The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine i The UP Manila Health Ripples magazine is published bi-annually by the UP Manila Information, Publication, and Public Affairs Office (IPPAO), 8th floor, Philippine General Hospital Central Block, Tel. nos. 554-8400 local 3842. Contributions are welcome. Please email to [email protected] or send to the IPPAO. EDITOR: Cynthia M. Villamor; EDITORIAL CONSULTANT: Dr. Olympia Q. Malanyaon; WRITERS: Cynthia M. Villamor, Fedelynn M. Jemena, January R. Kanindot, Charmaine A. Lingdas; Anne Marie D. Alto LAYOUT ARTIST: Anne Marie D. Alto; PHOTOGRAPHER: Joseph Bautista; CIRCULATION: Sigrid G. Cabiling; Contributing Josephine D. Agapito
ii Health Ripples Table of Contents
Dr. Florentino B. Herrera, Jr: Humanizing Philippine Medicine 2 Cynthia M. Villamor
Dr. Geminiano T. de Ocampo: National Scientist 7 and Father of Modern Philippine Ophthalmology Anne Marie D. Alto
Dr. Minda Luz M. Quesada: Passionate Health Champion and Advocate 12 Charmaine A. Lingdas
Charlotte A. Floro: Pillar of Rehabilitation Sciences in the Philippines 15 January R. Kanindot
Dr. Magdalena C. Cantoria: Advancing Philippine Pharmacy and Botany 19 Fedelynn M. Jemena
Dr. Alberto “Quasi” G. Romualdez, Jr.: Crusader for Universal Health Care 22 Charmaine A. Lingdas
Dr. Juan M. Flavier: A Doctor for the People 27 Fedelynn M. Jemena
Dr. Serafin C. Hilvano: Pillar of Modern Philippine Surgery 32 Cynthia M. Villamor
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 1 Dr. Florentino B. Herrera, Jr: Humanizing Philippine Medicine
By Cynthia M. Villamor
“Health must be viewed as both a means to an end and as an end in itself. It is a means insofar as it is a precondition for an individual to harness and maximize his potential as a productive member of the community. It is an end in itself, insofar as health is an entitlement of a human being merely as a human being.”
October 9, 1917 - December 27, 1985
This holistic view of health, medicine and of doctors disease, they should taken from one of his when treating patients. consider the patient’s speeches entitled “Health Addressing the UP College qualities – his strengths in the Countryside” of Medicine (UPCM) and his frailties – in their published in 2011 in the Class of 1978, Dr. Herrera, approach to treatment. book “Bringing Health who was then UPCM And above all, they should to Rural, Communities” dean, told the graduates be instilled with the had always been practiced that doctors are, first of conviction that because the and espoused by Dr. all and basically, human science of healing is life- Florentino B. Herrera, beings who must respond giving, it is, therefore, also Jr., medical internist (UP to the humanity of their an art.” Medicine Class 1941), patients. “When they clinical pharmacologist, treat an infection, it is From this perspective academician, teacher, and not the infection alone and recognition of health university administrator. they are treating; it is the emanated the legacies patient’s fears, insecurities, and contributions of He complemented this and other pains. When Dr. Herrera that have perspective of health with they are confronted with endured to this day. Dr. his humanistic view of an incurable or malignant Herrera started his career
2 Health Ripples as an Adjunct Professor in Medicine at the Philippine General Hospital after which he became a Fellow in Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, was former UPCM dean and secretary, and founding and first chancellor of the Health Sciences Center, UP Manila’s forerunner. Dr. Herrera at SHS opening Long before Universal Health Care was advocated Institution Builder The stories behind each April 19, 1976 under Dr. for in the Philippines, Dr. Alberto Romualdez, institution exemplify Herrera’s term as CM dean. Dr. Herrera had been former Health Secretary the dedication and pushing for all Filipinos and former UPCM dean commitment of Dr. Herrera The other committee to be entitled to all quality and another Herrera Boy, to academic excellence and members were Dr. Alfredo health services at all stated during the inaugural relevance to society. Bengzon, Dr. Victor times. His death in 1985 Dr. Florentino Herrera Reyes, Dr. Andres Reyes, left this desired legacy Memorial Lecture at UP School of Health Sciences Dr. Adriano Laudico, Dr. unfulfilled and even with Manila of which he was The goal for increased Clemente Amante, Dr. the government’s current the lecturer: “In the entire relevance to community Augusto Damian, Dr. Kalusugang Pangkalahatan university, there is probably health during his time led Tito Litonjua, Dr. Ernesto program, the full availment not a single institution, to Dr. Herrera’s creation Valdez, Dr. Horacio of “Health for All Filipinos” structure, or program or of an “Extraordinary Estrada, the Bonifacio remains elusive for poor activity that has not, in Curriculum Committee” brothers, Armand and and marginalized Filipinos. some way, been driven by whose task was to design Manuel, Lamberto Parayno,
Dr. Herrera’s pervasive a curriculum that would and Eligio Manto. But it can be said that Dr. influence, inspiration, or ensure that its graduates Herrera made significant initiative.” were not only scientifically The IHS was formally strides in paving the road disciplined and medically launched on June 28, 1976 towards Universal Health Of the institutions he competent but, more with a complement of non- Care. He was an institution built, the most noteworthy importantly, socially tenured faculty and staff at builder, medical education were the School of Health conscious. The members’ a hastily constructed school reformer, competent Sciences in Palo, Leyte; creative ideas formed the building with a group of administrator, and in Postgraduate Institute of backbone for a program 96 students mostly from the words of one of the Medicine at the UPCM; that linked the various Eastern Visayas with a few so-called “Herrera Boys,” and Health Sciences health professionals from Agusan and Surigao, Ramon Magsaysay awardee Center, the precursor of together through a ladder Tawi-tawi, Sulu, Oriental and National Scientist UP Manila. All three are curriculum. With scant Mindoro, and Palawan. Dr. Ernesto Domingo, “a considered landmarks in funding but maximum compleat physician who medical education and inspiration, the Institute Dr. Armando Bonifacio, spent his entire professional showed his firm resolve to of Health Sciences, as how one of the so-called Herrera life of 42 years in academic improve medical education SHS was known then, was boys, described the then medicine.” in the Philippines as part of established in Tacloban by IHS as “differing markedly his goal on “Health for All the UP Board of Regents from other medical schools Filipinos.” during its 871st meeting on in that the social context of
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 3 School of Medicine, as it was called then, was established by a group of clinical faculty members to provide continuing medical education to colleagues outside Manila. From 1951 to 1954, the School successfully carried out its activities. During the late 1950s and throughout the 60s, it became dormant. Dr. Herrera revived the School through a Circuit Course program initially funded by a shoestring budget in Dr. Herrera with UP officials 1971. With his support, the program not only grew as a continuing medical its curriculum is the rural education resource but community, in fact, not just also established a network any rural community but of regional practitioners a real, live Philippine rural whose commitment to community.” academic excellence made Dr. Amparo Banzon, then them natural leaders whose DOH Eastern Visayas talents were later tapped Regional Director, served for other activities of the as IHS first director until College. 1979 and was succeeded by Dr. Manuel Roxas. The success of the first The first batch of 96 course held in Baguio students completed the and with close to 100 Community Health Work Dr. Herrera with colleagues participants was attributed (or midwifery) program to the support of local in 1978 and posted a medical practitioners, hence, 97% in the licensure Today, the SHS has grown in 2010 admits students the presence of UPCM examination, including a into a network of campuses from different cultural alumni became a condition Surigao girl with the lowest educating a range of communities and religious for determining future National College Entrance health professionals from affiliations in Cotabato sites. The courses were Examination score of 9. remote and underserved and nearby provinces. Its heavy on science to counter At least 40% of the passers communities, thus, graduates have a retention perceptions of an erosion of were hired right away as increasing the availability rate of 85% and are the scientific legitimacy in government midwives in and services of such trained deployed in government drug company-sponsored their respective places of health personnel. The rural health units, regional continuing medical origin. Forty six proceeded SHS Baler, Aurora campus and provincial hospitals, education. to the next step and opened in July 2008 caters and other public health completed the Community to students from Nueva facilities. It was in the next Health Nursing program Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, course held in Legazpi, in 1979, posting an 83% and Isabela. The SHS Postgraduate Institute Albay where the faculty passing rate, higher than Koronadal City, South of Medicine recognized the big the national passing rate of Cotabato campus opened The Postgraduate disparities in health 57%.
4 Health Ripples between Manila and the was not serving the countryside. It became majority of poor Filipinos the spark that ignited the and those living in isolated School’s zeal for relevance and deprived communities. often overshadowed by the bid for academic The present day HSC, excellence. The succeeding renamed UP Manila, is courses were developed and today’s recognized leader in implemented monthly in national health education, Vigan, Capiz, and Tacloban research and public with relevance and the need service that has produced for the UPCM to address generations of Filipino health inequities as the professionals in the varied prevailing themes. fields of health and allied disciplines. The UP Manila Today, the PGSM, renamed graduates have served Postgraduate Institute in different capacities in of Medicine, fulfills different institutions and significantly its role of have occupied and are still improving the knowledge occupying positions of and skills of physicians influence and impact on long out of medical school health policy and program and establishing a national planning. network of continuing medical education under Medical Educator, the aegis of the Institute. Researcher, and Physician Through the different Unknown to many, it was departments, it conducts 37 also during the term of postgraduate programs. Dean Hererra when the World Health Organization The Health Sciences collaboration, integration, System in 1979 and was and the Association Center and coordination of the renamed UP Manila in of Philippine Medical In 1979, after 12 eventful units for economy and 1982, when the Colleges Colleges sought the support years as UPCM dean productivity; to influence of Pharmacy and Nursing of UPCM to bring the and after three years of national policies and returned to the Manila concept paper for the founding the SHS Leyte, decision-making relative to campus. On December 21, National Teacher Training Dr. Herrera was named first health; develop innovative 1983, UPM underwent Center for the Health chancellor of the Health programs, projects, and its first reorganization Professions (NTTCHP) to Sciences Center created models that are responsive through Executive Order the UP Board of Regents. under Republic Act 5163 to the health needs and No. 11 integrating the UP Dr. Herrera endorsed the where all health science aspirations of the country; Health Sciences Center concept that led to the units of the university were and to make the Center and the College of Arts and creation of NTTCHP grouped together. more responsive to the Sciences (formerly called on January 30, 1976. country’s healthcare system UP College Manila). Dr. Herrera appointed Under the Act, the general through the development of Physiology Professor Dr. objectives of the Center improved techniques, better The creation of the HSC Corazon Gonzalez as its were to provide leadership facilities, and maximization was the culmination of long founding director. The in education, research and of the health science units. discussions on how best the Center is the first and services in the various health of the people could only one of its kind in the sciences and thereby in The Center became the be served by UP. At that Philippines that enhances health care of the highest second autonomous time, there was a growing the instructional skills of quality; to provide for university of the UP concern that the university health professions teachers
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 5 so they can become the environment that Supreme Court justice, transformative health care supported their otherwise second woman Supreme professionals. unrewarding scientific Court associate justice, interests. and Chancellor Emeritus Apart from being one of the of the Philippine Judicial earliest Filipino physicians Dr. Herrera was a recipient Academy. to engage in finance and of the Bronze Medal of research, Dr. Herrera Valor from the Philippine became the Eli Lilly Fellow government and the Medal in clinical pharmacology of Freedom from the References: at the University of United States. Beneath the Health for All Filipinos: The Unfulfilled Legacy of Dr. Florentino B. Herrera, Jr., Pennsylvania. From 1947 hard exterior was a heart 1st Chancellor Florentino B. Herrera to 1949, he became the that understood deeply the Memorial Lecture delivered by Dr. Alberto Romualdez, UP Manila, October 2009. Hoffman La Roche sufferings and problems On the Founding of SHS, Ernesto Scholar, in the same field, to of those he dealt with – a Domingo, Bringing Health to Rural Communities, Innovations of the UP Cornell University Medical poor, sick patient; a student Manila School of Health Sciences, edited by College. While pursuing struggling with his medical Josefina Tayag and Leothiny Clavel, UP Manila, 2011. his education in the US, subjects; a fellow teacher/ Florentino Herrera, Jr. – The Original Dr. Herrera engaged in researcher trying to balance Conceptualizer, Bringing Health to Rural Communities, Innovations of the UP researches on cardiovascular livelihood and academic Manila School of Health Sciences, edited by and pulmonary clinical demands; or entire Josefina Tayag and Leothiny Clavel, UP Manila, 2011. pharmacology. Still, he communities in need of Introduction of Dr. Florentino B. Herrera, found time to prepare adequate and quality health Jr: The First UP Manila Chancellor, by Dr. Ernesto O. Domingo delivered during and later qualify for a services. the 1st Chancellor Florentino B. Herrera Diplomate of the American Memorial Lecture held at UP Manila, October 2009. College of Internal Medicine. He motivated He is married to Ameurfina young medical scientists Melencio-Herrera, the and provided them with oldest living retired
6 Health Ripples Dr. Geminiano T. de Ocampo: National Scientist and Father of Modern Philippine Ophthalmology
By Anne Marie D. Alto
“We never gave him his wishes of having someone to follow his footsteps. That to him was his biggest failure, none of his children became a doctor. [But] that was how life should be for him. No one could measure up to him. Whoever would have followed him as a doctor would only be compared to him. It would not be comparable. He was immeasurable.” – Leticia de Ocampo Elegado
September 16, 1907 - September 2, 1987
A man of great scientific Known as the country’s he was the first to establish ability, revered National finest ophthalmologist, an eye hospital in the Scientist Dr. Geminiano researcher, inventor, writer, Philippines. T. de Ocampo was hailed and civic leader, Dr. de the “Father of Modern Ocampo was the man As an inventor, he was Philippine Ophthalmology” behind the creation of the the first Filipino to design for devoting his Philippine Eye Research a corneal dissector; as knowledge and lifetime Institute (PERI). Hand a surgeon, he was the laying the foundation of in hand with the passage first to start corneal ophthalmology in the of Republic Act 4593 that transplantation in the Philippines. mandates research on eye Philippines; he was the first diseases afflicting Filipinos, President of the Philippine
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 7 at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and specialized in Ophthalmology. “I was an admirer of Rizal from early childhood. I was glad I decided on medicine. Two of the reasons why I favored ophthalmology are its rare emergencies and demand for delicateness and precision in details.”
