No. 362 May - June 2017

Grads urged to value and use More than a School, UP education well to serve country More than a Hospital Excerpt from the speech delivered by UP President Danilo L. Concepcion at the 108th Commencement Exercises of UP Manila held on 21 June 2017. I know that it has taken you much time, effort, and some expense to get to this high point of your lives, on the verge of your future careers. I guess that is true for any college graduate. But for a UP graduate, expectations run even higher. And they should, because from the very start, we have been held to a higher standard of honor, excellence, and public service. In the words of President Rafael Palma during his investiture in 1925, he said “it was UP’s mission not just to produce graduates, but to encourage “original thinking and assert our individuality in the realm of mind for the positive benefit of the Filipino people.” A UP graduate has to be a willing, creative, and audacious agent of social transformation, going UP President Danilo L. Concepcion appeals to graduates to use their education to serve the country well. above and beyond the normal call of duty to find “Pahalagahan ninyo ang Filipinos’ gain and not only for their inyong paglipad paitaas, maalala ways of uplifting the lives of our countrymen. edukasyong ibinahagi namin sa inyo personal gains. naman ninyo na sila ay lingapin at Thankfully, in UP Manila, you have had more dito sa UP. Huwag nawa ninyong At the same time, he reminded bigyan ng pagpapahalaga.” (please than a century of exemplary experience in conjoining makalimutan na kayo ay higit na mas them not to regard this education as see excerpt on this page) higher education with public service. That’s largely mapalad sa karamihan. Hindi lahat ng a debt that they must pay. A total of 1,256 graduates because of the unique relationship between UP kabataan ay biniyayaan ng katulad “Huwag ninyong ituring na ang from UP Manila’s curricular Manila’s role and offerings as a traditional university ng inyong kapalaran. Noong kayo ay inyong edukasyon ay isang utang offerings marched in this year’s and its health sciences component bannered by nagpasiya na pumasok at mag-aral na dapat niyong pagbayaran sa commencement rites held on June 21, the Philippine General Hospital. sa UP, huwag ninyong kalilimutan na taongbayan. Ito ay inihandog ng 2017 at the Philippine International Up until today, especially during budget may Pilipino, katumbas ng bawat isa taong bayan sa inyo nang buong puso Convention Center. Of this number, season, some lawmakers still have a problem sa inyo, na nawalan ng pagkakataong sa pag-asang sa pagkakamit ninyo 1,068 were undergraduates and 188 understanding that relationship. They insist that makapasok at makapag-aral dito.” ng husay at galing, hindi lamang obtained their graduate degrees. PGH should be taken out of UP Manila and be a UP President Danilo Concepcion buhay ninyo ang aangat at gaganda. The breakdown of graduates per hospital under the Department of Health. What we appealed to the graduates of UP Umaasa silang gaganda at iinam din college is as follows: College of Arts must make clear to them is that practically from the Manila to value the education that ang mga buhay nila. Ang taong bayan and Sciences, 422; College of Allied beginning, UP Manila—or indeed UP—has always UP has given them by using their ay hindi humihingi ng kabayaran mula Medical Professions, 94; College of been more than a school, and PGH has always been profession for the country and the sa inyo. Subalit sila ay umaasa na sa upm grad | page 4 ► more than a hospital. Very few will recall that UP partly owes its existence to the Philippine Medical School, which TM of the NIH’s Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotek-M Dengue-aqua: Biotechnology Dr. Raul V. Destura. was incorporated into UP in 1905. Within a year from Outstanding Technology Currently, the Biotek-MTM Dengue- such incorporation, it was considered to be at par Commercialization Awardee aqua kit is the only kit developed by Filipino with some of the better American medical schools for cheaper, faster and scientists that has been commercialized in the in the US. President William Howard Taft had accurate dengue test Philippines. Dr. Destura was conferred the 2016 wanted to put the School under the Department of Outstanding Technology Commercialization The Philippines is one of the Asian Sanitation, but Dean Worcester—whatever else we Award by the National Academy of Science countries with still a high prevalence of dengue and Technology Philippines. may think about him—believed so strongly in the infections that lead to a high mortality every The market share for dengue diagnostics school’s educational mission that he pushed for the year. While there is no specific treatment in the first 0-5 days of illness is currently for dengue infections, early and accurate creation of a hospital to serve the training needs of predominated by a single product which is diagnosis of the viral disease allows for early the university. And thus, PGH was born. an antigen detection assay, widely known implementation of supportive management. made medical diagnostic technology for PGH, of course, became the biggest and as Dengue NS1 test with varying sensitivity This in turn will greatly improve disease dengue will open doors to other technologies and specificity. The initial cost-estimate for most modern Asian hospital of its time, and even outcome. as this paves the way for emerging new the technology is 75% lower than the current a century later, it occupies pride of place as the A diagnostic test which could accurately business in the field of health-biotechnology market price of its competitor. Affordability hospital most Filipinos still think of when they determine the presence of dengue infections in the country. Such scenario will provide combined with good diagnostic accuracy among patients who may be at risk for opportunities for our science graduates to require medical attention. In other words, it is the will translate wider access to diagnostic complicated courses of dengue, would help find jobs based on their training and hopefully hospital closest to the Filipino heart. But even as it technologies among marginalized sectors decrease morbidity and mortality caused by contribute to the macroeconomic growth of serves about 600,000 patients every year, many of in need of an early detection test that the dengue virus. The Biotek-MTM Dengue- the country through science and technology. may potentially save a life through early them our poorest citizens, it has never forgotten its aqua kit was developed by a team of infectious The innovation has spinned off to intervention. educational mission. disease specialists, molecular biologists and the creation of a startup company, Manila The development and eventual up president | page 5 ► biotechnologists led by National Institutes of HealthTek Inc. for the distribution of the commercialization of this very first Philippine- Health research faculty and former director Biotek-M Dengue Kit. From IMBB report. 2 college/unit beats UP MANILA NEWSLETTER www.upm.edu.ph

