard Christoffe Reyes (BSPH 2017) was one of the five recipients 2017) received Outstanding Poster of the Young Investigator Travelers Presentation awards. Award (YITA). The YITA provides A total of 14 papers for oral funding to promising investigators presentation, and 10 papers for to encourage and promote quality poster presentation from CPH were of research in public health. Sophia accepted for this conference.

The participants of the IADR/Dentsply Sirona SCP along with the dean of UP College of Dentistry, Dr. Danilo Magtanong (top row, second from the left), Dr. Jessica Rebueno Santos (top row, center), and one of the judges, Dr. Teresa Dolan (bottom row, center) during the awarding ceremony. College of Dentistry students win in internat’l research competition in Taiwan The UP Manila College of Dentistry Philippine Cup Season 2016-2017 on won first place in the 31st Association of Mouthguard Use in Preventing Traumatic Southeast Asian Nations International Dental Injuries.” The study found that, Association of Dental Research-South while most PBA players are familiar with East Asia (ASEAN IADR-SEA) research how mouthguards prevent traumatic contest held at the Taipei International dental injuries (TDI), the majority have Convention Center, Taiwan, on 12-13 no experience in using it. “Most common August 2017. reasons for wearing mouthguards are The CD Dental Students Research recommendation by a dentist or physician Team, led by Beatrice April D. Alcantara, and protection. Most common reasons for Dr. Amiel Nazer Bermudez, Yves Miel Zuniga, Prof. Buenalyn Mortel, Sophia De Chavez, Richard Christoffe won for their study on “Knowledge, not wearing mouthguards are not having Reyes, Dr. Sharon Villanueva, Dorothy Ortega, Frances Evangeline Vista, and Dr. Carl Abelardo Antonio Attitudes, and Practices of Philippine thought about it and discomfort. While Basketball Association Players of most of the players do not agree with the PBA requiring mouthguard use, majority are willing to be educated on mouthguard a story of hope from page 1 ... things that we had with us – a pair of surgical lent us a hand. It was only at that moment that use by a dentist or an athletic trainer.” (bag of water) burst. The amniotic fluid was scissors and an umbilical cord clamp was all I started to panic. “Ate, I now don’t know what Needless to say, the far-reaching we had to help deliver this baby safely. I double- to do. Please buligi kami. (Please help us.)”, I thickly stained with meconium. A baby and a applications of their research in a new gloved my hands. I am a registered midwife, pleaded. We had successfully delivered the mother’s life were in danger! A baby in distress field–sports dentistry—impressed the in breach presentation! Under the rules, this but as I said, this was beyond the scope of our baby but I felt so helpless. My brain knew what judges. Aside from getting the trophy was not within our scope of competence. competence. I had never handled an abnormal to do next but my body would not cooperate We were taught that cases like this had to be delivery before. All I knew that time was that anymore. My hands were shaking so badly. and cash award, Alcantara and her co- referred and cared for in a hospital. But in the I needed to get this baby out. The mother The nurse guided me and helped me deliver researchers (Diana G. Dela Pasion, Priscilla midst of such devastation, there was no proper pushed. The baby’s buttocks came out first. the placenta. The mother was now bleeding Grace C. Dimacali, and Paul Adrian D. facility and no one skilled enough to handle the Several minutes later, the left foot profusely from a perineal laceration. Using the Soriano) will represent the SEA region case. Together with her husband, eldest son followed, then the right. Half of the baby’s blanket, I applied pressure on the wound. in the American Association of Dental and two more classmates, we took her to the body was now exposed and was already The bystanders said it was impossible Research/Canadian Association of Dental Leyte Provincial Hospital, some 5 kms away. I cyanotic! The right hand followed, then the to go to EVRMC at that time. The roads to the Research (AADR/CADR) Annual Meeting left. Her shoulders were still inside. “Diri ko na city were impassable. Debris and dead bodies, checked the fetal heart tone to ensure that the and Exhibition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, kaya!” (I can’t take it anymore!) the mother they said, were strewn everywhere. We went fetus was not in distress. USA, on March 2018. (Contributed by The streets were impassable. There was screamed. I was close to tears that time, yet, I to the City Hospital instead, which was nearer