When he was Associate Resident in early 1937, he met Amparo Leaño, a senior student nurse. “It The de Ocampo Eye Hospital, 1952-1980. was one of those doctor- nurse romances, consisting of visiting at the wards Ophthalmological Society; and nurses’ dormitory and and the first recipient of going to the movies and to the Jose Rizal Medal in excursions.” Dr. de Ocampo Ophthalmology from the only asked for Amparo’s Asia-Pacific Academy of hand when he had a house Ophthalmology (APAO). of his own in Vito Cruz. They were married in 1939 Quest for Vision and had four children. A native of Malolos, Bulacan, Mining (short Dr. de Ocampo always for Geminiano) was born referred to his wife as “Mrs. on September 16, 1907, de Ocampo” according to of Vicenta ‘Inta’ Tiongson his memoir. He emphasized de Ocampo and Juan how she was always beside de Ocampo. ‘Inta’ was him on all social occasions, widowed at an early age even out of the country with five children to raise Inauguration of the APAO, Manila, 1960. travels. and the youngest still in her womb. Mining’s father, He started to live and work Juan, succumbed to illness had to change the grade of excellence. While he had as a family man in the year during the great epidemic his glasses every six months. no special preferences for a 1939. He had a bicycle of influenza at barely 34 Despite his blurry vision, career in high school, “law, which he rode to and years old leaving his family Mining was a competitive medicine, and engineering from Philippine General without his guidance and learner and was class were the most popular Hospital and Vito Cruz. support. valedictorian in primary, professions at that time. The He sometimes took the intermediate, and high class prophecy at our high jeepney until the age of 40 Mining was myopic and schools. school graduation predicted when he was able to afford started wearing glasses that I would become a chief his first car. For him, the when he was only 11. In his memoir, Geminiano justice.” education of his children His myopia only became wrote that it was his was a priority more than stabilized when he was in mother, Inta, who inspired In 1932, he completed any luxury. college, but before then, he him to achieve for his Doctor of Medicine
8 Health Ripples His daughter, Leticia de Ocampo Elegado, disclosed, “He wanted to give the best legacy a father can ever give his family and that is financial security through the generations as well as honorable name and pride in his achievements.”
Amidst the Rubble From 1942 to 1945, during the Japanese occupation, all his accumulated possessions went up in smoke and he and his family had to start from scratch all over again. It was a dark age GTO presents 'A System of Medical Research' to Dr. Carlos P. Romulo, with Dean Patrocinio Valenzuela. but in spite of that, he was able to write two of his most important papers This paved the way for sent to the American the first successful corneal Journal of Ophthalmology, transplantation that was namely, the Case Report performed by Dr. Geminiano on Neovasculogenesis of the de Ocampo at St. Luke’s Retina, Perivasculitis, and Hospital in June 1949. Plevitis Retina and the Blindness during the Japanese He also worked for the Occupation in the Philippines passage and amendment both published in 1944. of Republic Act No. 4593 which established the Because of the war, Philippine Eye Research GTO receives the first Jose Rizal Medal in Ophthalmology at the medical practitioners in Institute, and for the APAO Congress, 1986. the Philippines received no passage and amendment foreign journals which is of Republic Act No. 7885, why he only knew that his transplantation operation. Throat (EENT) specialist the law that covers the papers were accepted two He began to share this and his brother, Justice donation of eyeballs for years after the publication. knowledge when he J.B.L. Reyes, to craft a corneal transplantation. returned to the Philippines bill on human-organ After the Second World in 1947. donation for medical and His Legacy War, Dr. de Ocampo was scientific purposes. “The It was a monumental sent to the United States Civic Leader bill was introduced in accomplishment in the for a Kellogg Fellowship Later on, he became aware the Philippine Congress field of ophthalmology in Ophthalmology. of the high prevalence of in 1948 and became the when, in 1950, the Completing a year as blindness among Filipinos Republic Act 349, signed by Philippine Eye Bank a fellow at the Johns due to corneal pathologies. President Elpidio Quirino was established that Dr. Hopkins’ Wilmer Institute This led to his obsession of on May 17, 1949 as the Geminiano helped lay the in Baltimore, Maryland sourcing eyeballs for those first law on the donation foundation. The following and at the Columbia suffering from corneal of human organs including year, when ophthalmology Presbyterian University blindness. Dr. de Ocampo the eyes.” was separated from in New York City, he was requested Dr. Edmundo otorhinolaryngology in introduced to corneal Reyes, an Eye-Ear-Nose- the EENT Department of
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 9 The founding staff of the UP Department of Ophthalmology circa 1961. Back row (from left): Drs. Roberto Tan, Fr. Agileo Sibayan, Roberto Sunga, Salvador Salceda, Reynaldo Francisco, Estrella Balalong Espino. Front row (from left): Drs. Romeo Fajardo, Marcos Fojas, Emmanuel Almeda, Liborio Mangubat, Geminiano de Ocampo, Gloria Lim, Romeo Espiritu, and Tim Jimenez.
the Philippine General extraction with capsule Hospital, Dr. de Ocampo forceps, and immature As early as 1954, he was Dr. de Ocampo served as the division head cataract-lens extraction. already acknowledged as envisioned a center for of ophthalmology. the “Father of Modern the advancement of His student, Dr. Salvador Philippine Ophthalmology.” ophthalmology in the From the eyes of a Salceda, said, “Dr. de In 1956, he designed an country. This vision colleague, “Dr. de Ocampo belonged to ophthalmologic instrument materialized on June 19, Ocampo was a kind that uncommon few who called the de Ocampo 1965, coincidentally the gentleman tutored in collectively embody the corneal dissector which birthday of Jose Rizal, when the best tradition of functional duality of a was later manufactured by the establishment of the the old school where great—to teach and to Storz & Co., an American Philippine Eye Research honor, honesty, moral think.” company. Institute (PERI) through ascendancy, and genuine Republic Act No. 4593 friendship were held in In 1952, five years after In 1958, he founded was approved. Similarly, esteem and practiced with his foreign educational the Philippine he was appointed as its first compassion,” Dr. Conrado training, he opened the Ophthalmological Society, director. Banzon attested. first eye hospital in the serving as its first president Philippines, the De for six years. Likewise, Dr. Thirty three years later, He trained Ocampo Eye Hospital de Ocampo served as the Republic Act No. 8503 ophthalmologists with (DOEH) located at the first president of the first established the National principles and unique United Nations Avenue. Asia-Pacific Academy Institutes of Health methods of solving “It was a realization of a of Ophthalmology, an in the University of the ophthalmologic problems dream – the first and only internationally recognized Philippines Manila in including surgical eye hospital of its kind in specialty society of Filipino which PERI was integrated akinesia, fine sutures, the country,” said Dr. de ophthalmologists, in 1960. as one of the member intracapsular cataract Ocampo. institutions.