engineers and doctors of UP Manila were summarized the healthcare system in UP Manila and Telemedicine Development sent back and forth to Kyushu University Japan saying that the universal healthcare Center of Asia to reactivate partnership to train for the technology support and system subsidizes 70% of patient medical telemedicine services. This happened expenditures and provides free healthcare on telehealth during the leadership of the late PGH Dept for patients from the lowest income of Surgery Chair Dr. Serafin Hilvano of the brackets. He said that every hospital has Information Technology Council in UP an Infection Control Team (ICT) composed Manila. of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and “The innovation that we saw there microbiologists. The creation of the was the partnership of the engineers and ICT that helped decrease the number the clinicians,” stressed Dr. Marcelo. “We of infectious diseases in Japan is now need to strengthen the partnership once focused on dealing with the problem of more and find out how we can take this nosocomial infection. to the next level, I think that is one of the “We provide education and training purposes of Prof. Shimizu for coming here for all medical staff, especially in standard to UP Manila.” precaution that is the basic of infection TEMDEC Director Prof. Shuji Shimizu and Chancellor Carmencita Padilla exchange tokens In conjunction with the visit, NTC control,” affirmed Ms. Mori. Officer-in-Charge Dr. Raymond Sarmiento, UP Manila professors Dr. Sharon Yvette What began as a partnership between discussions and live demonstrations of discussed the overview of the system Angelina Villanueva talked on the updates UP Manila and Telemedicine Development video endoscopic procedures and surgical and gave updates on telehealth in the of leptospirosis in the Philippines and the Center of Asia (TEMDEC) on remote operations. He also discussed the network Philippines. Dr. Sarmiento stated that partnership of Kyushu University while Dr. medical education in 2007 is hoped to they have created with other universities doctors to the barrios and their patients Janus Ong discussed the magnitude of be reactivated with the creation of more and hospitals in the Asia-Pacific Region from geographically challenging and Hepatitis B infection in the Philippines and programs on telehealth. The recent visit to and all over the world. TEMDEC is based isolated areas are the major recipients of how telehealth can be used as a control UP Manila of TEMDEC Director Prof. Shuji in Kyushu University Hospital in Japan. telemedicine for facilitating referrals and instrument. Since Hepatitis B accounts for Shimizu on June 14 was an opportunity for a TEMDEC has facilitated remote training consultations to specialists. He added that 10-17% of infections in the country and is reorientation on the programs and services of of surgeons, sharing of knowledge and mobile technology, such as Short Message the 4th leading cause of liver cancer and both institutions and updates on telehealth the spread of best practice across the Service or SMS, is the preferred method of 2nd cause of deaths due to cancer, there activities in their respective countries. world and the global network of national consultations since remote areas in the is need to educate the general population. “I want to reactivate our partnership and research and education networks. country do not have internet connection. Dr. Ong emphasized to focus on the lack create more programs,” affirmed Professor UP Manila Technology Transfer and “We have been lobbying for a of professionals trained for hepatitis care Shuji Shimizu. He recalled that 20 years Business Development Office Director and Telehealth Act in the Philippines, House and poor linkage to care. ago, there was a big change in the surgical former NThC Director Dr. Alvin Marcelo Bill 4199 as a step to further the capabilities “We were thinking maybe we could technology and, at the same time, a new kind recounted the start of the partnership of telehealth in the country,” affirmed use telehealth to increase access to of internet network dedicated to academic under then Chancellor Ramon Arcadio. Dr. Sarmiento, “We are highly interested Hepatitis B services so this can allow research and education was developed. “The chancellor saw that the endoscopic, in establishing a consistent exchange accessibility of persons,” stressed Dr. “This is why now, we can do a variety laparascopic, and invasive surgery domain program with TEMDEC.” Ong. “We can try to do this through of remote medical education using this was the “low-lying fruit” to do telemedicine.” Professor Nobuyuki Shimono and Ms. the engagement of community-based network,” he said. He enumerated the Dr. Marcelo was part of the team that Hitomi Mori discussed the use of telehealth physicians and community-based activities and achievements of TEMDEC, launched UP Manila's partnership with for infection control. Prof. Shimono centers.” (Charmaine Lingdas) such as telemedical conferences and TEMDEC. Under this partnership, IT

Understanding the health effects of nutrition and genetics Recognizing each individual’s response during a complex need, thus, they have a to a specific nutrient based on genetic more reactive and huge response to the background is the basis for the emerging body than nutrition, whereas nutrition concept of “precision nutrition” and how has a proactive and preventive response this field of study is leading to advances in that will take decades or longer. He stated nutrigenomics. that the combination of nutrients and As a follow up to a previous lecture on pharmaceuticals can be used to reduce the Sheryl Joyce B. Grijaldo from UP Manila was awarded 1st place in the Undergraduate Category nutrigenomics held in 2015, the College of side effects of precision nutrition. of the Research Poster Competition of the symposium with UP Manila Vice Chancellor Eva Public Health Department of Nutrition held “The precision concept is that we Cutiongco Dela Paz and Symposium Chair Dr. Ma Luisa Enriquez of De La Salle University. a symposium on precision nutrition with Dr. are not only talking about the genetic Randy Burd, Associate Vice President for background, but how the drug or food MMHRDC’s 1st International Symposium: Global Research Alliance, Assistant Director will get to the right cells and tissues, that of Distance and Global Initiatives and is the emerging area of precision nutrition, First Step to International Collaboration Professor of Natural Sciences, University of not just the genetic background but also The Metro Manila Health Research In addition to the