UP Law Dean Is 21St up President

No. 359 November - December 2016

UP Law dean is 21st UP President lawyer-professor-broadcaster for its personnel, to defining its role in as a way to increase quality of education who had served UP and other nation-building. We need to be organic in such schools by providing scholarships universities in varied capacities will intellectuals who are willing to immerse to students who, after graduation will be Asucceed UP President Alfredo Pascual as ourselves in the concrete challenges required to teach in these schools. This its 21st president. He will start his term being faced by our constituents. Honor will increase the quality of education in on February 10, 2017. and excellence with compassion should these schools and make it comparable Atty. Danilo Concepcion, Dean of the be the next UP president’s clarion call to to those in Metro Manila that will in turn, UP College of Law, was elected by the UP encourage the UP community in serving increase the number of UPCAT passers Board of Regents in a special meeting the Filipino people.” from the provinces. held on November 15, 2016. Before During the public forum where all He intends to study the possibility the election, all six candidates were nominees presented their vision-mission, of free tuition for students in exchange interviewed by the Regents before the plans, and programs for the next six for the Return Service Agreement and to secret voting was made. years, Concepcion espoused the culture require more return government service The other five candidates were UP Vice of compassion within the university for beneficiaries of free tuition. President for Academic Affairs and professor to cultivate and nurture the Iskolar ng “A free UP education is an investment of science Gisela Concepcion, Department Bayan, as UP students, are called. He for the country’s development,” he stated of Science and Technology Undersecretary stated that his leadership will be one of during the forum. and professor of electrical and electronics consultation with different sectors to “Every program or project, be it engineering Rowena Guevarra, UP Diliman be able to create that culture of critical curricular or research, should address UP President-elect Atty. Danilo Concepcion Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Benito dialogue in order to address pertinent the needs and problems of the nation and attract more enrollees. He plans to Pacheco, former UP Diliman Chancellor matters that concern the welfare of the and the Filipinos.” revisit the admission process, socialized Caesar Saloma, UP Vice President for Public students, academic community, and On the proposed RSA implementation tuition scheme, and the Revised General Affairs and Commission on Higher Education administrative staff. In order to actualize in all UP campuses, Concepcion noted its Education Program. Commissioner J. Prospero de Vera. this, he stated the need to adhere to the “messy” enforcement and the need for a “We want to ensure that the In his vision statement, Dean tenets of transparency, accountability, thorough study of the program. So far, education that students get from UP Concepcion stated: “the task of the next and objectivity. only UP Manila of the UP autonomous is holistic and relevant, help them president is to ensure that UP remains On a question asked during the campuses is requiring students of its appreciate that all branches of knowledge true to its ideals. The essence of UP, forum on how to improve the health colleges to render a return service perfectly complement each other and he explained, is not merely to transmit implementation of the UP Charter within two years after graduation. how they can better excel in their fields knowledge, but to serve the nation; and stipulation, “No qualified student should Concepcion plans to strengthen the by being exposed to the techniques, this sense of mission should pervade be denied access to a UP education,” the graduate programs of UP by enticing disciplines, and paradigms of their peers all fronts of the university’s functions UP president-elect mentioned a program more foreign students that will, in turn, in other fields,” he explained. from educating its students, to caring to identify feeder schools in the provinces help reduce the tuition for such programs (New UP President/page 2)