10 Health Ripples Throughout the years, PERI has expanded to reduce blindness in the country through notable researches, policy setting, and advocacy. It has been conducting, collaborating, and supporting researches directed toward the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases in the new millennium. PERI is housed at the Sentro Oftalmologico Jose Rizal (SOJR) building; the contemporary national eye referral center built in 2005. The SOJR is equipped with the modern Dr. de Ocampo with PERI staff circa 1965. Front row from left: Dr. Felipe Tolentino, Dr. Romeo B. diagnostic equipment Espiritu, Dr. Salvador R. Salceda, Dr. Geminiano de Ocampo, Dr. Liborio Mangubat, Sr., Dr. Romeo and surgical instruments V. Fajardo, Sr., and Atty. Tito Pantoja. Back row from left: Dr. Rosie Reyes-Noche, Ms. Eloisa Madrazo, Ms. Josefina Chavez, Mr. Isabelo Sarmiento, Dr. Hector Sulit, Mr. Ruperto M. Abendanio, Ms. Teresita to answer to the needs of Pascual, Dr. Antonio Montalbo, Dr. Evangeline Olivar-Santos, Mr. Domingo Baranco, and Mr. Eddie numerous Filipino eye Peñalosa. patients both private and poor. The facility has also enhanced the training of References: ophthalmology residents of A friend, Arturo Rotor, passing on September 2, A vision to remember. (2012, February revealed that the 1987. 9). Retrieved from PAO Journal: http:// the UP-PGH Department paojournal.com/vol36no2/vol36no2/ of Ohpthalmology. outstanding physician article-list.php?id=8 “provides the most eloquent His daughter, Leticia, Geminiano T. de Ocampo: Centennial Celebration of a National Scientist. (2007, His Acquisition refutation of the popular remarked, “We never gave September 14). Taguig, Philippines: definition of a specialist as a him his wishes of having National Academy of Science and A fellow ophthalmologist, Technology. Dr. Corazon Estrella, man who knows more and someone to follow his Iguban, E. B., Tuaño, P. C., Domingo, R. D., & Villalon, P. T. (2011). A vision explained that “underneath more about less and less.” footsteps. That to him was to remember. Philippine Journal of Opthalmology, 92-95. the stern disciplinary In 1982 he was conferred his biggest failure, none the highest award in his of his children became a National Committee for Sight image” of Dr. de Ocampo Preservation PH. (2016, May 15). UP was a warm compassionate field as National Scientist doctor.” Leticia continued, Manila Institute of Ophthalmology. Retrieved from National Committee for being with a heart.” by the National Academy “[but] that was how life Sight Preservation PH: https://ncsp.org. ph/first-post-3b8b322598ee of Science and Technology. should be for him. No Ocampo, G. T. (1986). Memoirs of “The title of National one could measure up to Geminiano T. de Ocampo. National Dr. de Ocampo was Academy of Science and Technology. a recipient of several Scientist, this recognition him. Whoever would have Philippine Ophthalmology A Century prestigious awards as the is the highest point in my followed him as a doctor Hence . (2012, February 9). Retrieved from PAO Journal: http://paojournal.com/ Republic Heritage and life,” wrote Dr. de Ocampo. would only be compared vol36no2/vol36no2/article-list.php?id=1 Cultural Award for Science to him. It would not (1961), Distinguished Service In his lifetime, he has be comparable. He was Medal (1965), Jose Rizal authored and presented immeasurable.” Award for Excellence (1968), 150 scientific articles on Distinguished Medical ophthalmology and 30 Alumnus of UP (1971), medical researches. His Ayala Award for Medical last book, the Theoretical Science (1974), among Bioophthalmology, was others. published a year after his
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 11 Dr. Minda Luz M. Quesada: Passionate Health Champion and Advocate
By Charmaine A. Lingdas
Advocacy in all its forms seeks to ensure that people, “She was dubbed particularly those who are the “Gabriela most vulnerable in society, are able to have their voice Silang” of the heard on issues that are Con Com’s important to them, defend and safeguard their rights, nationalist and have their views and bloc, for her wishes genuinely considered when decisions are being fearless defense made about their lives. An of human rights, advocate has the vital role to persuade leaders, decision women’s rights, makers in both government and non-government patients’ rights organizations to undertake and labor rights policy and operational program decision towards during plenary improving the situation of July 19, 1937 - February 20, 1995 sessions.” the community.
Prof. Minda Luz Quesada is a paragon of a true that framed the 1987 not conscious of the term advocate. She has shown Philippine Constitution. “advocacy,” though most many advocacy works in her Through her painstaking of the time I was living it,” desire to serve the Filipino efforts, health is now Prof. Quesada explained people, and in her capacity recognized as a right of in a lecture she delivered as a nurse, an educator, an every Filipino citizen. about advocacy work. Her activist, and nationalist. speech was published in “I’m not a self-conscious the Philippine Journal of Prof. Quesada was a faculty practitioner of advocacy and Nursing, “Bridging the Gap member of the College this will be the first time for towards Access and Equity of Public Health and a me to speak formally on the of Health Care,” Volume founding member and subject. After I have to read 81, January-June 2011 issue. pioneering president of the more about what advocacy Alliance of Health Workers. is, I discovered that I have Minda Luz Melendez She was the lone health been an advocate for certain was born on July 19, 1937 sector representative of the groups and a variety of at Malolos, Bulacan. Her Constitutional Commission issues and concerns. I was career path and life works
12 Health Ripples seem to follow the steps the glaring disparity of “She was a magnanimous of her father, Pedro D. working conditions and helper to many. In the early Melendez, a lawyer, who compensation between 1970s, we witnessed how was one of the Province of medical doctors on the our mother aided striking Bukidnon’s delegates to the one hand, and nurses and employees at a private Constitutional Convention institutional health workers hospital a stone’s throw that drafted and formulated on the other. She became away from our house. She the 1935 Philippine an advocate for health let the picketing hospital Constitution. Her mother, workers, and effectively staff – absolute strangers, Luz Reyes Melendez, was a harnessed her natural gifts linked only by professional high school principal. for organizing, public affinity – into the family speaking, writing and home. She allowed them She married Juan A. educating, to champion to cook meals, take showers Quesada, Jr. and bore six their cause.” and nap in the bedrooms children, namely, Augusto while the strike dragged Juan M. Quesada, Mari “My experiences in Prof. Quesada’s involvement on,” said Medina. Luz Quesada-Tiongson, advocacy started as far back in politics began while Bertrand Felipe M. as the late 1960s. I was a teaching at the CPH in Prof. Quesada’s work in this Quesada, Emma Rose school public health nurse the 1970s. Whether as field led to her involvement Quesada-Medina, Rosanna then at the Philippine an initiator or project in the Philippine Nurses Modesta Quesada-Palma, Normal College (PNC) coordinator of community- Association (PNA). As and Ronaldo Noel M. when I organized the State based programs, she PNA Vice-President Quesada. Colleges and Universities endeavoured to organize in 1979, she headed the Nurses Association of the and educate communities labor panel during the In 1958, Prof. Quesada Philippines (1964-1966). on obtaining alternative 1st tripartite conference graduated with a degree This group of health service access to health care on “Employment and in Bachelor of Science in providers felt disadvantaged services. Conditions of Life and Nursing, major in Public and underprivileged in Work of Nursing and Health Nursing at the UP terms of conditions of life Within the university, she other Health Personnel” Manila College of Nursing. and work in comparison joined various organizations held on 26-28 September She obtained the Master of to their counterparts, the and held several positions. 1979. This was convened Arts in Teaching (School members of the academe. She headed the Masters of by the Ministry of Labor Health) at the UP Diliman Shortly after this, I Public Health Committee and Employment (now College of Education in initiated the organization of the CPH in 1983 DOLE) in response to 1970 and Master of Public of the PNC Employees and 1993; became the Proclamation 851 ratifying Health (Community Association after hearing officer-in-charge of the ILO Nursing Convention Health) at Loma Linda a lot of their problems, Office for International 149. The tripartite was able University School of issues, and concerns while Students Program of UP to obtain the right to self- Health, California, U.S.A. consulting at the Medical Manila from 1985-1986; organization in non-stock, in 1973. She finished Clinic. I felt that these elected as president of the non-profit institutions. Doctor of Public Health individual groupings had to Pamantasang Asamblea (Health Education) at the be channelled to organize of UP Manila from 1988 In 1984, Prof. Quesada UPM-College of Public actions,” Prof. Quesada -1990; became chairperson became the founding Health and took advanced recounted the beginning of the Health Policy, Health president of the Alliance studies leading to a doctoral of her journey as a school and Safety Committee of Health Workers degree at Johns Hopkins nurse to becoming an from 1990 – 1992; (AHW). During the University School of effective leader. and chairperson of the Marcos dictatorship, Hygiene and Public Health Committee on Women and the AHW spearheaded in Baltimore, Maryland in Her daughter, Emma Development of UP Manila efforts to improve the 1990. Rose Quesada-Medina, from 1992 – 1994. work conditions of health recalls: “As a nurse early workers, as well as provide in her career, she saw better health services to
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 13 and significant health surely be in the forefront of measures. She spearheaded protest actions, marching and mobilized the sustained side by side with workers, campaign for the passage farmers and urban poor of Magna Carta of Public masses,” asserted Professor Health Workers, the first Cora Añonuevo in an of such kind worldwide, a article she wrote entitled ground-breaking law that “Minda Luz Quesada: provided for economic and Nurse, Leader, and non-monetary benefits for Nationalist.” government health workers. Her work to improve Prof. Quesada presiding over the first session of the UP Manila For her achievements, Prof. people’s lives continued University assembly in 1988. Quesada was proclaimed after the new Constitution Most Distinguished was ratified in 1987. At Alumna in Education, UP Manila, she helped the public. Not limited to the development of the awarded by the CPH facilitate the democratic academic discussions or country’s national health Alumni Association in 1991 participation of faculty, panel hearings, Dr. Quesada care system. and the Most Outstanding students and non-academic along with AHW members, Alumna of UP Manila in personnel in university joined mass demonstrations “Her professional 1993. She was recognized and national issues as first that marked the last credentials, social activism as the Most Outstanding president of the pioneering years of the Marcos and leadership were all Health Professional by University Assembly of dictatorship. In 1985, recognized by President the Philippine Chamber U.P. Manila despite not so AHW was instrumental Corazon Aquino in 1996, of Health and Most facilitative conditions. in the approval of the 25% when Prof. Quesada Outstanding Health salary hike to paramedical was named to the Professional in Nursing for But undoubtedly, it was her workers of government and Constitutional Commission distinguished contributions passionate and unrelenting in 1987 for the granting representing the health to health development advocacy works for quality of medical allowance to care sector. She was one awarded by the Council health care and protection the Department of Health of only six women named of Professional Health of the rights of Filipino employees. to the original 50-person Associations both in 1987. workers that is her greatest commission. She was legacy. For whatever gains After the EDSA dubbed the “Gabriela In 1991, Prof. Quesada the health sector and Revolution, she was among Silang” of the Con Com’s devoted part of her time the health community those who formed the nationalist bloc, for her in LAKAS or Laban sa are reaping now and the Task Force for People’s fearless defense of human Kanser, which she helped improvements in the Health. This Task Force, rights, women’s rights, organized together with Filipinos’ health, they owe a which eventually became a patients’ rights and labor fellow activists from women big measure of such gains to coalition called Bukluran rights during plenary NGOs. She herself was Dr. Quesada, the untiring para sa Kalusugan ng sessions. She relentlessly stricken with cancer but and committed health Sambayanan or BUKAS, wanted the safeguarding she courageously faced that educator, champion, and challenged the newly- of the national patrimony reality in the midst of her advocate until her death in installed administration of enshrined in the new health crisis. February 20, 1995. Cory Aquino to address Constitution,” recounted the vital issues affecting Medina. “The health sector will In 2009, the College of the health care delivery always remember Prof. Public Health, together system. She helped Her involvement in Quesada’s short but with the College of Nursing in the drafting of the law-making did not very meaningful life. As organized the 1st Minda Manifesto for People’s end in the Commission. the Filipino people are Luz M. Quesada Memorial Health that embodied When Congress opened, confronted with burning Lecture. the people’s aspiration she became an effective issues of the day, she would and recommendations for lobbyist for progressive
14 Health Ripples Charlotte A. Floro: Pillar of Rehabilitation Sciences in the Philippines
By January R. Kanindot
Living with a disability comes with varying Her desire to degrees of challenges. promote the Seemingly routine tasks like commuting, eating and rehabilitation caring for oneself can be sciences in the daily struggles. Rather than dismiss or alienate persons Philippines and with disabilities, what the Filipino if we empower them as contributors to our Filipino Occupational society? Therapist still We live in a time of remains her heightened disability awareness, but 50 years ago, great legacy to this was not the case. An her students and outstanding woman, with a heart set on helping persons colleagues. She with disabilities, cemented was a champion the foundation for the rehabilitation sciences and of compassionate in the Philippines. It was professionalism the job that Charlotte November 23, 1926-April 28, 1995 Aspuria Floro took on not only as with gusto. a full-time
educator but (PCAU I) was created program, helped in develop as partners of to answer those needs. the rehabilitation sciences The Emergence of Occupational Therapy in the Philippines. Dr. Rehabilitation Sciences in people with was introduced to PCAU Tamesis recognized the the Philippines I, and In 1948, PCAU I role of the allied medical Soon after World War disabilities. was renamed to National professions that would II, the need for physical Orthopedic Hospital complement the residency rehabilitation for both (NOH). Dr. Benjamin programs in orthopedics Filipino and American Tamesis was appointed in and traumatology in casualties became apparent. 1953 as Chief of NOH. NOH. To provide holistic In February 1945, the His training in orthopaedics rehabilitation program to Philippine Civic Affairs in the USA, under the the growing number of Unit I General Hospital UNICEF Fellowship patients, professionally
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 15 Occupational and Physical Therapy programs in the country. Two years later, the World Health Organization finally supported the establishment of a professional program for Occupational and Physical Therapy through Project 71: Philippines. It was a three-year certificate course in a university setting. And while other universities were considered, Secretary Valencia designated the University of the Philippines as the Floro, third from left, with colleagues. pioneer host of these groundbreaking programs. The three-year certificate trained occupational and course was then changed physical therapists were to the University’s standard needed. four-year bachelor’s degree.