plenary lectures, Arizona, USA,as speaker for the second time. localization.” and Development Consortium (MMHRDC), there were learning workshops on Dr. Burd explained that a physician Talking briefly on the effects of modern one of 17 regional health research systems Bioinformatics and Ethical Ethnologic normally prescribes medication to a agricultural practices on nutrition, he in the Philippines that oversees and Studies, as well as, collaborative patient without knowing the patient's pointed out that the micro-biota affects strengthens institutional collaboration writeshops led by Dr. Rosnani Binti genetic background. In some cases, there the nutrient value of food. “Fertilizer diets” in health research among its member- Hasham, Dr. Harisun BT Yaakob, Dr. Ma. are patients who experienced altered drug increase the macro nutrient of food but institutions, held its 1st International Luisa Enriquez, and Dr. Nemesio Montaño. metabolism and adverse side effects. decreases their microbial and micro Symposium and 8th Scientific Convention Companies and institutions that were “The concept of personalized nutrition nutrients. at the De La Salle University (DLSU) on featured at the event’s exhibits include or personalized medicine is that when we “We need to incorporate nutrigenomics May 25-26, 2017 with the theme “Nature- the Philippine Institute of Traditional get a drug, we are thinking of the genetic in ongoing studies, such as ecosystem, based Products and Therapies: From Soil and Alternative Healthcare (PITAHC), background. Knowing what the gene is-- innovation, and education,” concluded to Market.” MedTest, St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC), the gene makes proteins, has a metabolite Dr. Burd who emphasized the importance The event was attended by about 200 Metropolitan Medical Center-College of and a response. If given a more appropriate of exploring the paradigm of the nexus participants composed of the members Arts, Sciences, and Technology (MMC- drug, perhaps that patient as well will have involving climate and health. of the Consortium and other health CAST), University of the East – Ramon a normal drug response and minimal side Being a new field of study, UP Manila professionals from as far as Palawan Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center Inc. effects,” stressed Dr. Burd. Chancellor Carmencita Padilla talked of and even Surigao del Sur in Mindanao. It (UERMMMCI), University of the Philippines He also discussed the difference in the the possible areas for research studies and featured talks from both international and Manila-Research Ethics Board(UPMREB), effects of pharmaceuticals and nutrition. collaboration that precision nutrition can local speakers, particularly from Malaysia University of Santo Tomas (UST), and the Drugs or pharmaceuticals are utilized generate. (Charmaine Lingdas) and Singapore. mmhrdc | page 6 ► NO. 362 MARCH - APRIL 2017 3

Norman King: First Aeta Graduate Snap Shooter in UP Manila Amidst the sea of sablay-clad graduates, Norman C. King went up the stage donned in traditional g-string cloth to accept his diploma at the 108th UP Manila Commencement Rites held last June 21, 2017 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City. King was lauded as the first Aeta to graduate in UP Manila with the degree Norman King receiving his diploma from of BS Behavioral Science. Proud of his Chancellor Carmencita Padilla. identity as a native Aeta, King reiterated not easy. Though his student life was that wearing the “Lubay” during the thriving as he felt appreciation and ceremony is not for show. “It is a matter no discrimination in his stay in the of representing Aetas,” he explained. College of Arts and Sciences, he made “During the program, the Aeta several adjustments in his studies at the community was with me.” King grew university. He said he was not good in up in a settlement site in Angeles City, Math, making several efforts to pass the “Mas nanaisin ko ang makakilala ng mga matatanda lalo na’t katutubo. Sila ang simbulo ng katatagan Pampanga. He was only a year old when subject. at kaalaman ng ating kultura. Patunay na tayo ay may mga kaibahan ngunit nagbibigay kagandahan sa Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991, forcing With his perseverance, he achieved anumang lipi o lahi sa ating mahal na Pilipinas. Isang karangalan ang sila ay makadaupang-palad.” the Aetas of Inararo village to flee to the something not only he and his family Si Norman King, ang unang Aeta na nagtapos sa UP Manila, kasama ang isang katutubo mula sa Banawe lowlands. King is the eldest of seven. His but also his community and fellow Aetas na kanyang dinalaw nang silang mga mag-aaral ng Behavioral Studies ng College of Arts and Sciences ay nagkaroon ng “field work” sa Banawe, Ifugao. Photo by Isagani Malaya. parents could not afford to put them to can be proud of. After his graduation, he school at the same time. He had to work plans to write a book and study Law. his way through school. Norman King is also a photography Applicants now being accepted for King said that his journey as an enthusiast who goes by the name PhD in the Health Sciences by Research “Iskolar ng Bayan” in UP Manila was Isagani Malaya. (Charmaine Lingdas) The National Graduate Office researchers, and scientists to pursue for the Health Sciences of UP Manila higher learning, particularly with an is now accepting applicants for its interdisciplinary orientation. The discovery, centered on independent academic excellence through research new graduate program, PhD in the graduates of the program are expected study, sustained and skilled research and publication in the health sciences. It Health Sciences by Research. The new to lead the country’s efforts in discovery, effort, and scientific publication. It is offers an alternative method of learning program was approved by the UP research, innovation, and scientific designed to be more flexible and enabling, focused on generation of new knowledge Board of Regents on 23 February 2017. advancement that will address the in contrast to the regular PhD courses. and dissertation rather than a regular A first in the Philippines, the health issues of developing countries, The program will provide an course work. With the information program aims to create and sustain a form part of the academe, and produce opportunity for outstanding students from cyberspace providing theory and vibrant health research culture that will future scientists as well. with a master’s degree or its equivalent in content, there is a need to shift to more ensure optimal health for all Filipinos Moreover, the program is focused on the health and allied health professions experimental and in silico models to and encourage health professionals, the scientific investigation and knowledge to achieve high level of scholarship and produce new insights or new knowledge.