UP Resilience Institute created; needs new research and extension fellows CAMP alumnus he Board of Regents approved 2016, UP Pres. Alfredo Pascual invited full- budget of the Institute program or project a TOYPW awardee the establishment of the new time faculty members to become research where s/he is engaged (e.g., honoraria, UP Resilience Institute (Rl) at the and extension fellows. professional fees, and other compensation rof. Abelardo Apollo I. David, Jr., TUniversity of the Philippines for Disaster Approximately 20% of the system-wide commensurate and applicable to the BS Physical Therapy graduate of Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) total number of regular full-time academic involvement of the Fellow or Junior the UP Manila College of Allied PMedical Professions, is one of the and appointed Professor Benito M. staff from all the regular academic units Fellow); Research Load Credit may also be 2016 Pacheco as its first Executive Director. It of UP shall be targeted to have additional applicable. Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the shall have the following functions and appointments at the RI as Research The first batch shall be given the World awardees. He was recognized in the programs concerning multi-hazard, multi- and Extension Fellow or Research and additional appointment for the 2nd field of Humanitarian and/or Voluntary disciplinary, multi-sectoral, comprehensive Extension Junior Fellow without additional Semester and Midyear of 2016-2017, i.e. Leadership. DRRM: (1) Research and Creative Work: compensation. Within this human resource January-July 2017, subject to renewal in Admired for his ability to translate undertake policy research, action research, pool, every semester, each fellow or junior the following academic year. Every full- theories and principles into action, and interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary fellow, with commensurate involvement in time regular faculty member of UP who is Professor Abelardo Apollo David, Jr. has research or creative work; (2) Knowledge the activities of the Resilience Institute, shall eligible and available to affiliate with the demonstrated his strong commitment Sharing: disseminate research findings, be devoting on average approximately Resilience Institute as Fellow or Junior to providing disabled youth with the creative works and innovations; (3) 25% of his/her regular academic load. Fellow is encouraged to communicate most optimal treatment available in a Education: establish non-degree Hence, UP shall be devoting about 5% his/her Expression of Interest by emailing socially inclusive environment. At the age educational programs and support degree of its combined regular full-time human directly to: [email protected] of 26, David pioneered the Independent programs within the UP System; (4) resource as a constant active pool of to the attention of Professor Pacheco. Living Learning Centre, one of the largest Institution Building: improve the capability scholars for the programs and services of For the guidelines, please go to www. private schools for children with special of the UP System as an agent of change for the Resilience Institute. upm.edu.ph on the memorandum on needs in the Philippines; this school helps disaster resilience in the Philippines and The memo stipulates that a Fellow the invitation for research and extension students to transition into the job force. the Pacific Rim region. or Junior Fellow shall receive funding fellows. Knowing that the majority of disabled In a memorandum dated Dec. 20, and logistical support according to the Filipino children come from poor families, (Camp alumnus/page 3) 2 UP MANILA NEWSLETTER www.upm.edu.ph

Workshop on clinical geriatrics and gerontology for health professionals and educators held and educators in the implementation During the second day, the participants. The volunteers appreciated of the required inclusion of geriatrics in participants were divided into two the CGA as they felt empowered. the curriculum of medical and nursing groups. Simultaneous sessions namely From a total of 156 delegates from schools. At the end of the workshop, the CGA workshop (Day 2A) and Common various academic health institutions, 40% participants were able to recognize the Problems and Geriatric Syndromes in were from UP Manila, including PGH. The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment the Community and Outpatient (Day 2B) overall rating of the workshop ranged from (CGA) as an essential tool in the system- were conducted. Day 2A participants good to very good with the suggestion that based delivery of healthcare for older who were mostly doctors, nurses, and more trainings and workshops like this persons, understand their role in the educators were further grouped into five be conducted to achieve more effective general assessment, care coordination, multi-disciplinary teams. Each group health care delivery for the increasing and improvement of quality of care and practiced the use of the CGA utilizing population of the older sector. outcomes of older persons and demonstrate the official PGH CGA form. The groups The training workshop was the application of the CGA in developing a had volunteer patients who were retired spearheaded by Institute of Aging Director plan of care for an elderly patient. UP Manila employees and members of Dr. Shelley Ann V. De la Vega. It was During the first day, the participants Club 20. Informed consent was ensured partially funded by the Philippine Council took the pretest and were given prior to the assessment. Feedbacks for Health Research and Development Participants get to see how the Comprehensive comprehensive lectures on assessment from the volunteers on their experience and PGH. (Contributed by Josephine D. Geriatric Assessment tool is actually applied in of older patients using the CGA, their during the assessment were shared with Agapito) evaluating and developing a plan of care for common syndromes and communication elderly patients. problems, nutrition status assessment, he mandate that all government gait balance functional status, and hospitals must have a Geriatric physical and neurologic, including Ward and the recent approval environment and socio-economic status. Tof Memorandum Order No. 18 that Other topics were anthropometric stipulates the inclusion of Geriatrics in the measurements, CGA as research tool medical curriculum provided the impetus and plan of care, elder abuse as well as for the conduct of a Training-Workshop management of nutritional problems, on Clinical Geriatrics and Gerontology for dementia and depression and prevention Healthcare Professionals and Educators. of falls and fractures. All attendees were The workshop was held by the Institute encouraged to actively participate at the of Aging under the National Institutes of end of each lecture to ensure attainment Health on October 24-25, 2016 at the UP of training workshop goals. Resource Manila Social Hall. speakers for various topics were all health The goal of the training-workshop care professionals with specific expertise Institute of Aging Director and workshop overall chairperson Dr. Shelley Ann Dela Vega briefs the was to assist healthcare professionals in their line of work. participants on the goals and activities of the workshop