Ms. Bea Alcantara, photo by Paul Adrian rubble everywhere. Trees, debris and corpses kept a straight face (I had to!), and encouraged and more accessible. The hospital was severely littered the streets. It was utter destruction. her to push. At last, the shoulders came out. damaged but they took us in. It was like the Soriano, Diana Dela Pasion, Beatrice April Everything was surreal. When we arrived, the The baby was motionless, and her head was innkeeper who didn’t turn Mary and Joseph Alcantara, and Priscilla Grace Dimacali) devastated hospital was full of injured victims. still inside! I swore in distress. The mother was away when there was no room in the inn. After assessment, they said the mother needed utterly exhausted. She couldn’t push anymore. Surely, there was a God up there who cared peri award from page 6 ... Carefully, I tried to deliver the baby for several and watched over us. We breathed a sigh of a Caesarean Section which the devastated testing. For children who fail, they are hospital could not perform at the moment. times but was unable to. relief. We were overwhelmed with joy. But we placed in front of the classroom so that She had to be referred to the I asked God to guide my hands. The were also dead tired but not too tired to praise Medical Center (EVMC), in Tacloban City, which baby’s right fist opened then closed. My heart and thank God for guiding and using us to without eyeglasses, they can see and learn was another 10 kilometers away. After one of somersaulted. “The baby’s still alive!” I told save this mother and her baby. It was beyond better. They are also referred to eye experts the nurses inserted an intravenous line to the myself. I became more determined to deliver comprehension that God chose us to witness for appropriate treatments. The skills and mother, we headed for Tacloban City. this baby alive. After several attempts, the baby this miracle –one that is borne of hope and abilities of the screeners, in this case, the We again had to endure the near was out. I gently placed her on her mother’s determination amidst so much devastation. kindergarten teachers, is vital because impossible and very frustrating task of finding abdomen. To my horror, the baby was already Truly, the devastation was a test of they are the ones who detect the pass and transportation. I can’t begin to describe how grayish and there was no sign of breathing. I character and competence, both for us failure rate among the pupils. I felt. A government vehicle passed by and could no longer hold back the tears. Fearing and for the School of Health Sciences as an The Alberto G. Romualdez, Jr. we would lose the baby, I wiped the secretions institution. But like in the past, we have proven agreed to transport us to EVMC. It was already Outstanding Health Research Award five hours since the amniotic sac burst. The off her nose and mouth using the edge of the once more that we are a school committed (AROHRA) recognizes research programs or mother was twisting in agony. I kept singing blanket to help her breathe. I stimulated her by to transformative learning for health equity, the song “Still” and pleaded God to save the rubbing her sole. whether in times of crisis or in times of peace. projects that have demonstrated the link mother and her baby. “Dear Father Almighty, My classmates helped by rubbing her Amidst the difficulty, the lack of resources, the between research and practice through many were already lost due to the typhoon. back. She was unresponsive. We still continued stench of death around us brought about by utilization of research findings in the health Please spare this family. Please let these two rubbing without losing hope. Suddenly a Typhoon Haiyan, we did not lose hope. We did care delivery system. (Cynthia Villamor) live,” I prayed. I kept on praying and I believed miracle! The baby coughed and let a shrill cry not give up. We triumphed! Even in such times, out! Tears were streaming down my face. No we could not let a mother and her baby die while that He heard our cries. (Note: This article was written with the one could explain the joy I felt! We dried the baby giving life. We cannot leave our communities. We were nearing Robinson’s Mall when funding support of the Community Health thoroughly and covered her with a blanket. We They need our service and our caring. We will the mother said she could no longer hold it. I Resources Foundation, Inc.) asked the driver to stop the car. I prepared the called for more help. A nurse passed by and go back. This is our commitment! 6 awards and recognition UP MANILA NEWSLETTER www.upm.edu.ph