In 1956, the Philippine The development of government awarded the curriculum was a NOH foreign assistance monumental task. A team for a more meaningful of experts in the field training for OTs and was tapped: Mr. Robert PTs. That same year, Jacques, Ms. Elizabeth Dr. Henry Kessler, UN Ahlberg, Mrs. Conchita consultant in rehabilitation Abad, and Mrs. Charlotte and orthopedic surgery A. Floro. The main goals to the US Armed Forces, of the programs were recommended to the as follows: 1) to equip United Nations Technical students to attain a high Assistance Administration level of professional skill the need to establish a and competence; 2) to Physical and Occupational allow students to function Therapy School to provide emphasizing the need sentiment to Dr. Florentino effectively as contributing professionally trained for a bachelor’s degree Herrera of the Philippine members of the medical rehabilitation personnel to program in Physical and General Hospital. profession and to the the Philippines. Occupational Therapy community; and 3) to for the proposed School Acting on Dr. Kessler’s help students develop a Finally, in 1957, US Army of Physical Medicine recommendations, in 1959, deep sense of responsibility trained physiotherapist and Rehabilitation of Dr. Tamesis presented to for professional growth Jose Inoturan wrote letters the University of the then Secretary of Health, through post-graduate to Philippine Medical Philippines. He also sent Dr. Elpidio Valencia, study, research and teaching. Association President a letter with the same to finally formalize the Francisco Q. Duque and Secretary of Health Dr. Paulino J. Garcia,
16 Health Ripples The School of Allied Medical Professions became a unit under the University of the Philippines College of Medicine when the Board of Regents finally approved the curriculum proposal on its 697th meeting on May 16, 1962. This made UP the first university in the country to offer OT and PT courses and the first in Asia to offer the OT baccalaureate degree. Mrs. Charlotte A. Floro then became the first Chair of the Occupational Therapy Floro with fellow OT advocates. Department.
University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1948. In 1949, Floro’s Contributions as a recipient of the HOTA Charlotte A. Floro was in fellowship grant, she the forefront of the Allied earned a Bachelors diploma Medical Professions in in Occupation Therapy the Philippines. Upon her from Milwaukee-Downer return to the Philippines College in Wisconsin. in 1954, she dedicated Within a year of her her entire career in the graduation, she passed conception, development the OT licensure exam, and sustenance of the becoming the first certified rehabilitation sciences Filipino Occupational profession to the Therapist in the US. She Philippines. returned to Kaneohe, Oahu in 1950 to work as an Born in Spreckelsville, occupational therapist at Floro at an awarding ceremony at CAMP. Maui, Hawaii, Charlotte the Tertiary Hospital. Aspuria was the youngest of 10 children of Ilocano Floro also briefly worked at future husband, Francisco in Philam Homes, Quezon migrants, Julian Aspuria the Goldwater Memorial R. Floro, who was studying City. and Patricia Ollero. Both Hospital at Welfare Island at Stanford University in her parents were among in New York. She then the MBA program. They As the Chair of the the first Filipino contract joined the army and became married in 1954 and shortly OT Department, laborer workers, then a First Lieutenant. While moved to the Philippines Charlotte spearheaded known as ‘sakadas’, who working at the Letterman with her husband. They new developments for lived and worked as field Army Hospital in Presidio, raised their four children the School of Allied workers in Wailuku, San Francisco she met her Medical Professions and Hawaii. Despite her impoverished childhood, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree from the
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 17 founded the Occupational of Regents approved the She was also very thorough like the United Kingdom Therapy Association of elevation on April 28, in demonstrating different and Northern Ireland, the Philippines (OTAP). 1988 thus becoming what processes involved in Sweden, Norway, Australia. OTAP became a full it is today, the College of the various therapeutic member of the World Allied Medical Professions activities an OT may use in Today, there are still a Federation of Occupational (CAMP). the treatment of patients. number of issues and Therapists in 1969. Floro Floro based her lectures challenges that the also spearheaded non- on the most updated rehabilitation sciences need government organizations available resources and the to overcome but the efforts like the National Council Work Ethics wealth of her professional of Charlotte A. Floro for the Welfare of Since Floro held on to experiences. remain a monumental Disabled Persons and the her American citizenship, contribution not only in Philippine Foundation sustaining her tenure in Her desire to promote education but in the lives of for the Rehabilitation the University was difficult OT and the rehabilitation so many Filipino people. of the Disabled. Inc. while being awarded as the sciences in the Philippines She also established a first American Dean at UP and to promote the Filipino Legacy relationship with the was almost unattainable. OT still remains her great While travelling in the US Dangerous Drugs Board She was very much a legacy to her students to visit her siblings and to promote the role of OT Filipino at heart, who loved and colleagues. She was a children, Charlotte Aspuria in drug rehabilitation. The serving the educational and champion of compassionate Floro died suddenly on Department of Labor and social community. Former professionalism not only April 28, 1995 at the age Employment, was also CAMP Dean Professor as a full-time educator but of 69. The Charlotte A. established to promote the Teresita Mendoza Mrs. as partners of people with Floro Professional Chair, rehabilitation of workers Floro as her mentor and disabilities. approved by the UP Board with disabilities, while in inspiration, said “She was of Regents, was established the process of fulfilling very influential in what I She encouraged in 1997 to support CAMP their duties through the am today. Her emphasis professional staff research and development. Employees Compensation in work ethics is really development in the School Six faculty members from Commission. something that one would in order for the faculty to the Departments of OT, remember - developing have first hand contact with PT, and SP have benefited Floro firmly advocated or assigning tasks that the practice and state of from the foundation. for the independence and promote one’s leadership these professions in other autonomy of the OT, PT, potential. She leads by countries. This has ensured and Speech Pathology example.” that these professional (SP) professions from the educational programmes doctors of Rehabilitation Floro was known as a were keeping abreast with Medicine. By 1988, strict professor with an international standards. SAMP successfully expectation of the highest To this end, she worked to amassed 375 graduates ethic standards: a model obtain sponsorships from since its inception. These of excellence, integrity, international agencies graduates needed further and compassion. She like the World Health training. To further this installed in her students to Organization, Colombo advocacy, she spearheaded professionally work in the Plan. Various lecturers the reorganization and way they dress and carry undertook educational and transformation of the themselves – always neat, practice visits to countries SAMP to include master’s prim, and proper. degree programs and the expansion of research, post-graduate, and community and extension activities. The UP Board
18 Health Ripples Dr. Magdalena C. Cantoria: Advancing Philippine Pharmacy and Botany
By Fedelynn M. Jemena
This kind of nurturing led to accelerations in Through her Magdalena’s schooling researches, she as well as honors from elementary and high school added greatly to (Mapa High School). the knowledge
Magdalena took a teaching about the value of course at the Philippine medicinal plants Normal School (now the Philippine Normal like agar (a type University), her father’s of seaweed), alma mater, graduating with honors just before mint, and Piper World War 2 broke. species. These and There were no records and her extensive interviews as to what she and her family experienced academic and did during the war and background made October 25, 1924 - December 25, 2008 how they survived. What is sure is that Magdalena her a leading One of UP Manila’s 20th honor to her country, her graduated with a degree of international century heroes who changed alma mater, and to women. Bachelor of Science (BS) in things for Philippine Pharmacy, cum laude, from authority in pharmacy and botany (and, Education/Early the College of Pharmacy botany. to an extent, the world’s) influences in 1947. At the same time, was Dr. Magdalena C. The only child of school she became a member of Cantoria. teachers, Magdalena De two Honor Societies— La Cuesta Cantoria was Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Through her researches, born in Manila on 25 Sigma Biological Sciences. she added greatly to the October 1924. Described The latter bestowed on knowledge about the as a precocious child, her her two awards later -- medicinal value of plants energy and intellect were Marked Distinction in like agar (a type of seaweed), directed early by her parents Biology in 1951 and Most Rauwofia vomitoria Afz, to academic pursuits. At age Outstanding Phi Sigman Datura stramomium L., five, the mother brought in 1977. mint, and Piper species. the child along to where With her many awards and she was teaching and made She became a Scientific recognitions, she brought her sit among first graders. Research Assistant at the
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 19 National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) soon after graduation and stayed there until 1950. She also held many positions at NRCP: Associate Editor of the NRCP Research Bulletin, Chair of the Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Corporate Secretary of NRCP, and Editor of the NRCP Research Journal.
As Teacher and Researcher In 1950, Magdalena left NRCP and became a Cantoria with students and colleagues. faculty of the College of Pharmacy upon the invitation of then Dean remained active in her During her studies in teaching, research, and Dr. Patrocinio Valenzuela. pursuit of higher studies. the US, Prof. Cantoria scientific conferences. It She was known as a ‘terror’ In 1951, she received received two awards from was a prolific time wherein teacher, according to Dr. her Master of Science the American Foundation her expertise added to the Yolanda Robles, who was (MS) in Botany from UP. for Pharmaceutical treasury of knowledge on her student and had worked Through fellowship grants, Education: 1954 Edwin the “structure, physiology, with her in some research she earned the Master of Leigh Newcomb Award and biochemistry of plant projects. But when she Science degree in Pharmacy, in Pharmacognosy for drugs; pharmaceutical and the other graduates major in Pharmacognosy, her work on Rauwolfia sciences; and botanical got high grades in the from the Massachusetts vomitoria Afz (Africa); drugs in the Philippine licensure examinations, College of Pharmacy in 1962 Edwin Leigh pharmacopeia.” (NAST) Prof. Cantoria treated 1955 (under the guidance Newcomb Award in them to a delicious meal of Dr. Heber W. Youngken Pharmacognosy for her Dr. Cantoria’s studies on in a restaurant. The teacher Sr., a world-renowned cooperative work with agar (a jelly-like substance was very proud of them. pharmacognosist); and her adviser, Dr. Edward S. from Philippine seaweed) Dr. Robles later on became Doctor of Philosophy Mika, on the growth and and on mints, particularly a faculty and dean of the (PhD) in Botany, on development of Datura the Yerba Buena (Mentha College. plant physiology and stramomium L. cordifolia Opiz), are biochemistry from the considered pioneering Another former research University of Chicago in It was also during this in local pharmaceutical assistant, Dr. Mildred 1961. period that Dr. Cantoria studies. In 1990, because of Balbin-Oliveros, credited was inducted into the Rho her expertise in describing Dr. Cantoria’s teachings That same year, she Chi Pharmaceutical Honor botanic characteristics of with opening her eyes to took a summer course Society-MCP Chapter plant drugs, she became the amazing medicinal in Radiation Biology (1955); and in the Sigma an adviser for a World benefits that certain plants at Argonne National Xi-UC Chapter (1960). The Health Organization- can give to improve people’s Laboratory (USA). In latter society is devoted to funded ASEAN health as well as in guiding 1965, Prof. Cantoria had a the promotion of research project in Indonesia to her research work. Dr. UNESCO training course in science. prepare standardization Oliveros was a UPCP in Plant Physiology at the monographs of herbal faculty from 1964-2006. University of Delhi (India). When she returned to the medicines. Philippines, Dr. Cantoria During her years at busied herself with UPCP, Prof. Cantoria
20 Health Ripples She wrote two books on pharmacognosy, three monographs related to the subject, and published over 60 scientific papers in national and international scientific journals on plants yielding volatile oils and alkaloids of pharmaceutical and medicinal values.