Health inequities tackled by health experts P Manila actively participated in the countries are found to be preventable, recent workshop jointly undertaken the workshop provided the participants by the National Academy of Science with strategies and insights on how to Uand Technology Philippines, Academy of document and address health inequities Sciences Malaysia and Nigerian Academy through action on social determinants. It of Sciences under the InterAcademy allowed them to explore evidence-based Partnership (IAP) for Health (previously advocacies with government in tackling known as the InterAcademy Medical Panel) health challenges and various health last 3-4 October 2016 at the Manila Hotel. effects of systematic social inequities. This was attended by participants from Dr. Fely Marilyn E. Lorenzo, professor several countries. of Health Policy and Management at The two-day workshop provided an UP Manila, synthesized the discussions. opportunity to health leaders, academics, National Scientist, Ramon Magsaysay economists, social scientists, educators Awardee and UPM University Professor and policy makers to learn about the Emeritus Ernesto O. Domingo, member of UP Manila Chancellor and workshop Organizing Committee Chair Dr. Carmencita Padilla (front row center) review process of social determinants of with health leaders, educators, economists, social scientists, and policy makers from several countries in NAST PHL Health Sciences Division, gave health and develop a work plan to take the the health inequities forum the closing remarks. project forward in their own country. The The organizing committee was output of the workshop will be presented the social, economic, environmental, and Academy, national academies of science chaired by Academician Carmencita D. to IAP for Health for possible dissemination demographic factors within the Association and medicine in the ASEAN region, private Padilla, member of NAST PHL Health to the other member academies. of Southeast Asian Nations region and (2) institutions, and government participated Sciences Division and Chancellor of the UP The workshop was mainly focused formulating recommendations and moving in this workshop. Manila. (Joy Deanon) on (1) determining the issues on the social forward interventions with intersectoral As systematic differences in health determinants of health (SDH) in light of collaboration. Representatives from the and life expectancy between and within

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New UP President from page 1... faculty should feel proud and dignified passing the Bar Examinations as a UP MANILA NEWSLETTER THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Recalling his time as associate dean even after their service to the university.” topnotcher. He later earned his Master of UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA of the UP College of Law, he promised He pledged a stronger support for Laws at the University of London in 1986, to address the need to regularize athletics because he considers athletes’ as a British government scholar. He hosts EDITORIAL STAFF contractuals and continue and even victories not only as a source of pride and a radio program “Usapang Campanilla” The UP Manila Newsletter is published bimonthly by the explore the expansion of the health joy but as an effective way to mobilize over DZMM where he gives free legal Information, Publication, and Public Affairs Office (IPPAO), maintenance card that UP Pres. Alfredo alumni support for UP. advice to listeners. 8th floor, Philippine General Hospital Central Block Building, Taft Avenue, Manila, with tel no. 554-8400 local Pascual had started. He believes that The new UP president finished For more details on Dean 3842 and email address [email protected]. benefits between the academic and Agricultural Engineering, summa cum Concepcion’s vision statement and Dr. Erlyn A. Sana, Editorial Consultant; Cynthia M. administrative employees should be the laude, at the De La Salle Araneta- curriculum vitae as submitted to the Villamor, Editor; Fedelynn M. Jemena, Cynthia M. Viillamor, Anne Loren Claire A. Santos, January R. same. University in 1979, topping the board Search Committee for the Next UP Kanindot, Charmaine A. Lingdas, Anne Marie D. Alto, “There should be an office to prepare examination. He graduated from the President, please go to www.up.edu.ph Staffwriters; Joseph A. Bautista, Photographer; faculty members for retirement. Our UP College of Law, cum laude, in 1983, Sigrid G. Cabiling, Circulation Officer. NO. 359 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2016 3

CAMP foundation celebration focuses on CAMP alumni from page 1... internationalization programs

