MD-PhD alumnus chosen as Outstanding Young Scientist for contributions to women’s health



Dr. Ourlad Alzeus Tantengco, a postdoctoral research fellow of the UP College of Medicine Department of Physiology, is the recipient of the National Academy of Science and Technology’s (NAST) 2023 Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) Award.

Dr. Tantengco finished his MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine at the UPCM.



His research expertise lies in cellular and molecular research related to pregnancy and parturition. His innovative contributions include the development of organ-on-a-chip devices that utilize microfluidic technology to simulate maternal and fetal tissues during pregnancy. These devices have enabled him to investigate ascending infections in the female reproductive tract, offering opportunities for disease modeling, preclinical drug testing, and toxicological studies.

Dr. Tantengco’s research extends to clinical and epidemiologic studies in infectious and tropical diseases, as well as women’s health. His work and collaborations with other Filipino researchers include papers on the environmental epidemiology of leptospirosis, diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis, and identification of microRNA as prognostic biomarkers for hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis patients.

These community-based studies have led to the development of diagnostic and prognostic tools for schistosomiasis, while his involvement in studies on cytokine biomarkers for Filipino COVID-19 patients has provided valuable insights into the epidemiology and prognosis of COVID-19.



Among his current research projects, Dr. Tantengco is engaged in a randomized controlled trial aimed at improving diagnostic strategies for ovarian cancer in Filipino women. He has also conducted research on HPV genotypes and genetic mutations associated with cervical cancer in the Philippines. Additionally, he serves as a co-investigator and community physician in a community-based study focused on detecting cervical human papillomavirus infection and sexually transmitted infections among women in the Philippines.

His study on the co-infection of HPV and sexually transmitted infections among cervical cancer patients in the Philippines received the best oral presentation award at the 23rd Biological Sciences Graduate Congress at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. Furthermore, his research on the role of cervical exosomes in pregnancy earned him the silver award in the poster competition at the American Society for Reproductive Immunology 40th Annual Meeting.



Dr. Tantengco is actively involved in various clinical research projects within the field of maternal-fetal medicine. In addition to his research endeavors, Dr. Tantengco actively engages in teaching and mentoring future physicians and scientists. He has also served as a co-adviser to BS Biology students at the UP Manila and Bulacan State University. In 2022, he established the Medical Informetrics and Science Laboratory, comprising approximately 150 medical students and doctors. He serves on the editorial board of the Pharmacognosy Journal and Obesity Medicine.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr. Tantengco has made significant contributions as a health blogger and utilizes his clinical expertise to educate the public about health and diseases. He has created the platforms “Doktor Doktor Lads” and “Kalusugan ng Kababaihan” on Facebook, which have attracted over 340,000 and 24,000 followers, respectively. Through social media, he actively promotes health and combats misinformation by sharing freely accessible health articles written in layperson’s terms.

(Dr. Tantengco is pictured with Dr. Clarissa Velayo at the Likhaan Center for Women’s Health in Tondo, Manila. He serves as a co-investigator and community physician for the HPV DEFEAT study, which is funded by DOST PCHRD. In this role, he conducts pelvic examinations and gathers cervicovaginal samples from patients in order to examine the prevalence of HPV infection, sexually transmitted diseases, as well as the microbiome and metabolome associated with HPV persistence in the Filipino population.)

Source: https://www.upm.edu.ph/node/4270

CEd alum among educ licensure topnotchers

Bonador. Photo from Bonador’s Facebook account

A UP Diliman (UPD) College of Education (CEd) graduate was among the topnotchers in the March 2023 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT).

Mikaela Andrea Bonador was among the six individuals who topped the elementary level of the examination with a 92.2 percent rating. Also included in the top 10 is Mikaela Isabel Almalvez, who ranked eighth with a 90.8 percent rating.

Together they lead the seven examinees who passed the LEPT, giving UPD an 87.5 percent passing rate for this category.

A native of Occidental Mindoro, Bonador graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree (elementary education) in 2020.

In a video interview with GMA Integrated News, Bonador said she intends to stay in the country to practice her profession.

“Naniniwala po kasi ako sa power ng education at sa importance po ng paniniwala sa mga bata, sa students. Tulong-tulong po na mas ma-improve po nila ang society natin,” she said.

For the secondary level, UPD landed sixth among the top-performing schools, with a 94.23 percent passing rate.

The Professional Regulation Commission and Board for Professional Teachers define a top-performing school as one that fielded more than 50 examinees and achieved at least 80 percent passing rate.

Both garnering a 91 percent rating, Joy Charisse Bulan and Joan Ivy Garcia are among the 20 who ranked 10th in the examination.