appreciation for those differences among the team.” Building An additional activity this year was the integration of adventure and learning relationships through challenging team activities and fun experiences that provided toward greater opportunities for training in areas of group/ team learning, leadership/management skills, and communication. In fact, such productivity activities emerged as a favorite among Allowing employees and those surveyed. administrators to spend time with each “We had so much fun during the other in a casual and open environment, Camp Inside Out activities. It was like and not in the formal and structured measuring your strength as an individual confines of the office, has become part and as a team. Those moments brought of UP Manila’s thrust toward building us so many lessons and realizations,” one camaraderie and teamwork toward respondent described how the activities greater productivity and harmony. went. Every year, UP Manila makes it a point “It helped develop more of the good to conduct a Teambuilding Activity for working relationships among members employees of its Central Administration and gave us experience to bond with offices that also serves as a break and different team members. The sense opportunity to recharge from the pressures of accomplishment after overcoming of work. For 2017, the activity was held on obstacles from different activities was June 22 and 23 at the Laiya Coco Grove fulfilling.” Resort in San Juan, Batangas. Apart from the teambuilding activities “We came back to the office as a team held in the afternoon of the first day, other with more open communication. We were activities that held the group together were able to tackle goals and projects as a unit the UP Manila Got Talent that showcased since we built such a strong bond with one the employees’ singing talents and another,” quipped employees of the Office fellowship led by UP Manila Chancellor of Organic Bids and Awards Committee. Carmencita Padilla. Others enthused: “Overall, we noticed The teambuilding was planned and that there was a positive and happy vibe organized by a committee chaired by and spirit in the entire team. Outside of Human Resource Development Office the office, teambuilding can create an Director Richard Javier. (Cynthia M Villamor) 4 college/unit beats UP MANILA NEWSLETTER www.upm.edu.ph

mentioned the realities that a new student problems, including contractualization, DSWD Sec Taguiwalo to CAS grads: starting at UP should see and discover. increased drop-out rate in basic education, Serve the people wholly and with humility Speaking this time in front of CAS street children, housing problems, lack graduates, Secretary Taguiwalo told them of access to medical care, war in Marawi, hindi hiwalay. Pinaaral tayo ng bayan at that a UP education should have opened war on drugs, terrorism, and martial law in dapat lamang na paglingkuran natin sila. their eyes to society’s ills and transformed Mindanao, among others. She challenged Ito ang pinakamahalagang paninindigan them from idealistic young first year the graduates to fight or flight, but natin bilang Iskolar ng Bayan.” students to accomplished graduates. reminded that flight is not synonymous Thus declared Social Welfare and She hoped that they had matured with to going abroad but being blind to the Development Secretary (DSWD) and confidence and integrity and can stand realities that the nation is grappling with. UP alumna Judy Taguiwalo when she and contribute to solutions to the issues “Linawin natin na ang pagtakas ay addressed the 423 graduates of the UP and concerns facing the country. hindi katumbas ng pangingibang bansa Manila College of Arts and Sciences during The DSWD secretary stated that kundi ang pagiging bulag sa realidad ng a recognition ceremony held on June 20 at the essence of public education is ating bayan,” she explained as she urged the UP Theater, UP Diliman, Quezon City. accountability to the people, not just to the graduates to always remember that A social worker, educator, and human parents or private benefactors, but to as scholars of the people, the recognition rights advocate, the DSWD Secretary the nation who awaits their service to its they receive is meaningless if not used in addressed the new graduates of CAS as communities and the people. the service of the Filipinos. survivors of a difficult journey filled with “Nagtitiwala ako na natutunan ninyo Of the total graduates, 354 received trials and obstacles. She recognized the sa loob o labas man ng mga classooms ng their undergraduate degrees and 69 sacrifices and support of their parents, Rizal Hall ang malawak na kahirapan at their graduate degrees. Thirty six were guardians and loved ones and also kakulangan ng oportunidad ng nakararami recognized as magna cum laude and 102 DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo acknowledged the role that CAS faculty sa ating bayan na may pinag-uugatan,” as cum laude. This year’s top graduate she declared. was Scott Dean P. De Sagon, a BS Biology “Tayo sa UP ay Iskolar ng Bayan at and staff played during the students’ Graft and corruption, according to her, magna cum laude graduate who also hindi Iskolar para sa Bayan. Malaki ang education. She reminisced on her speech could be attributed to poor governance. delivered the valedictory address. (Dina A. pagkakaiba nito. Bahagi tayo ng bayan at to the first year students of UP Manila during a welcome ceremony for them in 2009. She She enumerated the nation’s many Estanislao)