Prof. Abelardo Apollo-David with child patients and workers of the Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Adults and Children with Handicap Foundation (REACH). he established the Rehabilitation and free medicine, therapy, education, thus Empowerment of Adults and Children with improving their quality of life. University of Sydney Dean Kathryn Refshauge and UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla exchange Handicap Foundation (REACH). David is also a 2012 The Outstanding copies of the signed memorandum of agreement for an academic partnership that includes the conduct of research workshops, graduate and undergraduate education, and faculty and student exchange. In addition, David helped launch Young Men (TOYM) awardee. TheraFREE, a national volunteer Each year, JCI honors 10 outstanding The celebration of the 55th year of of international meetings, conferences, program that sends therapists to remote young people worldwide under the age of the College of Allied Medical Professions and workshops). A report presented communities to perform free services. 40. These young active citizens exemplify from November 7-11, 2016 had the theme by former CAMP Dean and Prof. Maria Recognized as both a visionary and as an the spirit of the JCI Mission and provide “CAMP Towards Internationalization.” Concepcion Cabatan on CAMP’s recent authority in the field, David’s programs exemplary service to their communities, During the opening program, UP Office internationalization initiatives showed have provided disabled children with serving as honorable young active citizens. of Institutional Linkages Deputy Director that several memoranda of understanding Aaron Joseph Villaraza talked on the and agreement were signed. These Activity and Sports Participation for web-streamed lecture to SLU students on internationalization programs of OIL were with the University of Sydney (US) Improving Health Outcomes” was hosted October 7, 2015. A joint research project and provided a toolkit for the CAMP’s in Australia, Seton Hall University (SHU) by the US on Oct. 19 to Nov. 6, 2015. between Prof. Cabatan and Dr. Grajo international collaborations. and Saint Louis University (SLU), US, for As of December 31, 2015, three forms part of the collaboration. The kit includes such major areas Academic Year 2015-2016. faculty members had obtained or are Another cooperative undertaking as vision for the internationalization A Joint Research Capacity Workshop undertaking graduate degrees abroad: was the holding of virtual cross-cultural program (where do you want to go and was held on August 28 to September Prof. Mary Grace de la Pena for a Master conversations. CAMP OT students where do you stand at the moment); 2, 2015 with resource persons from the of Adapted Physical Activity at the teamed up with partners from SLU, national and international benchmarking; Faculty of Health Sciences from the US University of Leuven, Belgium under the University of Perdana, Malaysia, and enhancement of human resources (MS/ and CAMP. Three CAMP faculty members, Erasmus Mundus Program; Prof. Maria Florida State University for such activity PhD scholarships: COOPERATE, FRDP, Profs. Yves Y. Palad, Faith Deanne Mari Eliza Ruiz Aguila for a PhD at the US with from September to November 2015. The Balik PhD Program, World Experts Lecture Caube, and Frances Rom M. Lunar expected completion in 2017, and Aila focus of the interactions were human Series); and increase of visibility (for were recipients of the Australia Awards Nica Bandong for a PhD at the US with occupation and cultural competence undergraduate students: (MOVE UP); for Fellowship and Australian government’s expected completion in 2019. perspectives, disability beliefs, and faculty members, through publications, Dept. of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Moreover, Dr. Patricia McCabe, Head of practices. The agreement with Umea conference participation, and hosting fellowship with the theme, “Physical Discipline and Associate Professor in Speech University (UU), Sweden had two students Pathology at the US Faculty of Health coming to CAMP and the latter’s seven Sciences, through a grant provided by the students cross-registering at the UU Sydney Southeast Asia Center, conducted and SHU for fieldwork placement and Snap Shooter research capacity workshops for CAMP summer program at the University of Oblation Run | 12.02.2016 faculty members from Jan. 18 to 22, 2016. British Columbia, Canada. Under the MOU with SHU, CAMP The faculty exchange program had Speech Pathology Prof. Michael C. Valdez’s nine visiting professors of which three visit to SHU from March to April 2016 had appointments with UP Manila. One included a lecture to Master of Speech is a professor of SLU, two are from UU Pathology students and planning and while three gave lectures to faculty and/ organizing learning activities for UP BSSP or students. In return, two CAMP faculty exchange students. went to UU funded by the Linneaus Palme With SLU, an exchange of lectures International Exchange program and happened when SLU faculty Prof. one went to SHU. Six incoming visiting Lenin Grajo presented a web-streamed researchers are from US but only four are lecture on Occupational Science to BS engaged in projects with CAMP and one Occupational Therapy students on August from Seton Hall University. (CALingdas) 13, 2015. In turn, Prof. Cabatan delivered a