Of her books, the most outstanding is still “Pharmacognosy in Action and in Practice” (NRCP Research Foundation). One Cantoria with faculty of the College of Pharmacy. monograph, entitled, “Some Household Remedies (Galenicals) for External Society of Pharmacognosy; the Philippines Inc, Manila Sources: Use Prepared from Local member, Gesselschaft Für Pharmaceutical Society, Padilla, Carmencita D., MD; Santos Ocampo, Perla D., MD. “Magdalena Medicinal Plants,” was used Arzneipflanzenforschung Philippine Botanical De La Cuesta Cantoria, PhD.” A Century of Women in the Health by the volunteers of the (Society for Medicinal Society, Philippine Society Sciences: 1900-2000 AD, pp. 50-51. Ugnayan ng Pahinungod- Plant Research, Germany); for Microbiology Inc, and Publishers: National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Manila in their early work and Visiting Professor Philippine Federation of Institute of Human Genetics (UPM- NIH), National Institutes of Health in the rural areas. of Pharmacognosy and Health Professionals, Inc. of UP Manila (UPM-NIH), and the University of the Philippines Pharmaceutical Botany, Manila. 2004 Dr. Cantoria was elected faculty of Pharmaceutical She was conferred the “Magdalena C. Cantoria, NAST Academician of the Sciences, Prince of Songkla NRCP Achievement Academician.” National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). National Academy of University, Hat Yai, Award (1993); Diamond Link: http://spheres.dost.gov.ph/ Science and Technology Thailand. Achiever Award, PNU sci-profile.php?i=000086 (NAST) in 1980. She Alumni Association, Inc “Academician Nena Cantoria passes away.” University of the Philippines assumed the deanship of She held positions (Sept. 2001); UPMAA Manila. 2009. Link: https://www.upm.edu.ph/ the College of Pharmacy and memberships in Professorial Award in node/782 in 1988 until she reached scholarly societies like Pharmacy, and UP Manila “Dr. Magdalena C. Cantoria— the compulsory retirement the National Research Alumni Association Award Botanist.” 13 February 2010. Link: https://personalmemoir.wordpress. age in 1989. The University Council of the Philippines, (2005). She was appointed com/2010/02/13/dr-magdalena-c- cantoria-botanist/ then gave her a permanent Philippine Pharmaceutical chair, Publications Magsaysay, Vics. “Dr. Mildred appointment as Professor Association, Colegio Committee of the NRCP Balbin Oliveros: Sa pagtuklas ng Emeritus. Medico Farmaceutico and elected member, gamot at humanitarianism.” 21 July 2018. Lunk: de Filipinas, Biology Board of Trustees, NRCP http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ balitambayan/talakayan/661252/ Teachers Association of Research Foundations, Inc. dr-mildred-balbin-oliveros- Other Honors & the Philippines, Philippine sa-pagtuklas-ng-gamot-at- Recognitions Association of University Dr. Magdalena C. Cantoria, humanitarianism/story/ Dr. Cantoria is listed in Women, Association of one of the great scientists of “Excerpta Botanica” (1980), Systematic Biologists of the country, died of cardiac a valuable bibliographical the Philippines, Philippine arrest on 25 December source for vegetation Biomedical Society, 2008 at the National science (edited by the Philippine Association Kidney Institute, Quezon International Association for the Advancement of City. for Plant Taxonomy, Science and Technology, Utrecht, Netherlands); Radioisotopes Society of charter member, American
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 21 Dr. Alberto “Quasi” G. Romualdez, Jr.: Crusader for Universal Health Care
By Charmaine A. Lingdas
“Dr. Alberto Romualdez is one of only a few health professionals whose expertise and sphere of influence traverse boundaries. He had served in the executive and legislative branches of the government, in the private and nongovernment sectors, in the academe and health research institutions, and in local and international organizations in different capacities.” - Dr. Ernesto O. Domingo September 14, 1940 - October 14, 2013
With a deep sense of humanity and unparalleled task for improving the Quasi,’ is a former secretary passion for universal nation’s health. And to of the Department of healthcare, Dr. Alberto pursue this task, we must Health (DOH) and former “Quasi” Romualdez, confront the need for dean of the UP College of Jr. has devoted his life to radical change in the health Medicine. He was named addressing social iniquities sector,” stated Doc Quasi after ‘Quasimodo,’ the by championing health in a lecture entitled State hunchbacked bell-ringer reforms in the Philippine of the Nation’s Health he in Victor Hugo’s novel. health system. He tirelessly delivered at the University ‘Quasimodo’ roughly means fought for reforms on of the Philippines Manila ‘almost merely’ or ‘merely health issues, such as Centennial Lecture Series almost,’ which indicates reproductive health, cheaper held during UP Manila’s Quasimodo’s deformity and medicines, tobacco control, celebration of UP’s 100th that he is ‘almost human.’ and other health equality year at the PGH Science concerns. Hall in September 2008. Contrary to his name, in terms of “his endeavors and “We must reduce health Dr. Romualdez, fondly commitments, he was far inequities as our prime known to many as ‘Doc from being only ‘almost,’”
22 Health Ripples said former Congressman Manila, was the eldest Edcel Lagman, principal of seven children of Dr. author of the Reproductive Alberto Zialcita Romualdez Health Law in an article. Sr., former Secretary UP Diliman Chancellor General of the World Michael Tan referred to Medical Association and Doc Quasi in an article as a Dr. Covadonga del Gallego, “secular humanist at heart.” former chairman of the Pathology Department of “For whatever reason, my the University of Santo life has been spared once Tomas. more and I need again Although Doc Quasi’s to try and be “good” in family background came order to be worthy of this from the socially and great honor called life… I politically prominent know that this time, as in Romualdez clan, his other times, I will achieve life was far from being a slightly higher standard ‘Imeldific’ (a word coined of “goodness” than before,” for Imelda Marcos which affirmed Doc Quasi, in ‘A means ostentatious Note of Thanks from Paris extravagance. Fuelled by by Doc Quasi Romualdez’ his desire to serve the he wrote for his friends underserved, Doc Quasi on 18 April 2013, after who earned his Bachelor of recuperating from a bout Doc Quasi delivering his lecture entitled Stae of the Nation's Health Arts degree in Biological with septicemia at the at the UP Manila Centinnial Lecture Series at PGH Science Hall in Sciences from the Ateneo American Hospital of Paris September 2008 de Manila University that turned out to be the studied medicine at the last few months of his life. UPCM and graduated in an advocacy campaign that National Scientist Dr. 1965. During his schooling, Doc Quasi undoubtedly targetted the different social Ernesto O. Domingo, also he participated in the filled his remaining days sectors to talk about their former chancellor and UPCM-Kansas University trying to be “good.” A roles in the health care now University Professor student exchange program. few months before his system. Emeritus of UP Manila, as He became a fellow on death, he was frequently he introduced Doc Quasi Tumor Immunology at the seen in DOH activities “Dr. Alberto Romualdez during the UP Centennial University of Connecticut working towards the is one of only a few health Lecture Series. He, together and Membrane Biophysics realization of a universal professionals whose with Doc Quasi, were at the Harvard Medical health care (UHC) system expertise and sphere known as the “Herrera’s School in the United States for Filipinos through of influence traverse bright boys” as both of of America for four years. the “Secretary’s Cup,” boundaries. He had served them are determined and a six-month campaign in the executive and passionate in continuing After his fellowship, Doc to spread awareness on legislative branches of the the work of their mentor Quasi became a Professor Kalusugang Pangkalahatan government, in the private Chancellor Florentino B. of physiology at the UP (Universal Health Care) and nongovernment sectors, Herrera in the attainment College of Medicine, and via nationwide collegiate in the academe and health of universal health care in eventually served as the debates, townhall meetings, research institutions, and the country. UPCM dean from 1984 to talk series and roundtable in local and international 1988. discussions that tackled the organizations in different Doc Quasi, born in different issues that impact capacities,” stated Ramon September 14, 1940 in on health as well as in the Magsaysay awardee and “Health System Shapers,”
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 23 (CFI) from 1982-2013; Chairman in the Medicine Alliance Council; Senior Policy Adviser, Health Policy Development Project, UPEcon Foundation, UP Diliman School of Economics; a member of WHO Bi- Regional Reference Group on People at the Center of Care Initiative, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific Regions; Director of Health and Human Values Program, M-Tech Hospital, Makati City; and Freelance Dr. Romualdez showing the medallion after delivering the first Chancellor Florentino B. Herrera Consultant on Health Memorial Lecture in October 2009. With him are Dr. Herrera's widow, Assoc. Justice Amurfina Herrera Development. He became and then Chancellor Ramon Arcadio the Dean of the Graduate School of Health Sciences, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in 2008 to 2011. Doc Quasi became a He also served as consultant Medical Adviser from 1979 to various institutions, to 1982 of the Marcos programs, and projects. Administration to the then Minister of Health. He Doc Quasi was appointed became a consultant to health secretary by then former Senator Juan Flavier President Joseph ‘Erap’ and a local government Ejercito Estrada on consultant for health sector September 11, 1998 until reforms. He was the first 2001 when President Director of the Research Estrada was forced to step Institute for Tropical down from Malacañang. Medicine (RITM) from Dr. Quasi in one of his speaking engagements. Doc Quasi followed his 1981 to 1984, a facility appointer’s campaign slogan under the Department of ‘Erap para sa mahirap’ Health (DOH). He also the Aquino Administration he also served as WHO (Erap for the poor) became the first Executive in 1988 but he opted to Representative to the during his term as Health Director of the Philippine work for the World Health DOH. Secretary. Council for Health Organization’s (WHO) Research and Development Western Pacific Region Doc Quasi served various Doc Quasi’s most (PCHRD), under the holding position as acting organizations and held significant achievements as Department of Science and Regional Adviser in different positions. He Health Secretary were the Technology from 1982- Development of Human served as President of formulation of the Health 1986. Resources for Health in Friendly Care Foundation, Sector Reform Agenda 1988 until 1990. From Inc. in 2001-2004; various Doc Quasi was 1990 to 1996, he became leadership capacities in the subsequently appointed as Director of Health Culion Foundation Inc. Assistant Health Secretary Services, Development and by Secretary of Health Planning. At some point, Alfredo Bengzon during
24 Health Ripples (HSRA) and his inputs regulatory agencies like cheaper drugs without efforts to oust President in the formulation of the the Bureau of Food and granting them brand names, Estrada eventually became National Drug Policy. Drug Industries (BFAD), the kind now known since successful. quarantine, health then as “generics.” DOH launched the HRSA surveillance; and expanding The clamor initiated in 1999 that focused on the health coverage In his National Drug Policy, by Doc Quasi proved five key health areas of through the national health effective regulation of drugs to create an awareness health reforms. These are insurance program or was implemented as the on the consciousness improving management PhilHealth especially to the agency worked on barring of the lawmakers to of government hospitals indigents and the informal substandard medicine. In prompt pharmaceutical and providing them fiscal sector consisting mostly of his pursuit of lowering companies to come up with flexibility and autonomy; the self-employed. With further the prices of drugs, explanations for the high securing stable, generous the HRSA, PhilHealth Doc Quasi thought of prices of their drugs. multi-year funding for had the most rapid growth issuing an administrative After his term, Doc
Dr. Quasi as the Health Secretary during the term of President Joseph Ejercito Estrada
priority public health in enrolment of indigents order (AO)that will Quasi became involved programs; promoting from 1999 to 2000, when prevent the multinationals in other health reforms development of local health the membership expanded from using their brand such as the passage and systems and ensuring their to more than 1.7 million names in whichever implementation of the effective performance and from the previous half a form of advertising. This “sin tax” law to curb organizing sub-optimal million. caused opposition from smoking and drinking, municipal health units into pharmaceutical firms. With more stringent application Inter Local Health Zones Doc Quasi is also known this and all events thereafter of laws against the unsafe (ILHZs); strengthening as the brains behind the became the controversial and unethical use of stem the capacities of health Generics law where drug issue of his stint as Health cell treatments, and as a firms started manufacturing Secretary. Unfortunately, feminists and Reproductive the proposed A.O. never Health advocate, Doc materialized when the Quasi fought vocally and tirelessly for the passage of
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 25 the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law.