Like his fellow graduates, Scott Dean 30 awardees for this year. He is now among De Sagon, a BS Biology magna cum laude the 800 awardees during the past years of graduate from the College of Arts and the program’s existence who are part of a Sciences, believes that UP Manila changed new generation of leaders who engage in significantly the students' perspective of and address competitive issues in science, society and had a huge effect on the way research, and technology development they viewed the things happening around to help create a lasting impact in society. them. (Charmaine Lingdas) This is his message on behalf of Class 2017 at UP Manila’s 108th Commencement upm grad from page 1... Exercises held at the Philippine Dentistry, 36; College of Medicine, International Convention Center, Pasay 206; College of Nursing, 52; College of City on June 21, 2017. In his speech, Pharmacy, 136; College of Public Health, he congratulated his fellow graduates; 145; National Teacher Training Center for acknowledged the support and guidance the Health Professions, 26; and School of of parents, guardians, and professors; and Health Sciences, 139. spoke of the three key takeaways on the life BS Biology magna cum laude graduate Scott Dean De Sagon receives his diploma from Chancellor Carmencita Padilla and Dean Leonardo Estacio One of the graduates was an Aeta lessons students learned from UP Manila. native from Pampanga who is the first Aeta "The first key takeaway is how we value Top grad cites key life lessons from a UP education to have completed a UP education (please the truth above anything else," stated De see separate article). He received his Sagon. He emphasized the necessity of change." He emphasized that UP trained its Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Leslie certificate garbed in his native costume... deliberating information. As in the case of students to be excellent in their respective Dalmacio and attended by Vice Chancellor a lubay or more popularly known as social media where there is rampant spread fields, to be critical in assessing socio- Nymia P. Simbulan, Prof. Josephine Agapito, G-string from President Concepcion and of fake news and misinformation, he said it political issues, and to be active thinkers Sagon’s thesis adviser, CAS Associate Dean UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla. is important to verify the truth and counter and doers of innovative solutions. for Academic Affairs Ma. Constancia Carrillo, The top graduate, Scott Dean De check the source before sharing things. He “I hope our willingness to serve the CAS College Secretary Andrea Martinez, Sagon, is a magna cum laude BS Biology stated that as a student, they learned not to people will not be tarnished but keep on Department of Biology Chair Elena Ragragio, graduate, who responded on behalf of tolerate any form of intellectual dishonesty burning. This is the legacy that will leave us, and other faculty members and students the graduating class (please see Top Grad because they were taught "to value honor and it is our responsibility to give back to our of the CAS Department of Biology and CM on this page). before excellence." countrymen.” Department of Biochemistry and Molecular The graduates took their oathas new "UP taught us that no matter how The top UPM graduate is a member of Biology (DBMB). De Sagon conducted his alumni of the university before UP Alumni unpleasant the truth is, it warrants to be the International Honor Society of Phi Kappa thesis at DBMB under the supervision of Dr. Association President Ramon Maronilla defended from corruption, but it also Phi, Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Francisco Heralde. and UP Manila Alumni Association enforces actions to bring about change in Society, UP Biological Sciences Society, and This is the first time UP Manila President Rene Madarang. our society." AIESEC in University of the Philippines Manila; nominated a student for the BPI-DOST For the first time, a coalition of UP The second key takeaway is "sparking Vice President for External Affairs, UP Biology Science Award. The BPI Foundation, in Manila choirs, dubbed One UP Manila a difference became a crucial task." He said Majors Association; Secretary-General, partnership with the Department of Science Choir, provided musical numbers during that UP made students aware of the issues Biology Majors Association of the Philippines. and Technology (DOST), mounts this the intermission. Members of the UP and the injustices happening in the country. De Sagon was bestowed the Bank annual BPI-DOST Science Awards to inspire Manila Chorale, UP Med Choir, and some Through educational discussions, forums, of the Philippine Islands-Department of and recognize the most outstanding young college choirs expressed appreciation to and talks, students were enlightened on the Science and Technology (BPI-DOST) Science scientists and innovators from across the UP through the song “Salamat UP” while current state of the country. Award for his academic achievements and Philippines. For this year, the 2017 BPI-DOST visuals of the university’s programs and "UP prompts us to actively participate thesis entitled “Cytotoxicity of Ten Philippine Science Awards centered on the theme, services were being flashed in the LED in these discussions and to take action that Medicinal Plants (10HG) on the A549 Lung "Building Resilient Cities for Sustainable wall. will eventually cease the oppression." Carcinoma Cell Line" on April 4, 2017 at Development”, in which 30 brilliant The ceremony was attended by De Sagon asserted that the third and the Mind Museum in Taguig City. A brief students from 13 partner universities were Commissioner Patricia Licuanan of the most important lesson that students will recognition ceremony was also held at UP recognized for their outstanding research Commission on Higher Education, UP remember is “UP fought for basic human Manila on May 8, 2017, coinciding with the and technology that contribute to the body System officials, members of the Board rights.” University visit of BPI Foundation Executive of sustainable solutions. of Regents, UP Manila officials, and some "As the Iskolar ng Bayan, we are called Director Ms. Fidelina A. Corcuera. The De Sagon received an additional officials of other UP campuses. (Cynthia on to take the role of a catalyst for social program was facilitated by Assistant to the award for being in the Top 12 among the M. Villamor) NO. 362 MARCH - APRIL 2017 5