The Grave Thief Nakedness is a powerful medium to focus attention on a Gémino H. Abad cause. Tie up the nakedness with UP’s iconic Oblation statue, Nov. 21.2016 (rev. Dec.3) another naked man symbolizing “selfless offering of one’s self to one’s country” and the level of the medium and the message notches up. In secret at mid-morning helicopter-borne O, grave insult! This power and influence is being maximized by the a refrigerated body or its bones Oblation Run being waged in December annually by the Alpha from its freezing crypt in Batac O, mayor of a President, Phi Omega Fraternity (APO) for many years now to fight for now stretches out an unseen claw O, nine justices of a Supreme Court! timely and relevant causes and issues affecting Filipinos. through customary guile of its heirs Behold your “legal” handiwork, In the past, the Oblation was held to advance the campaign against the displacement of the lumads and the protection to seize a grave among a country’s heroes. triumph of the law’s dead alphabet; of their human rights, the fight against corruption in the see now your Supermoon landscape, government, particularly the abolition of the Priority This is most grave matter! bereft of “legal meaning,” Development Assistance Fund, and increase in the budget for If his townmates grieve their loss a country divided, unhealed, basic services, such as health and education, among others. of free bounty from his plundered loot, in the gravity of their memory’s cry: In December 2013, the Oblation Run focused on the need to let them bury him then in Batac “Never again!” provide assistance for the rebuilding of the damaged School where his lies might rest evermore! Tama na, sobra na! Apocalypse now, of Health Sciences buildings in Palo, Leyte and relief for the uncovering, the revelation: the SHS constituents, especially the students. O, tyrant seducer of Death, We are the Spirit in our Constitution, On December 2, 2016, the Oblation Run waged its campaign are you set to prove your boast, This is our Body, this is our Blood: in solidarity with the Filipinos expressing objection to “I have no intention to die!” -- We shall prevail! the Marcos burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani and the with our country’s heroes, immortal? recognition of Filipino heroes who fought the oppression and On your black memorial on hollowed tyranny during Martial Law. ground, yes, merely scooped out, your name, your supreme lie: “Filipino.” Photo courtesy: Philstar 4 UP MANILA NEWSLETTER www.upm.edu.ph

Quisumbing-Escandor film contest call for entries

he 3rd Quisumbing - Escandor • Individuals, groups, or organizations Film Festival for Health: “Tagu- are encouraged to submit entries with taguan, maliwanag ang buwan” is multiple entries allowed. A group of Ta nationwide filmmaking contest and film filmmakers or multimedia artists shall caravan that aims to promote MENTAL choose one (1) representative who will HEALTH AWARENESS. act as a liaison between the organizers This event is organized by the Mu and the participating group for purposes Sigma Phi Fraternity of the UP College of communications as well as a of Medicine, Department of Health, and representative during meetings, events, University of the Philippines Manila, in and other functions. partnership with the Pharmaceutical and THEMES/TOPICS Healthcare Association of the Philippines, • The Film Festival is a departure from Philippine Association of Communication the conventional approach in discussing Educators, and the Philippine Psychiatric health issues. Whereas, a disease might Dean Romeo Quizon, Vice Chancellor Mike Tee, Mr. David Zuellig, UP Pres. Alfredo Pascual, Chancellor Association. be discussed in the lecture room in terms Carmencita Padilla and Arch. William Coscolluela during the groundbreaking rites for the CPH building. Deadline of entries is on June 30, of its pathophysiology, symptomatology, 2017. A total of Php 250,000 worth of prizes and management, what we would to are to be given away! emphasize that the participants must New CPH building to rise in 2018 focus more on the social, cultural, and “The realization of the new College of realizing its vision of becoming a center Public Health (CPH) building forms part of excellence and leadership in Public of the plan to provide a more conducive Health, strategically responsive to the environment for academic pursuits that national and global development. He are satisfying. As the oldest public health thanked the Zuellig Family Foundation for school in Asia which is now 89 years old, donating funds for the construction of the the CPH provides the leadership in public building that will house two innovative health education, research, and training.” extension services: the UP-CPH Center for Thus stated UP President Alfredo Equity in Health and the Center for Health Pascual during the groundbreaking for Leadership and Governance, as well as the new CPH building on November 29, classrooms and laboratories. 2016. UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita In 2014, CPH started a partnership Padilla affirmed the top recognition with DOH and the Zuellig Family ENTRY CATEGORIES personal dimensions – highlighting the for CPH in the same event, saying that Foundation, through the Health, • Short Film (Maximum of 45 mins) - work humanity in these topics. “having successfully assisted in crafting Leadership, and Governance Program, of fiction although they could be inspired • Entries on community efforts in tackling and passing two legislations, I credited the that will enable the provincial governors by reality, with action and dialogues that the issue are also welcome. Possible skills I learned as a CPH student. The CPH and mayors to strengthen their health are scripted and deliberate. topics include, but are not limited to, is an important partner of the Department systems. To date, hundreds of DOH local • Documentary (Maximum of 30 the following: Schizophrenia, Substance of Health in solving the health problems executives and health officials have been mins - informs and educates people Abuse, Dementia, Post-traumatic stress of the country.” trained under the program. (Charmaine A. about a certain topic by providing an disorder, Depression, Bipolar disorder CPH Dean Romeo Quizon expressed Lingdas) accurate representation of real people, • By giving a face and a story to all these optimism that the CPH is a step closer to emotions, events, situations, reactions, issues, the filmmaker can convey their or conditions; may contain recorded importance more provocatively rather spontaneous action or can be scripted in than the conventional informative videos. and assistance in making your film. Documentary and Best Short Film will be advance. However, events or characters The videos will be used as an eye-opener The Gawad Quisumbing-Escandor given. A prize money of Php 75,000.00 will are not created. for the medical professionals and the will be awarded to the film entry that be awarded to each of the winners. Other QUALIFICATIONS FOR JOINING general public – as a reminder that for embodies to the fullest the advocacy special awards to be given are yet to be • Open to Filipino filmmakers and every health statistics on mental health of the Film Festival, having effectively announced. multimedia artists from all over the are REAL people who are suffering and depicted the most pressing, stirring and For inquiries on how to submit an country but films that have won at any neglected. most controversial health issue. A prize entry, please go to: http://bit.ly/2gDMbW2 other local or international motion picture Please email qeff3.mentalhealth@ money of Php 100,000.00 and a trophy (From the Quisumbing Escandor Film event are not eligible. gmail.com for articles, stories, anecdotes goes with the award. An award for the Best Festival for Health Facebook account)