Four alumni doctors of the UP Manila 5 UPM alumni among UPAA awardees for 2017 reputation as a leader in orthopaedic College of Medicine and one dentist surgery due to his painstaking alumnus of the College of Dentistry were work classifying open fractures and among the UP Alumni Association (UPAA) recommending treatment based on awardees for 2017 who were conferred classification. His classification system their respective awards on August 19 at was instrumental in improving the the Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman, care and outcome of severe fractures City. throughout the world, and he continues The alumni awardees, led by to update his recommendations. His 2017 UPAA Most Distinguished Alumni, leadership in the care of patients with Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice orthopaedic injuries resulted in his Antonio Carpio, LLB’75 cl; Budget establishment of the Orthopaedic Secretary Benjamin Diokno, BAPA’68; Trauma Hospital Association and the MPA’70; MA’74; and Senator Cynthia Orthopaedic Trauma Association both Villar, BSBA’70, were honored for their of which he was founding President. Dr. “outstanding achievements in their Gustilo established a rare expertise in fields of expertise and commendable muculoskeletal infections and set up contributions to society and to the world.” a Musculoskeletal Sepsis research unit The UP Manila awardees are Dr. The 2017 UPAA awardees from UP Manila, Vice Chancellor for Research and NIH Executive Director that remains pre-eminent in the world Dr. Eva Cutiongco-Dela Paz, Dr. Edelina Dela Paz, (front row, 2nd and 3rd from left) and PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Eva Maria Cutiongco-De La Paz, BS’84 Legaspi (2nd row, 2nd from left) with UP Pres. Danilo Concepcion, his wife, Atty. Gabriella Concepcion, UPAA Pres. for basic research and for recommending cl; MD’89, UP Manila Vice Chancellor Ramon Maronilla and his wife Mrs. Rebecca Fong-Maronilla. optimal clinical treatments. for Research and National Institutes of national collaborative studies on oral rights, especially of the marginalized poor Dr. Gustilo designed and Health (NIH) Executive Director for Health clefts, birth defects, Kawasaki Disease, both within and outside the university commercialized one of the earliest total Research in Genomics to Advocacy; and a consortium of countries in Asia nationally and internationally. knee replacements (Gustilo knee) and Philippine General Hospital Director Dr. studying genetic diversity and the origins Aside from teaching and doing the first hip replacement approved Gerardo D. Legaspi, BS’83 cl; MD’87 for of the peopling of Asia and the Philippines extension services, she has been active by the United States Food and Drug Public Service and Good Governance; and works closely with the Department of in several organizations. She is Executive Administration for use without bone UPCM professor Dr. Edelina Padilla- Health for Birth Defects Surveillance. Director of the Health Action Information cement (BIAS Hip), and one of the most Dela Paz, BS’76; MD’80 for Community Dr. Legaspi, a neurosurgeon, is Network; Vice President, Philippine successful of the current generation of and Public Health Service; Dr. Ramon former chair of the Department of the Pay Academic Society of Community Medicine total knee replacements (Genesis knee). B. Gustilo, MD’57 for Medicine; and Dr. Patient Services of the Philippine General and Health Action Action on Human He has designed surgical instrumentation, Arnon L. Rivera, DDM’89 for Corporate Hospital. Under his watch, physical Rights; National Coordinator, People’s and fracture fixation devices and implants. Social Responsibility. improvements were done by soliciting Health Movement and its Regional Dr. Rivera is the Founding President Dr. Cutiongco-Dela Paz was cited donations from private businessmen as Coordinator for Southeast Asia, Australia, of the National Association of Dental for her works and clinical practice in the well as the UP Medical Alumni Society. and the Pacific. Prosthetic Laboratories Inc (NADLI) and is field of human genetics. A former director Almost PhP30 million was raised that Dr. Gustilo has been successful a consultant to the Technical Educational of the NIH Institute of Human Genetics, funded the renovation of 50% of the in both academic medicine and and Skills Development Authority she is deeply involved in applying the rooms at the pay ward and improvement orthopaedic device design. After his (TESDA) for the development of training advances in genetics and molecular of staff offices. Orthopaedic Residency at the University regulations and education for dental biotechnology to improve public health Dr. Legaspi has spent 24 years of his of Minnesota, he completed a research on technicians. and prevent