55 complete Leadership for Convergence program of DSWD-CPH The College of Public Health completed four two-day modules with awarded Certificates of Completion three practicum periods held from August to 55 participants of the Leadership to November 2016. The modules focused for Convergence Program (LCP) of on developing participants to becoming the Department of Social Welfare and bridging leaders. Development (DSWD) National Capital The CPH is the identified Academic Region Field Office on May 18 at the DSWD Partner for NCR and Region IV-A Offices Central Office, Quezon City. of DSWD for the convergence program. It DSWD Assistant Secretary should be recalled that in 2008, the DSWD Marilou Turalde-Jarabe graced the event carried out its reform agenda to establish and emphasized the role of the program the department as a leader in social in “converging” the two lead programs protection, as it adopted a convergence namely the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino strategy to create synergy among its The participants of the Leadership for Convergence Program with faculty members of the College of Public Health. Photo taken from the CPH website. Program and the Sustainable Livelihood programs. This initiative signaled a new Program. The highlight of the ceremony way of doing business in DSWD and the competencies among directors, assistant Program of the Department of Health was the sharing of life journeys of four need to modify perspectives, frameworks, directors and division chiefs, these had to Regions IV-A and V in coordination with the selected graduates. They narrated operations, systems, and human resource be rationalized to address the leadership Zuellig Family Foundation, and the Angat- how LCP has changed themselves, the requirements. competency requirements of DSWD. It Buhay Luzon Cluster in coordination with team to which they belong to, and their In pursuing these changes, the entered into partnerships with universities the Office of the Vice President and Seaoil stakeholders, especially the beneficiaries. Department recognized that it had to and other institutions to increase the Foundation Inc. The graduates come from two batches enhance its leadership competencies to capability of its social protection workers All three training programs revolve of Team and Assistant Team Leaders of the better respond to transformation and on leadership. in the Bridging Leadership Framework City/Municipal Action Teams across the take on more programs. While DSWD The CPH is also the academic partner developed by the Zuellig Family Foundation. National Capital Region. They successfully provides trainings to enhance managerial of the Health Leadership for Governance (Contributed by Dr. Paul Michael Hernandez) up president from page 1... to one another in the language of civility. ang aangat at gaganda. Umaasa silang I find it even more vital to recreate the gaganda at iinam din ang mga buhay University as a special space, a common nila. Ang taong bayan ay hindi humihingi ground, within which we can all work ng kabayaran mula sa inyo. Subalit sila ay together. umaasa na sa inyong paglipad paitaas, My executive staff and I have been maalala naman ninyo na sila, maaalala preparing the Strategic Plan that will guide naman ninyo na sila ay lingapin at bigyan ng my administration over the next six years. pagpapahalaga. Because it requires extensive deliberation Ang bulok na bungang isasama sa and consultation, it remains a work in kaing ng mga mahusay at maganda ay progress, the details of which we will be siyang tunay na sisira sa kanilang lahat sharing with you before too long. But I can na. Huwag sanang kayo ang magsilbing tell you now that we will seek to create an bulok na bunga na sa halip na magpabuti enabling environment within which we can sa bayan ay siya pang magdudulot ng mas perform as a University at our full potential. masamang kapalaran. If there is anything I firmly believe in, it Pahalagahan ninyo ang edukasyong Chancellor Carmencita Padilla presents a plaque of appreciation to President Danilo Concepcion. is in the value of productive labor—whether ibinahagi namin sa inyo dito sa UP. Huwag This is why UP Manila has produced I tell you this story not only because that labor takes place in the classroom, the nawa ninyong makalimutan na kayo ay world-class doctors, world-class dentists, being with you today in a sense fulfills a laboratory, the boardroom, the community, higit na mas mapalad sa karamihan. Hindi nurses, pharmacists, and so on and so forth. childhood dream (parang doctor na ako or the global arena. We have to find ways lahat ng kabataan ay biniyayaan ng katulad UP Manila exemplifies what a 21st kunwari), but also to show that as significant in which to work, and work together we ng inyong kapalaran. Noong kayo ay century university should be: an institution as your graduation today is, you may never should, despite and away from the growing nagpasiya na pumasok at mag-aral sa UP, with a special strength in a highly know for sure what your future will be until toxicity of both national and campus huwag ninyog kalilimutan na may Pilipino, competitive and absolutely vital field, you get there. politics. katumbas ng bawat isa sa inyo, na nawalan anchored on solid humanistic values and You will forever be inquisitive, I do not mean to suggest that we will ng pagkakataong makapasok at makapag- principles, and open to a diverse array of independent, assertive, ever ready to turn stop having or expressing opinions. Debate aral dito. talents and interests. challenge into opportunity. These hallmarks and dissent are as much a part of UP tradition Lubos na nakapanghihinayang kung This brings me to a personal confession of a UP education you will bear with you as the Oblation and the Lantern Parade. As ang edukasyong maari sana naging kanila, I have to make: When I was a little school boy whatever career path you may choose, and one writer puts it, “there is unanimity only ay hindi ninyo pahahalagahan at hindi ninyo (I’m still little anyway), I wanted to become wherever those paths may lead you. That in the graveyard.” But I surmise that at the gagamitin para sa kaunlaran ng bayan. a doctor, a doctor of medicine. A surgeon, education will be the anchor from which end of the day, nothing