developing NBS programs. For such programs to be sustainable, we need UPM chancellor orients WHO on newborn screening prioritization and financing by the WPRO Office were Dr. Shin Young-soo government, education and acceptance and Dr. Susan P. Mercado, Director for of the public, participation by healthcare Non-communicable Diseases and Health providers, and broad stakeholder support through the Life-Course. for program institutionalization,” Chancellor Padilla presented the Chancellor Padilla stated. Asked about latest facts and figures on how newborn the criteria for prioritization of conditions screening – particularly newborn that governments may use, she noted that bloodspot screening (NBS) – is being it will depend on a careful evaluation of a pilotedand rolled out in countries across condition’s local epidemiology, natural the region from as far North as Mongolia history, and the local health system’s to South as New Zealand. Almost half of capacity to manage the condition and its all babies born worldwide are delivered in complications. the Asia Pacific region, with 14 out of the In closing, Chancellor Padilla shared 24 countries and areas listed being part of how she has had many screened patients the WHO Western Pacific Region. who are now successful young adults The founder of newborn screening in with promising futures, particularly how Chancellor Carmencita Padilla briefs WHO officials on the status of the Philippines’ the Philippines also discussed the coverage newborn screening caught conditions like newborn screening program in the Asia Pacific of NBS in the country estimated at 82%. congenital hypothyroidism in them at the P Manila Chancellor Dr. Carmencita of the WHO Regional Office for the Western More comprehensive follow-up and right time to allow for intervention. Padilla, upon the invitation of WHO Pacific (WPRO) on the current status of treatment centers are being added and a Dr. Mercado bared that the NBS will Regional Director for the Western Newborn Screening in Asia Pacific. roader range of conditions are being be included in the work of WPRO on the UPacific Dr. Shin Young-soo during a recent In attendance at the brown bag NCD Child. (Culled from the PAC Report ) screened. visit to UP Manila, briefed staff members session held on October 25, 2016 at the “The Philippines is a model for Joy Deanon) Christmas Celebration 2016: COLORFUL, CHEERFUL, & CORDIAL!

A sea of lights against the backdrop of the Oblation Plaza Christmas tree and with the figure of the Oblation in one of the lanterns in the foreground exemplifies the offering of one’s self and services to improve life much like the birth of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