diseases. life as a neurosurgeon at the PGH where bone blood flow, which earned him his He is a consultant on dental She is one of only few medical he does more than 80% of his private Master’s degree of Orthopedic Surgery. materials and equipment of Shofu, geneticists in the Philippines. She is surgeries. He believes that his patients He was instrumental for the creation of Philippines and Sterngold Philippines. Program Director, Genomics Program for have a better chance of doing well with a Department of Orthopaedic Surgery He is also a teaching consultant of the St. Health of the Philippine Genome Center. their treatment at PGH than in other at the Hennepin County Medical Center Jude Medical Center. Dr. Rivera obtained As former IHG director, she spearheaded hospitals that he goes to. and was appointed first head. He is also his DMD degree from the University of the programs and projects that provided a Dr. dela Paz has been a long-time a consultant to the United States Surgeon Philippines Manila in 1989 and finished clearer understanding of the genetic basis advocate of human rights and people’s General with a rank of full Colonel. In his Post-Graduate Training on Implant of Filipino disorders through research, right to quality health care. As professor 1969, he served as the Chairman of the Dentistry at the St. Jude Medical Center. training, and early detection and at the UP Manila College of Medicine, Twin City Society in 1974 and in 1975, he He is a proud provider of Fastbraces® management. her experiences helped her to modify served as the State Representative of the Technology; offering fast, safe, easy, and She was instrumental in setting up the College’s curriculum to make it Subcommittee on Injuries to the American affordable braces to adults and children the Cancer Genetics Laboratory and the more community-oriented. Alongside Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons which in the area. Dr. Rivera is Microarray Core Facility at the NIH. She her efforts to align the curriculum, she he chaired for five years. practicing orthodontics and general has been a part of international and continued her staunch advocacy of the Dr. Gustilo gained international dentistry. (Cynthia Villamor)

“If you don’t remove or address blindness, even if he or she is operated on after seven years, he or she won’t be able to see anymore. The only way to intervene is catching the children at 3, 4 or 5 years old” Dr. Cubillan pointed out. “The challenge really is how to make the solution the simplest.” Part of the research program is the development and pilot testing of a vision The research team of the National Vision Screening Program for Kindergarten Pupils led by PERI Director and Project Leader Dr. Leo Cubillan (center) screening kit tailored to Filipino pupils. after receiving their award during the PNHRS Week. The kit is composed of a training manual, right and left occlude glasses, transparent PERI’s Vision Screening Program for kindergartens wins award response key, chart patterned after the The National Vision Screening System (PNHRS) Week, the Department of recommendations to carry out the vision Lea symbol chart, and a 10 foot string for Program for Kindergarten Pupils (NVSPKP) Science and Technology and Department screening rapidly and with minimal errors. consistent distance measurement. One of the Philippine Eye Research Institute of Health cited the NVSPKP for recognizing The program screens kindergarten person is trained per district and that (PERI) of the UP Manila National Institutes the need to screen children for vision pupils aged 5-6 years old to detect errors person is tasked to train the kindergarten of Health was conferred the 2017 Alberto problems and developing a Vision of refraction and amblyopia or lazy eye. teachers once a year during the Sight G. Romualdez, Jr. Outstanding Health Screening Kit that serves as a tool to PERI Director and NVSPKP Project Leader Saving Month in August using guidelines Research Award (AROHRA) in the Health prevent blindness through early detection Dr. Leo Cubillan explains that 4 out of 40 that form part of the kit. Services Research Category. and treatment leading to a better quality of schoolchildren would have amblyopia Dr. Cubillan described the vision In the awarding rites held on August life. The kit developed was able to provide which is preventable. Three of the 4 would screening test as a Pass or Fail type with 25, 2017 as part of the celebration of the vision screeners, particularly teachers, just require eyeglasses but one of the 4 the teacher beside the child during the Philippine National Health Research with the information, guidance and would require treatment. ◄ page 5 | peri award