achieves more than Huwag sana ninyong sayangin actually. Sadly, my dream was frustrated you can pivot into anything you want to be. concrete action. Why, talk and analyze our ang inyong natutunan; sana ay gamitin by life’s circumstances. My father was a bus In my case, it was UP and the College problems to death, when our time might ninyo ito nang tama at wasto tungo driver, and my mother struggled to raise of Law that allowed me to realize my life’s be spent seeking workable and consensual sa kapakinabangan, hindi lamang ng seven of us on our father’s meager income. mission, that is to learn and to use the law solutions. inyong sarili at pamilya, kundi tungo sa I myself was a working student, and half of for public service, and later on when I was Much has been said about UP kapakinabangan ng buong sambayanan. what I earned went to helping put my three dean and professor in the UP College of graduates being iskolar ng bayan. Tuwang- Tunay, hindi naghihintay ng kabayaran younger siblings through school. So when Law, to produce more outstanding lawyers tuwa tayo at ipinagmamalaki na tayo ay mula sa inyo ang ating mga kababayan. I applied for a college scholarship with the in the grand manner, as we like to say in the mga skolar ng bayan. Tunay kayong mga Subalit sila ay labis na malulugod, National Science Development Board, I College of Law. More recently, that mission iskolar ng bayan sapagkat gumugol ang magagalak, at hindi naman tatanggi, kung was asked to pick from a list of approved has become even more complex, as I now ating pamahalaan ng salapi mula sa kaban kayo ay magsusukli nang taos-puso sa science courses. I was so sad because the have to deal not only with a college, not ng bayan upang kayo ay makapagtapos sa kanila. list did not include medicine, I needed a even just a university, but an entire university inyong pag-aaral. Kayo ay mga paaral ng Bago ako lumisan, hayaan ninyong scholarship to go to college and I needed system. taong bayan. bigkasin ko ang mga salitang isinulat ng to support myself and my siblings. I could I have to admit that it’s a daunting Subalit huwag ninyong ituring na ang ating pambansang bayani na si Gat Jose not let go of my scholarship. So I chose responsibility, especially in an environment inyong edukasyon ay isang utang na dapat Rizal: “Ang buhay na hindi inilaan sa isang agricultural engineering in a school I could increasingly characterized by vicious niyong pagbayaran sa taongbayan. Ito ay dakilang layunin, ay katulad ng isang easily commute to, and only later did I take political polarization. But precisely inihandog ng taong bayan sa inyo ng buong bato na nagkalat sa kaparangan. Hindi up law at UP. because many people—even respectable puso sa pag-asang sa pagkakamit niyo ng nagkapalad maging bahagi ng anumang academics—no longer seem able to speak husay at galing. Hindi lamang buhay ninyo gusali.” 6 awards and recognition UP MANILA NEWSLETTER www.upm.edu.ph

2 UPM profs conferred the PRC Outstanding Professional Award

Two faculty members of UP Manila Integrated Midwives Association of Editors, Immediate Past President of the were conferred the 2017 Outstanding the Philippines, Philippine Medical Asia Pacific Association of Medical Editors, Professional of the Year Award by the Association, Philippine Nurses Director of the World Association of Professional Regulation Commission Association) were pre-screened by a Medical Editors, and member of (PRC) in their respective fields. panel of judges to select the “Outstanding Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesesefragen They were Dr. Jose Florencio F. Accredited Professional Organization” Cranio Maxillo Facial. Lapeña, Jr., former UP Manila Vice and “6th Nubla Excellence Awardee.” The Professor Manalang is awarded for Chancellor for Administration and winners are usually announced at the her distinguished contribution in the field President of the Asia Pacific Association of climax of the awards night. of physical therapy, through her exemplar Medical Journal Editors, who was chosen For the first time in 44 years, the grand service as a leader-advocate of the Outstanding Professional of the Year in slam went to the Medical Profession physical therapy profession, occupational the field of Medicine and Prof. Gayline as the Board of Medicine was selected health educator, and chronobiology F. Manalang Jr. of the UP Manila College “Outstanding Professional Regulatory researcher in the Philippines. of Public Health (CPH) as Outstanding Board,” the Philippine Medical Association A UP Manila alumna (BS Physical Professional of the Year in the field of was named “Outstanding Professional Therapy 2001 and Master of Occupational Physical Therapy. The conferment Organization,” and the “2017 Outstanding Health 2006), Professor Manalang started ceremony was held on June 23 at the Physician,” Dr. Lapeña, was adjudged the her career as a research assistant at the Manila Hotel. 6th Nubla Excellence Awardee. College of Allied Medical Professions. Dr. Jose Florencio F. Lapeña, Jr Dr. Lapeña, an Otorhinolaryngologist, Dr. Lapeña is the first Nubla Excellence She is currently Assistant Professor at was honored “for having amply awardee from UP Manila. He was cited “for CPH’s Department of Environmental and demonstrated professional competence his distinguished contribution in the field Occupational Health, Program Leader of the of the highest degree and conducted of Medicine, his exemplary service in his chronobiology research group PhilSHIFT, himself with integrity in the exercise of profession as a dedicated academician, and lead proponent of the Philippine his profession, participated meaningfully empowering medical educator and Chronotype and Social Jetlag Survey. in the advancement of the profession, inspiring mentor; widely-published A Lifetime Member and former and contributed significantly to the multidisciplinary scientist-researcher and President of the Philippine Physical effective discharge of the profession's prolific writer; internationally recognized, Therapy Association, Inc., her professional social responsibility through