The three C words aptly describe the gate beside the UP Manila Museum of a Christmas celebration this year at UP History of Ideas, winding up in the original Manila. The events were organized by starting point at the PGH grounds. a committee that was headed anew by Each college, NIH, and other 2015’s committee chairperson Dr. Eric participating units, including PGH, Berberabe, PGH Coordinator for Flagship showcased their original designs for their Programs. respective lanterns that used mostly The celebration kicked off on recycled materials, cheered and yelled November 23, 2016 with the lighting of to their hearts’ content, with students of the huge Christmas tree at the Oblation other colleges who danced and performed Plaza and the Christmas trees at the UP during and after the parade in the spirit of Manila Museum of a History of Ideas clean fun and joyful celebration. In keeping and the PGH Atrium. Faculty, staff, and with UPM being a health university, stand students converged at the plaza to witness out images during the parade were the The top winner in the Lantern Parade – College of Public Health lantern the formal opening of the commemoration CPH’s depiction of bacteria as a public and take selfies and photos with fellow health scourge, College of Dentistry’s members of the UPM-PGH community. tooth-shaped lantern complete with a Earlier that day, the constituents were toothbrush, and College of Medicine’s treated to free ice cream with a cartful of placenta image as its lantern’s focus. ice cream flavors stationed at the 8th floor The big winners during the parade of the PGH Central Block, PGH Atrium, were the College of Public Health for National Institutes of Health, College of the Best Lantern, with the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Padre Faura Allied Medical Professions and College of area. The free treat was repeated the Dentistry as runners-up. following two Fridays with free taho Other regular activities were aimed to and pandesal given to the long queues cheer up and lift the spirits of PGH indigent of employees in the above designated patients, such as the ward gift giving locations. where each college and groups of offices The highlight of the Christmas distributed gift packs to the different celebration was the Lantern Parade held charity wards and Misa de Aguinaldo held on December 9 that started in the PGH from Dec. 16 to Dec 24. The Family Day grounds. The brief parade took the route to was held on Dec. 19 at the Tipunan area Taft Avenue, Padre Faura and to the entrance beside the CPH building. (CM Villamor)

A production number at the Tao Rin Pala – a reenactment of police atrocities in the administration’s ongoing war on drugs

The free ice cream was a blockbuster; also during the Lantern Parade and the Family Day

Chancellor Padilla with the College of Public Health constituents after the lantern parade.

It’s free taho day at the PGH Atrium as one of the stations

Chancellor Padilla, PGH Director Dr. Gap Legaspi and 2016 UPM Christmas Celebration Committee Chair Dr. Eric Berberabe with constituents after the kick off/lighting ceremony

Queue of Central Administration employees at the 8 th floor during the free pandesal day 6 UP MANILA NEWSLETTER www.upm.edu.ph