Doc Quasi was also instrumental in the development of the Department of Science and Technology National Ethics Committee, created through the DOST Special Order 84-053 series of 1984, to promote ethics review in health research.
Awards and recognition also served as his motivators. Doc Quasi was the first recipient Health Secretary Dr. Romualdez Jr. speaks on "Ethics in Public Service" of Outstanding Young Scientist Awardee in 1980 given by the National Science Development scientific and technological comes to policy debates, he of serving the Philippines Board, now known as the requirements of the health spoke with great clarity and and the Filipinos first and Department of Science and delivery system and rewards candor,” added Dr. Lasco. encouraged other physicians Technology. those whose research has to do so because he knew contributed significantly to On his most memorable that this is one of the ways Doc Quasi died on addressing prevalent health times with Doc Quasi, to ensure the success of October 14, 2013. A issues. Dr. Lasco recounted the Universal Health Care. day after his passing, the time he last saw him at the DOH acknowledged “He mentored several WHO WPRO Office in He was posthumously his contributions to the generations of health UN Avenue, where Doc awarded with a Senate health sector. Then DOH leaders who continue to Quasi spent a part of his Resolution 927 authored by Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona pursue his vision,” affirmed career. Senator Pia Cayetano. The said Doc Quasi will be Dr. Gideon Lasco, a resolution honors Secretary “sorely missed as our ally former research assistant “I was about to go to Alberto “Quasi” G. in championing for health and mentee of Doc Quasi the Netherlands to take Romualdez Jr., who played reforms.” when they worked together up my PhD in Medical a crucial and instrumental in the University Health Anthropology when he told role in the passage of key The Department of Care Study Group in the me: ‘With your education, health legislations, such as Science and Technology- National Institutes of you can work anywhere and the Reproductive Health Philippine Council for Health (NIH). earn a lot, but working for Law, PhilHealth Law, Sin Health Research and your country is a privilege Tax Law, and the Cheaper Development (DOST- “I have known Doc Quasi that no salary can match.” Medicines Act and PCHRD) in collaboration since I was a medical commemorates his legacy with the DOH initiated student. Despite his status Dr. Quasi did not only in health reforms and other the Alberto G. Romualdez, as the elder statesman of work on developing invaluable contributions to Jr. Outstanding Health the health sector, he was strategic health reforms in the health sector. Research Award almost grandfatherly to the Philippine health care (AROHRA) which me and my colleagues. But system. He walked his talk encourages researchers at the same time, when it to be sensitive to the
26 Health Ripples Dr. Juan M. Flavier: A Doctor for the People
By Fedelynn M. Jemena
When former Senator Juan M. Flavier passed “Our 3 years away on 30 October 2014, together in the a great outpouring of grief and regret came from Department of people who knew him. Health showed Even today, many people still speak with awe and that one can stay respect in their voices when they talk about the man. in government devoid of Diminutive (4”11’), quick-thinking, and witty, corruption, Flavier was charismatic and be able to both masses and the intelligentsia. He was to implement sincerely interested in meaningful people: he really asked them what they wanted policies and and weighed these against successful professional assessments of their situations. More programs importantly, he got back within the June 23, 1935- October 30, 2014 to them with the ideas and solutions packaged clearly realm of in the tongues they knew: The Formation of Juan a housewife who took care the languages of the crowds government. Flavier of the children: Fortunato of Nora Aunor and Kris Born on 23 June 1935 to (adopted; the orphaned Aquino, of the farmer and –Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan Dominador Acosta Flavier child of an aunt), Dominga, the professional, peppered and Francisca Martin, Bonifacio, Agring, and with a healthy dose of salty Juanito Martin Flavier grew Onyoy. humor. He was also willing up in Benguet. He is the to butt heads with powerful fourth child in a brood of The child was baptized as groups and personalities if a six. His father worked as Juanito, but preferred Juan situation demanded it. a machinist in the Balatoc as it was shorter and easier Mines and, later, at Camp to spell. At school and John Hay. Nanay Kikay was throughout his life, that was
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 27 how he chose to spell his name.
Flavier excelled in school, graduating as valedictorian in both elementary (Baguio City Government, 1948) and high school (Baguio City High School, 1952). At BCHS, he showed signs of being an able communicator: class officer at every level; editor of the school newspaper; Baguio’s little mayor for two years; junior police chief for a year; winner of several
oratorical and writing Dr. Juan Flavier and wife Susana. contests. Flavier credited his talent in communicating to his father Mang Outstanding Intern award, Domeng who, although also in 1960. Aside from unable to finish elementary, the topnotch academic and loved to read and was well- hospital training, Flavier known as a storyteller. said UP-PGH taught him the value of talking to In 1952, Flavier entered patients (it was as “much UP Diliman to pursue a for their therapy as my own Bachelor of Science degree sanity”) and the healing and finished it in 1956. It power of laughter. was there where he met the man who influenced him on The Barrio Doctor how to make a community It was in medical school care program: Fr. John P. that his decision to go to Delaney, SJ, an activist the barrios was cemented. priest and advisor of the UP President Ramon Student Catholic Action Magsaysay had just died (UPCA) group to which in a plane crash in March Flavier belonged. Delaney 1957 and there was a gave him an unforgettable national outpouring of grief. lesson: Let people build what Reflecting on it, Flavier Dr. and Mrs. Juan Flavier, 14 February 1961 they need, and they will care asked himself if he felt the for it for the rest of their same way for the country as 1 lives. Magsaysay did. His answer? James Yen, a Chinese Reconstruction Movement “Yes! I am studying medicine scholar known for his in 1952 (PRRM) to assist Flavier entered the UP precisely because I believe in work in mass literacy and the poor sector of society. College of Medicine and social justice! I will be a doctor rural reconstruction in He later founded the graduated in 1960. He for the poor! For my country China and other countries. International Institute ranked 26th in his class above all.”2 His International Mass of Rural Reconstruction of 100. He then interned Education Movement (IIRR) in Silang, Cavite.3 at the Philippine General Another deciding factor (IMEM) established Hospital, earning a Selected was meeting Dr. Y.C. the Philippine Rural Dr. Yen invited Flavier to
28 Health Ripples join PRRM for two years, Ramos picked Dr. Juan starting in April 1961. He Flavier as his DOH stayed for 31 years doing Secretary. Flavier’s medical and community executive team included development work in Nueva Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan as Ecija and Cavite. In 1977, Undersecretary, Dr. Susan Flavier became president of Pineda (now Mercado) PRRM; from 1978-92, he as Head Executive was IIRR president. Assistant, and Dr. Francis Cruz as head of the To be able to serve the Press Information and barrios better, Flavier went Health Education Service back to school, earning a (PIHES).6 Certificate in Management Accounting in 1968 At the beginning of his (Economic Development term, this media-savvy Foundation), Certificate physician used himself in Communications in as the poster guy for the 1969 (Michigan State DOH’s programs. He and University), and a Master the DOH used his height, in Public Health in 1969 naughty grin, folksy humor, “More than 30 years of rural development work made him ( John Hopkins University). what he was—sensitive to people’s needs, steeped in the and paired them with wisdom of the simple folk.” – Ma. Ceres P. Doyo5 catchy slogans to attract Flavier’s time in the support from the people. barrios resulted in many graduated in 1956. and Development. Juanito They launched “Let’s DOH publications, including the On 14 February 1961, ( Johnet) is a businessman It!” capitalizing on Nike’s popular “Doctor to the Flavier and Susan got who owns the Little John popular “Let’s Do It!” Barrios” (1970), “Parables married at Ellinwood Restaurant at Camp campaign. Coupled with of the Barrios” (Volumes Church in Malate, Manila. John Hay and manages the thumbs up sign, the 1-10), “From Barrio to The union blessed them the family’s Beyond slogan was short and playful Senado: An Autobiography” with four children: The Sunset Memorial enough to be memorable, (2007) as well as more Jonathan David, Juanito Park (a columbary and yet, pushed people to do than a hundred articles on Doroteo, James Gregorio, crematorium) in Baguio something about their Rural Development, Family and Mary Jocelyn. All his City. James is the property health. The slogan made Planning, Public Health, children, Flavier said, had manager of Tambulilit, Inc., the DOH more visible Communications and their first steps either in the family corporation. to the public. Children, Health Promotion. Nueva Ecija or Cavite. The youngest, Joy, became even adults, shouted “Let’s her father’s secretary DOH It!” when they saw Family Man Flavier described Susana at the Department of him. Celebrities like Vilma It was in Diliman that as the wind beneath his Health. Now known as Santos, The Apo Hiking Flavier met his future wings, the woman who Joy Alampay (wife of Society, Sharon Cuneta, wife, the beauteous Alma “by her own sacrifice and Roby Alampay of TV 5), Richard Gomez, Tetchie Susana Dumuk Aguila— hard work, afforded me the she is the Director for Agbayani, and Ogie Alcasid daughter of Doroteo luxury of being the idealist. International Programs of volunteered their services A. Aguila (a Protestant It is Susan who has literally Neuron: Leadership and for the DOH campaigns. lay minister and former taken care of me and my Communication Center for governor of La Union) and children’s every need.”4 Asia and the Pacific. Flavier and his team Donata D. Aguila (one identified priority issues of the Outstanding Rural Jonathan ( Jondi) became a The “Let’s DOH It!” Guy for his term and created Health Workers of the doctor. He is the Executive (Secretary of Health, health campaigns for them. Philippines). Alma Susana Director of the Philippine 1992-95) Some of these were: Oplan majored in Social Work and Center for Population In 1992, Pres. Fidel V. Alis Disease, a massive
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 29 Yosi Kadiri campaign
immunization campaign malnutrition. Pusong Pinoy organization’s forum. As Ramos, however, said which led to the Philippines targeted cardiovascular usual, he made people laugh that with a senatorial being officially declared diseases. Sariling Salat with his anecdotes, but bid, Flavier can make by the World Health sa Suso, a breast cancer one caught us. He said the permanent policy through Organization as polio- awareness program. Doctors stories about lobby groups legislation.10 free by 1998. Yosi Kadiri, to the Barrios, a program attempting to bribe senators considered by many as the that still continues to this and Congress people were Flavier landed fifth in most successful tobacco day, deploys graduates of true. One tobacco lobby group the Top 12 senatorial list control drive in the country. medical schools to poor and placed Php 20 million on his for the 10th Congress. (revived in 2017 by the remote municipalities. table, his for the taking if he Due to his outstanding DOH.), Family Planning were to support them. Flavier performance, he ran again Program that championed Other health programs refused the bribe, crediting his in the 2001 elections, both natural and artificial were Baby and Mother vigilant staff with helping this time under Gloria methods in spacing Friendly Hospitals, him resist such temptations. Macapagal-Arroyo’s Lakas- childbirth (for the health of Sampung Halamang KAMPI-CMD. He landed the mother) and preventing Gamot, Stop TB, Kontra In 1995, Dr. Juan Flavier No. 2 in the Top 12. unwanted pregnancy. HIV/ Kolera, Patak Health ran for senator under Pres. AIDS health information Centers, Healthy Places Ramos’s Lakas–CMD In both terms, Flavier campaign, the country’s first Initiative, National (Lakas ng Tao–Christian distinguished himself, prevention program on the Voluntary Blood Service Muslim Democrats) Party. preferring to “strive not to disease which brought high Program, and Hataw Some believed Ramos be the best, but the most social awareness. Oplan Fitness Program.7,8,9 did it not only to clinch a useful senator” according to Sagip Mata provided free majority win for his party former executive assistant operations and services to The Honorable Senator in the elections, but also Ramon Navarra Jr.11 The arrest the increasing rate (1995-2000; 2001-07) to diffuse tension with the Senate website noted that of blindness in the country. UPCN Auditorium, Roman Catholic Church the senator attended the Sangkap Pinoy, a campaign late 1990s. Sen. Flavier over Flavier’s aggressive most number of committee against micronutrient was a guest in a health family planning stance. hearings, with zero absences
30 Health Ripples from the sessions. He chaired the Committees on Health and Demography, Education, Social Justice, and Ethics. From 2002-07, Flavier served as Senate President Pro Tempore.
Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan wrote that Falvier did not use his pork barrel, but channeled these instead through the Land Bank for low- People loved Flavier not only because of his humor and approachability but also because of his integrity, cost loans to farmer and honesty and hard work. Illustration by Rene Elevara for "Flavier's Legacy" (Cebu Daily News) fisherfolks.12
Senator Flavier authored/ Blindness Prevention/Child of corruption, and be able senators/sen_bio/flavier_bio.asp co-authored/passed/ Survival (1994), and the to implement meaningful 8Department of Health. “Juan Flavier.” Link: https://portal2.doh.gov.ph/ sponsored the following Golden Heart Presidential policies and successful node/1643 laws: Traditional Medicine Award by Pres. Fidel V. programs within the realm 9Galves Tan, Jaime Z. “Juan M. Flavier: Ramos (1998). But it was a of government. We learned The Filipino Health Hero.” Rappler. 31 Law, Poverty Alleviation October 2014 Law, Anti-Money simple student award from what government can do https://www.rappler.com/nation/73626- juan-flavier-filipino-health-hero Laundering Act of 2001, UP-PGH which he said he best and what government 10Sauler, Erika et al. “Tributes pour in for Declaring Eidul-Fitr as a valued most: 1959 Mosby cannot do. We recognized poorest senator Juan Flavier.” Philippine Book Award for interns that government cannot do Daily Inquirer. 01 November 2014. Link: National Holiday, Barangay http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/648180/ Micro-Business Enterprise, “with the best bedside it alone and government tributes-pour-in-for-poorest-senator- juan-flavier#ixzz5PTP5LgRa National Service Training manners.” To him, it meant would need the partnership of 11Sauler, Erika. “DOH employees Program for Tertiary that his heart had not NGOs, the private business remember Flavier as inspirational hardened against pain. sectors, community-based leader, ‘small giant’.” Philippine Daily Students of 2002, Dangerous Inquirer. 04 November 2014. Link: Drugs Act of 2002, Clean Air organizations, people’s http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/648794/ doh-employees-remember-flavier-as- Act, Plant Variety Protection Legacies organizations, and faith- inspirational-leader-small-giant 13 Act, Indigenous People’s Sen. Flavier died in based groups.” 12Galves Tan, Jaime Z. “Juan M. Flavier: October 2014 of multiple The Filipino Health Hero.” Rappler. 31 Rights Act, Amendments October 2014 to the Quarantine Law, organ failures due to https://www.rappler.com/nation/73626- References: juan-flavier-filipino-health-hero Philippine Nursing Act pneumonia at the ICU of 1,2Flavier, Juan M. “From Barrio to Senado: An Autobiography.” [si] Dr. Juan 13Ibid. of 2002, and Tobacco the National Kidney M. Flavier (c 2007) Photo sources: Transplant Institute in 3 Regulation Act. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. “Y.C. Senator Juan M. Flavier – from www. Quezon City. His remains James Yen.” Link: https://en.wikipedia. senate.gov.ph org/wiki/Y.C._James_Yen He earned many awards were cremated. Book cover. “’Let’s DOH It!’ How We Did 4Torrevilas, Domini M. “Susan It.” By Juan M. Flavier. in his life, the most Flavier, the wind beneath Johnny’s Link: http://www.healthandlifestyle.com. In an article he wrote for wings.” Philippine Star. 4 December ph/the-cabinets-funnyman/the-cabinets- notable being the Ten 2017. Link: https://www.philstar. funnyman-as-remembered-by-his- Outstanding Young Rappler, Dr. Jaime Galvez com/opinion/2017/12/04/1765366/ president-4/ susan-flavier-wind-beneath-johnnys- Men (TOYM) award Tan said that Flavier’s core wings#XZczdL3zOx4JIO7m.99 “Yosi Kadiri” campaign. Link: https://kusineradiaries.wordpress. in Rural Development staff at the DOH dreamt 5Doyo, Ma. Ceres P. “Flavier, a barrio com/2014/11/01/lets-doh-it-a-small- of a Philippines led by parable.” Philippine Daily Inquirer. 6 tribute/ (1967), Ramon November 2014. Magsaysay Institutional President Juan Flavier. Link: http://opinion.inquirer.net/79909/ Santos, Tina G. “Cancer survivors flavier-a-barrio-parable recall Flavier ‘Yosi Kadiri’ campaign.” Award for International He wrote that his former Philippine Daily Inquirer. 1 November 6Flavier, Juan M. “From Barrio to 2014. Link: https://newsinfo.inquirer. Understanding (1986), boss would have been a Senado: An Autobiography.” [si] Dr. Juan net/648248/cancer-survivors-recall- Civil Service Commission’s great one. “Our 3 years M. Flavier (c 2007) flavier-yosi-kadiri-campaign Dangal ng Bayan Award together in the Department of 7Senate of the Philippines: 17th Congress. Illustration for “Flavier’s Legacy” by Rene “Senator Juan M. Flavier: Still ‘DOH- Elevera: https://cebudailynews.inquirer. (1994), Hellen Keller Health showed that one can ing’ It!” net/46866/flaviers-legacy Link: https://www.senate.gov.ph/ International Award for stay in government devoid
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 31 Dr. Serafin C. Hilvano: Pillar of Modern Philippine Surgery
By Cynthia M. Villamor
this recognition due to He put the his role in introducing Philippines endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery in the Philippines on the global and being a leader of the surgical map innovation in South Asia. and inspired For his daughter, Dr. Anna Margarita Hilvano-Corsiga, many Filipino more than his pioneering surgeons works in the field of surgery and telemedicine, his to pursue greatest legacy are the men and women he has trained, the highest a generation of surgeons standards of skilled in the practice and willing to learn and to care for their embrace the future.
patients. “They are now the current leaders, doing pioneering work in the field of surgery. He had the gift to inspire people not just to do well, but to look beyond and March 31, 1944-October 17, 2014 see where boundaries can be pushed. Long after the awards and recognition He was the top surgical Association, a chapter have faded into memory, diplomat of the Philippines of the international they will continue the work for more than two decades, organization. that he had begun. They one of the leaders of are his truest and most In 2009, during the 129th laparoscopic surgery in enduring legacy, for they meeting of the American South Asia, co-founder will, in turn, inspire the Surgical Association of the Endoscopic and next generation to pursue (ASA), the oldest and Laparoscopic Surgeons of new and greater things,” Dr. most prestigious surgical Asia, and leader of hepato- Anna Melissa declared. organization in America, pancreato biliary surgery Dr. Serafin C. Hilvano Dr. Hilvano literally and in the Philippines. He was awarded Honorary figuratively cut a “robust” helped create the Asian Membership, the only figure in the national and Hepatopancreatobiliary Filipino surgeon accorded global surgical landscape
32 Health Ripples during the almost five decades that he served as its practitioner, teacher, administrator, and Information Technology advocate.
Early Life and Influences
Dr. Hilvano, born on March 31, 1944, was from Mandaluyong City. He took his pre-medicine course at the University of the Philippines and obtained his medical degree from UP Manila in 1971. He had his internship Dr. Hilvano performing surgery with daughters Dr. Anna Melissa and Dr. Anna Margarita. and residency training at the UP-Philippine General Hospital (PGH). single parent. He had a us the value of hard work He was a purposeful leader Following his surgical very illustrious career, but and dedication, courage and and a gentle physician. residency at the PGH, he at the same time, he had determination -- to not be To his colleagues and had further training at MD a strong presence in our afraid of the unknown, the residents, he was known as Anderson, Sloan Kettering, lives as a father. He was new, or the different,” she a stern consultant, always and University of California our role model, our pillar of recalled. emphasizing quality and strength and our guide. He excellence. But to his in Los Angeles (UCLA) Another daughter, Dr. never imposed his wishes patients, he was a kind and hospitals in the United Anna Margarita recounted on us, rather he patiently caring doctor, always with States. that Dr. Hilvano’s training guided and waited for us a big smile and jolly spring as a varsity athlete in his He devoted 38 years to come into our own. to his step. He also believed collegiate life instilled in to the UP College of He taught us by example, in balance. Despite all his him a life of discipline, Medicine-PGH, from showing us the value of endeavors, he continued to persistence, determination, being a member of the persistence and hard work. enjoy sports and travel as a and balance. So in all his surgical consultant staff The seemingly impossible, manner to balance out the endeavors – from being starting in 1981, later becomes possible with stresses from work. a young doctor, to an as division chief of the faith and perseverance. He educator, to a hospital Gastrointestinal Surgery showed us how to live life administrator – he became (1988-2000). Returning to the fullest, grabbing each PH on the Global determined to perform his to Manila from his UCLA opportunity to live out our Surgical Map duties in the best way he training, Dr. Hilvano dreams,” Dr. Anna Melissa could. Dr. Hilvano put the rose through the ranks at stated. Philippines on the global the UPCM, becoming a An avid sportsman, Dr. Being the only parent for surgical map and inspired professor in 1996, head Hilvano was a member of most of their formative and many Filipino surgeons of the Endoscopy Unit the UP Varsity Basketball adult years, he was a great to pursue the highest (2001-2005), and chair Team (1963-1965) and UP influence on his children. standards of care for their of the Department of Varsity Volleyball Team “He showed us how to patients. Surgery from 2007 until his (1963). He has participated be strong in the midst retirement in May 2010. in various tennis and golf He believed that of adversity and intense tournaments and has endoscopes were essential “Having been widowed personal crisis with the emerged as champion in tools for the surgeon and early, he had to raise a son illness and loss of his wife many of these. following his training in and three daughters as a at an early age. He taught
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 33 laparoscopic surgery in the Philippines. He performed the first ever laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the Philippines at the Philippine General Hospital in 1993. He has been recognized locally and internationally for his many achievements both in the field of surgery and public service,” Dr. Hilvano- Corsiga said.