meaningful multi-awarded editor and reviewer; and milestones, most recently through contribution/participation in social- compassionate, committed, community- collaborative endeavors to study human related activities." oriented physician and subspecialist chronotypes across the country, are As Outstanding Physician, he joined surgeon showing his commitment and testaments to her unique and outstanding 42 other awardees in their respective professionalism in his field.” career as a Filipino physical therapist. fields. Of these, Dr. Lapeña and the rest Dr. Lapeña is the Past President of The PRC is the government agency of the top five became candidates for the Pasay Parañaque Medical Society, mandated to administer licensure the Nubla Excellence Award. The Nubla Standing Committee Chair of the Philippine examinations to aspiring Filipino Awardee is chosen from among the top five Medical Association, Fellow of the professionals. It regulates professional Outstanding Professionals based on their Philippine College of Surgeons, Fellow of practice in partnership with Professional contributions to and impact on society. the Philippine Society of Otolaryngology– Regulatory Boards (PRBs) that govern These top five Outstanding Head and Neck Surgery, Fellow of the 43 professions in the fields of health, Professionals as well as the top four Philippine Academy for Head and Neck business, education, social sciences, Prof. Gayline F. Manalang Jr. Accredited Professional Organizations Surgery, Past President of the Philippine engineering and technology. Together most accomplished Filipino professionals in Category A (Institute of Integrated Society of Audiology, President of the with the PRBs and esteemed societies and professional organizations annually. Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Medical Journal of the professions, PRC recognizes the (Fedelynn M. Jemena)

mmhrdc from page 2... stated that the symposium is an Dr. Marcelo elected host, De La Salle University. encouraging step towards the MMHRDC’s Competitions were also held during goal of serving as a stronger platform to member of int’l the two-day event. The first was a Research build research and partnerships that is honor society of Poster Competition divided into three very important for research. She added categories: Undergraduate Students, that researchers from different institutions health informatics Graduate Students, and Faculty/Senior and settings need to increasingly work Researchers. The Undergraduate Student together as a consortium very much like Dr. Alvin Marcelo, a general and category was won by Ms. Sheryl Joyce what the MMHRDC provides as such are trauma surgeon, executive director of the B. Grijaldo et al, from UP Manila. The especially valuable for health research Asia eHealth Information Network, and Graduate Student category was won because they offer interdisciplinary former director of the UP Manila National by Mr. Neil Jade G. Palude et al, from expertise and pooling of resources. Telehealth Center (NThC), has been elected St. Luke’s College of Medicine while the UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Member of the International Academy of Professional Category was won by Ms. Research and National Institutes of Health Sciences Informatics (IAHSI). of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Rikkamae Zinca Marie L. Walde et al, from Health Executive Director Dr. Eva Maria The IAHSI was established to recognize Marcelo also manages the International Department of Science and Technology Cutiongco-De La Paz delivered the closing expertise in the biomedical and health Open Source Network for ASEAN+3, a centre Industrial Technology and Development remarks. informatics internationally. On June 6, 2017, of excellence in free and/or open source Institute (DOST-ITDI). it concluded a lengthy election process of software established by the United Nations The second was a free-for-all UP MANILA NEWSLETTER living leaders in health informatics worldwide Development Program and advises the THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Photography Competition won by Dr. UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA who became the first class of IAHSI. Community Health Information Tracking Fernando P. Solidum, a faculty/senior Before his election as IAHSI member, Dr. System (or CHITS). researcher from the Pamantasan ng EDITORIAL STAFF Marcelo was senior vice-president and chief He was a Stockholm Challenge Lungsod ng Maynila College of Medicine. information officer of the Philippine Health finalist in the health category in 2006. He The event was opened by DLSU The UP Manila Newsletter is published bimonthly Insurance Corporation. As NThC director is the Philippine representative to the Asia by the Information, Publication, and Public Affairs President Bro. Raymundo B. Suplido. Office (IPPAO), 8th floor, Philippine General Hospital and UP Manila College of Medicine Medical Pacific Association for Medical Informatics For the welcome remarks, UP Manila Central Block Building, Taft Avenue, Manila, with tel Informatics Unit Chief, he established the and the International Medical Informatics Chancellor Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla no. 554-8400 local 3842 and email address upm- Master of Science in Health Informatics Association. Dr Marcelo is certified in the [email protected]. Dr. Erlyn A. Sana, Editorial Consultant; Cynthia M. Villamor, Editor; and conducted local and international governance of enterprise IT (CGEIT - www. Fedelynn M. Jemena, Cynthia M. Viillamor, researches in the field of eHealth and health isaca.org), The Open Group Architecture Anne Loren Claire A. Santos, January Kanindot, information systems development. Framework (TOGAF - www.opengroup.org), Charmaine A. Lingdas, Anne Marie D. Alto, Staffwriters; Joseph A. Bautista, Photographer; He took his postdoctoral fellowship in and Archimate, and COBIT5 Implementation. upmanilaofficial @upmanilaonline upmanilachannel Sigrid G. Cabiling, Circulation Officer. medical informatics at the National Library (Fedelynn M. Jemena)