A journey does not merely begin with UP Med Choir's Uncharted Journey not only an exposure on the international a single idea. It starts with a collection of stage and a discovery of other people’s thoughts and dreams that build upon cultures and norms, but it was also an each other and assemble to become a opportunity for the choir to bond and single vision that seeks to be fulfilled. For strengthen their relationships with each the UP Medicine Choir, its vision was to other. “It gave us a glimpse of what it feels be able to display the members’ talents like to compete on a stage that big and for on a bigger international stage. For years something that merits a lot of recognition,” now, the Med Choir has graced the stages Camille Cruzada said. “Traveling as a choir here and abroad with their talent and gives you a different perspective because passion, winning numerous accolades besides seeing the sights as a large group, along the way. However, with their love being able to perform in different spaces for singing and desire for excellence, the and having random people to come up choir naturally sought higher and newer to you and say good things about your horizons. This was the beginning of their sound or just commend you because you uncharted journey towards their 2016 are singing - I don’t think you can get that Europe Tour. Members of the UP Medicine Choir in their European tour from any other experience travelling,” she The preparations for the tour started hosted by the Philippine Embassy in the 5th International Choir Festival. The added. as early as mid-2015, after participating London. More sights were seen and songs choir knew that they had to win. It was Med Choir’s journey serves as an in a competition in Singapore, when sung as they traversed the United Kingdom their last chance to bring home something example to all of us to always venture Jasper Cubias, choirmaster then, pitched via Birmingham and on to Llangollen, from the tour. In the most surreal fashion, outside our comfort zone and explore the idea of a Europe tour to Med Choir’s Wales for their first competition, the they did win, although they weren’t in uncharted territories. The choir engaged heads. Soon after, the members began 59th Llangollen International Musical Florence to receive the award. in an extraordinary journey towards assembling working committees to begin Eisteddfodd. It was especially important The choir was already in the airport, the unknown and they came back the long journey towards their Europe because it was one of the most prestigious on their way back to the Philippines, as victors of circumstance. That is a tour. It was no joke to prepare a massive choir competitions in the world, with the when they discovered that they won the hugely commendable and admirable tour by themselves. Sacrifice was the general winner being named the “Choir of competition in Florence. Members fondly undertaking. With their journey, this line name of the game, and these members the World.” recalled the moment when their fellow in a prayer by Sir Francis Drake comes to embodied it. “It was amazing to have sang there choir member called them on the phone mind: It was very tiring and time- and it was fulfilling to sing it on the to relay the good news. “Nung sinabi na “Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, consuming,” one member said, and, international stage and [to have] the nanalo na kami, ang daming sumigaw,” To venture on wilder seas indeed, it was. Daily rehearsals, including opportunity to sing with other choirs of one said. “Worth it naman ang paghihirap Where storms will show Your mastery; Saturday sessions, were a norm in the other countries,” Shanaia Daguit said. It ng mga tao… nagbunga rin sya. Sobrang Where losing sight of land, first half of 2016 for the choir. Numerous was a pressure on the choir to win, given fulfilling,” Ian Macinas added. The choir We shall find the stars.” sectionals, quartet exams, and choir that they were the only choir coming from won First Place in the Adult Mixed Through all their experiences, Med practices were part of their vocal training. a medical background, while all their Category, Third Place in the Sacred Music Choir did find the stars. Congratulations, “Throughout the year, we had to make a competitors came from hugely musical Category, and their member, Ged Llanes, MedChoir! The entire UPCM Community is lot of sacrifices. We had to sacrifice one backgrounds and were devoted to the won the award for Best Male Soloist. looking forward to your next venture into month of June – one month of vacation, to craft of choir singing. Although they did Overall, the three-week tour was a the uncharted. practice the whole day. Nakakapagod, but not win in this competition, UP MedChoir’s success for the UP Medicine Choir. It was Regiel Christian Q. Mag-usara we needed it,” Ged Llanes said. Shanaia drive to win the other two remaining Daguit added that “You had to balance competitions intensified. between being a med student and [the] They then proceeded to Ghent, 3 UPM alumni among 2016 TOYM awardees chorale. There was a lot of balancing. Belgium and the Netherlands, where Sometimes, you had to sacrifice the nights they sang at many locations, including before exams. Habang lahat nagsa-study two Homes for the Aged, and visited na, kami piece pa rin.” various churches and castles. Their The choir had to prepare not only second competition was in Elsenfeld, their sound and vocals, but also for the trip Germany, at the 11th Internationaler itself. Accommodations, transportation, Chorwettewerb. Participating in this food, and travel documents had to be particular competition was an honor for accounted for. Duties needed to be done the choir, since only six groups are chosen in advance and make-up duties had to be every year to participate. Med Choir was set up for the clerks and interns of the choir. the only one chosen from Asia. Although Huge efforts were also made to gather the choir didn’t win in this competition as enough resources, through sponsorships well, many members felt that they gave it Pres. Rodrigo Duterte with the 2016 TOYM awardees in Malacanang after the conferment of the awards; and solicitations, to get Med Choir to their all and that Germany was their best Dr. Ryan Guinaran, Mr. Ronivin Pagtakhan, and Dr. Geraldine Racaza are in the front row, 4th, 5th and 6th , Europe. They also organized Viva La Vida, performance. respectively, from left their year-end concert for Uncharted. All The choir’s next stop was Innsbruck, Two medical alumni and a nursing Meanwhile, Dr. Guinaran, who these sacrifices paid off when they finally Austria, where they rode a cable car to the alumnus of UP Manila were among the 11 hails from Benguet, was cited for got on the plane to London on July 1st. top of the Alps and saw snow for the very awardees of the The Outstanding Young engaging his fellow Ibaloys to create In London, the choir was able to visit first time. They then proceeded to Rome Men and Women (TOYM) for 2016 who were a positive change in their community conferred the recognition by Pres. Rodrigo while engaging in postgraduate studies. various sights and destinations including where they saw the Colosseum, among Duterte in rites held recently at the Heroes Apart from his medical degree, the Tower Bridge, London Bridge, the Big many sights there, and the Vatican. The Hall, Malacanang Palace. Guinaran finished a Diploma in Training Ben. They also participated in a concert pressure was on in their last competition, The 2016 TOYM awardees from UPM Management and a Master in Community were Dr. Geraldine Racaza (UPCM Class Development, postgraduate courses in the 2004), for medicine, Dr. Ryan Guinaran US, Australia, and Thailand, and obtained (UPCM Class 2002), for indigenous a Diploma on Global Health and a Master of people’s rights, and Mr. Ronivin Pagtakhan Development Management. (UPCN Class 2004) for youth leadership. Pagtakhan is the founder of Dr. Racaza, a rheumatologist, has LoveYourself, a leading organization in been active in various humanitarian HIV awareness, testing and treatment advocacies aside from her work as a in the Philippines. Under his leadership, doctor. She spearheaded concerts, shows LoveYourself has established two clinics and other fundraising activities for the that are most visited in the country for HIV benefit of patients and volunteered in screening. In 2015, the organization helped Sagip Buhay Medical Foundation, among screen 30,000 clients. About half of newly others. She helped in the creation of the diagnosed persons with HIV in Metro Manila, Rheumatology Bridging Lupus Fund. and 20 percent in the Philippines, come UP Medicine choir in a church in Europe from LoveYourself clinics.