IT Advocate for Health
I personally witnessed With UP Fighting Maroons basketball teammates 1963 Dr. Hilvano’s passion and desire to utilize the power and impact of Information of Surgeons (PCS) Board Technology as a tool for of Regents (1991-1994, patient care while covering 1997-1999), president of some of such events. the Philippine Society of Heading the UP Manila General Surgeons (PSGS) Information Technology Metro Manila Chapter Council at that time, he (1999-2000) and president initiated teleconferencing (2000-2001). He had at the PGH Department given various lectures and of Surgery and as presented numerous papers coordinator of the Asia he had authored, both Pacific Advanced Network locally and internationally. Medical Working Group, He is a Fellow of the he enabled UP Manila American College to experience its first of Surgeons and has teleconferencing activity Dr. Hilvano at the American Surgical Association meeting. contributed broadly to the with other Asia Pacific international peer-reviewed university hospitals right literature in biliary and on campus. Japan, Germany, Taiwan Association of Endoscopic endoscopic surgery. Organizing and overseeing and Hongkong, he Surgeons in 1991. shared his expertise with Such breadth and depth the 1st UP Manila-VietDuc surgeons and surgeons He was the first of experience can only University (Hanoi) Live in-training at the PGH. Filipino who served as come from a person with Telesurgery on March 29, He was a member of the Governor in the newly a holistic and long-term 2012, he was a strong and team which performed formed Endoscopic and view of things. His committed participant and the first laparoscopic Laparoscopic Surgeons of daughter describes him partner to his counterparts cholecystectomy in the Asia (ELSA), a position as a true visionary. “He in Vietnam. Philippines (PGH, 1990), he held from 1991 till is recognized as the During that milestone ushering the laparoscopic 2003; he later served as its pioneer in laparoscopic moment, audiences at era in the country. Dr. president in 2001-2002. surgery in the country the PGH Estrada Hall Hilvano went on to Dr. Hilvano was a member and laid the foundation composed of UP medical organize the Philippine of the Philippine College of endoscopic and students and professors
34 Health Ripples had the rare chance of witnessing the first live, interactive surgical teleconferencing between the two universities as surgeons from both sides performed two different laparoscopic operations.
The historic event aimed to share best country and institutional practices and experiences in doing surgeries and was the first in a series conducted with several foreign universities.
This devotion for IT in health care did not escape Dr. Anna Melissa’s recollection of her father’s contributions. “He recognized the enormous potential benefits that the technology can bring The 1st UP Manila-VietDuc University(Hanoi) Live Telesurgery organized by Dr. Hilvano was held on March 29, 2012 at the PGH Estrada Hall. to surgical training and mentoring, knowledge the Hepatobiliary Division by invitation only, upon diplomat of the Philippines sharing, institutional and (GS III) of the PGH nomination of a member. over the last two decades.” regional cooperation and Department of Surgery, Foreign honorary members ultimately to healthcare. “A son of the Philippines, in collaboration with the are nominated and screened He pursued this with the Serafin Hilvano UP Manila – National by the Honorary same passion and fervor understands the need Telehealth Center (UPM- as he did with endoscopy Membership committee. for community service, NThC), and Network and laparoscopy, knowing To date, there are only 70 for giving back to the Bridge Inc. well that connectivity can honorary members. community from which enhance healthcare in our Dr. Hilvano later stated: he emerged. He has raised At the conferment country’s provinces as well “We are looking forward money to buy endoscopes ceremonies held at the as bring in new knowledge to use this technology with for his hospital, to bring it Hyatt Grand Champions from our regional partners.” our partners in remote up to date, when internal golf resort in Indian Wells, areas. We would also like to resources were lacking. He Apart from telesurgery, Dr. California, Dr. Hilvano watch our resident surgeons persuaded pharmaceutical Hilvano was instrumental was introduced by ASA perform laparascopic and companies to deliver in realizing the first ever president Prof. Anthony endoscopic procedures from millions of dollars of much- telerounds at the UP- Whittemore, who was our GS III office.” needed medicine to the PGH on May 5, 2010 chief medical officer of the poor, who would otherwise with surgeons led by Dr. Brigham and Women’s have remained untreated for Hilvano lending their Hospital, a teaching affiliate ASA membership common curable infectious medical opinion from the of the Harvard Medical diseases.” General Surgery (GS) III The ASA, founded in 1880, School. Whittemore said Conference Room while a is composed of a select Dr. Hilvano “led surgery 5th year resident reported group of professors and into the 21st century, by Other Honors and Awards a patient’s condition from chairs of various academic introducing laparoscopy Ward 2. A first in the medical institutions in in 1990 and serving as Dr. Hilvano received country, it was conducted by the US. Membership is the number one surgical numerous awards for his
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 35 Dr. Hilvano after receiving the award as UPMAS 2013 Alumni Family of the Year with other awardees
contributions to surgery 2005) for distinguishing Ode to a Friend Farewell, Boy H., dear and health care in the himself in clinical work friend and classmate, In his November 3, 2014 Philippines, among which through ethical practice Surgeon par Excellence and Philippine Star column, are the Outstanding and exemplary conduct Professor Emeritus.” classmate, friend, and Consultant (1984, 1985, in dealing with patients; Palanca awardee Alfred A. 1986; UP-PGH) and Honorary Member, Rotary Yuson paid tribute to Dr. References: Outstanding Teacher in the Club Makati ( June 2003) Incisions, Newsletter of the PCS, Vol. Hilvano: 34, N0. 3 – Oct-Dec 2014 issue) https:// Clinical Sciences (2003; UP for institutionalizing the www.philstar.com/other-sections/ College of Medicine) and In-Hospital Surgical “We’ll treasure most Doc the-good-news/2009/05/24/470367/ pgh-surgeon-named-honorary-asa- Professor Emeritus in 2012 Mission at the PGH, Boy H.’s convivial and hail- ember#ozxL8Iei7yG2Dd5F.99 “UP-PGH surgeon named honorary ASA (Department of Surgery, benefitting the indigent fellow-well-met spirit, sense member”, 24 May 2009 (http://www. philstar.com/good-news/470367/pgh- College of Medicine, UP patients of the outpatient of camaraderie, generosity surgeon-named-honorary-asa-member Manila). He was awarded clinics by decreasing their (in the last few years he UP Manila Newsletter, July-Aug 2011 the Enrique Garcia waiting time for elective conducted life-saving issue Professorial Chair for 2001- major and medium surgery on a couple of our UP Manila Newsletter, March-April 2002; UP Medicine Class operations as well as batchmates), and dedication 2012 issue 1940 Professorial Chair lessening the backlog cases to family (he drove to Ang Maninistis, published by the UP- PGH Department of Surgery, 1996 for 2007-2009; Oblation for operation; Service Dinalupihan in Bataan and Award, Pillar of Excellence Above Self Award, Rotary back every weekend to be In Leadership and Club International ( July with his wife Cecile who Management (UP Manila 1996) for outstanding ran the hospital there, and Alumni Association 2008); outreach service to the performed commendable Most Distinguished Bedan community; and Honorary surgical operations together Award (San Beda College Senior Fellow, International with two of his daughters).” Alumni Association, 2008); College of Surgeons, Japan Former UPM Chancellor and Outstanding Alumni, Section (March 1993) for and San Beda High School UP Manila. notable contributions in the classmate Dr. Ramon field of Surgery. He was bestowed the Dr. Arcadio, who spoke on Jose Rizal Memorial Award In 2012, he was accorded behalf of the Bedans during for the Distinguished the lifetime honorific title the necrological services Filipino Physician of Professor Emeritus of said: “May Boy H. find in Clinical Practice, Surgery. eternal happiness and Philippine Medical unending Heavenly bliss as Association (October he begins life everlasting.
36 Health Ripples Maraming Salamat sa Taos Pusong Paglilingkod
Ang mabuhay sa mundo ay isang biyaya Pagpapalang galing sa Diyos na may likha Kaya kung lumisan man dito sa lupa Pamanang nagawa ay yaman ding sadya.
Dr. FLORENTINO B. HERRERA Jr. sa Kolehiyo ng Medisina Pinakauna ring nahirang na Chancellor ng UP Manila Isinulong ang School of Health Sciences para sa masa Doktor sa mga rehiyon at komunidad ang kailangan talaga.
Dr. ALBERTO G. ROMUALDEZ ay isa ring manggagamot Dekano ng College of Medicine at sa adbokasiya ay nakatutok Isinulong din ang SHS at pinaunlad ang post grad course Maging ang Universal Health Care kanyang itinampok.
DR. MINDA LUZ M. QUESADA mula sa Kolehiyo ng Pampublikong Kalusugan Isang nars, edukador, aktibista at sadyang makabayan Magna Carta of Public Health Workers ang sadyang tinutukan Upang mga karapatan nila ay tunay na maingatan.
Dr. GEMINIANO T. DE OCAMPO, sa larangan ng Ophthalmology Father of Modern Ophthalmogy siya’y kilala siyempre Philippine Eye Bank, siya ang founder na masasabi Unang hinirang na Pangulo Philippine Opthalmological Society.
Dr. JUAN M. FLAVIER, Senador ng ating bayan Sikat na kalihim ng departamento ng kalusugan Stop TB, Oplan Alis Disease, at Doctor to the Barrios ang ilan Sa mga programang LET’s DOH IT ang tumatak sa isipan.
Dr. SERAFIN C. HILVANO, isang sikat na siruhano Laparoscopic surgery ang talagang pinauso Endoscopic surgery at telemedicine ang kombinasyon nito Kaya naman “Pillar of Modern Surgery” ang naging titulo
Dr. MAGDALENA C. CANTORIA, naging dekana at Professor Emeritus Sa Kolehiyo ng Parmasiya ay sumikat na lubos Bilang dalubhasa sa mga halamang gamot Mga ginawang pananaliksik ay di kayang malimot.
Dr. CHARLOTTE A. FLORO, naging dekana ng CAMP Allied Medical Professions ang pinaunlad na tunay BSOT at BSPT kurikulum ang tumatak sa isipan Kauna-unahang nagbukas ng kurso dito sa ating bayan.
Josephine D. Agapito Guro sa Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, UP Manila; nagsusulat at bumibigkas ng mga tula tungkol sa agham sa DZEC tuwing Linggo, 5 pm sa programang “Pinoy Scientist.”
The UP Manila Health and Life Magazine 37 38 Health Ripples