Source: https://upd.edu.ph/ced-alum-among-educ-licensure-topnotchers/

UPOU Chancellor receives the prestigious CalamBagong Bayani Award 2023







UP Open University (UPOU) proudly congratulates Chancellor Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria on receiving the prestigious CalamBagong Bayani Award 2023. This esteemed recognition pays tribute to Calambeños, who demonstrate outstanding abilities and make significant contributions to the community’s overall progress. Reflected in their lives are qualities that can be likened to modern-day heroes, serving as an inspiration to their fellow Calambeños.

Congratulations, Chancellor Mel!

Photos courtesy of Calamba City Iipeso FB page.

Source: UP Open University (UPOU) Facebook

UPV alumna is 1 of 2 grantees of ₱500,000 from iAcademy and Netflix INDIEGENIUS project lab

Photo from Southern Lantern Studios Facebook

A Capizeña and UPV alumni wins at INDIEGENIUS!

Southern Lantern Studios is proud to produce one of the only 2 grantees of ₱500,000 from the INDIEGENIUS of iAcademy and Netflix.

INDIEGENIUS is the first ever month-long film mentorship program that aims to hone the talents of regional filmmakers from all over the Philippines. This year, out of 300 submissions, KYD TORATO’s “Bisan Abo, Wala Bilin” qualified as one of the Top 10 projects that will be pitched to the INDIEGENIUS Jury. After a long and competitive process, Kyd finally got the grant to produce her second short film after her stint at Cinemalaya last year.

Kyd is mentored by Arden Rod Condez with Sonny Calvento, Sheron Dayoc, and Tin Velasco. Her team plans to shoot the film in her hometown, Capiz, and targets to release it by November.

Indeed, it’s an exciting year for regional cinema! Congratulations, Kyd Torato!

Source: Southern Lantern Studios Facebook

Congratulations to the new Nurses of UPM-School of Health Sciences!







Congratulations to the new nurses of UPM-School of Health Sciences for a 100% passing rate on the May 2023 Nursing Licensure Exam.

SHS PALO – 100%
1. ABIGAIL L. BRILLANTES , RM, RN
2. ANGELICA JOY T. ALVINEZ, RM, RN
3. CHERRY ANN G. BONGCALES, RM, RN
4. CHINOMA S. LANG-AKAN, RM, RN
5. ENRIQUE C. PLACIA JR. , RM, RN
6. ETHEL C. VALONES, RM, RN
7. HYANNAH ANDREA A, BALASABAS, RM, RN
8. JO ANN MAE C. PAETE, RM, RN
9. KIARA F. BALO, RM, RN
10. LYZA MAE G. DAGSA, RM, RN
11. PATTY C. BULLECER, RM, RN
12. ROMARIE G. TAN, RM, RN
13. ROSEMARIE T. DEL MONTE, RM, RN
14. VEIGNER V. CABUGAYAN, RM, RN
15. VENCINTH C. ROMANO, RM, RN

SHS BALER – 100%
1. ROSE ANGELICA G. DANGI, RM, RN
2. JOY L. GAO-AY, RM, RN
3. ELEA MAE D. GUNAY, RM, RN
4. JE MAYKA ABEEJEN D. HIYAMAN, RM, RN
5. LENNY BETH P. LACABEN, RM, RN
6. HUMILYN D. NGAYAWON, RM, RN
7. JEANETTE P. PINKIHAN, RM, RN
8. JANISA MAE R. TALUPA, RM, RN
9. JASPHER P. TANGILAG, RM, RN

SHS KORONADAL – 100%
1. MONALISA M. ASIM RM, RN
2. DIANA P. ATURDIDO RM, RN
3. NECHEAL S. BAAY RM, RN
4. ANGELA L. BALMATERO RM, RN
5. MARJIE A. BANTAC RM, RN
6. CHRISTINE L. BULLAG RM, RN
7. CHERRY MAE P. CALUNGSOD RM, RN
8. ROSY MER C. ESPARIZ RM, RN
9. JEZREEL CARLINE B. GERMO RM, RN
10. JADE APPLE A. JACINTO RM, RN
11. BON STELLA D. LANDAYON RM, RN
12. SITTIE AHLEEN M. LITIGAN RM, RN
13. MARICRIS A. LOREJAS RM, RN
14. PINKY C. PALMA RM, RN
15. ANGELICA B. PALMES RM, RN
16. KRISTINE JOY S. PATRICIO RM, RN
17. MIA C. QUINTE RM, RN
18. FEBBIE LYN REGALA RM, RN
19. CHARLENE GRACE S. REGINO RM, RN
20. LOVELYN JOY T. SALDO RM, RN
21. RUDILYN M. SERENIO RM, RN
22. JEZZA A. SUMAGAYSAY RM, RN
23. SHAIRA J. TABLIGAN RM, RN

Your talent and hard work have borne fruit.

Padayon!
– From the SHS Faculty, Staff, Students & Alumni

Source: UPM-School of Health Sciences Facebook

UP Visayas Emanate Excellence in May 2023 Chemical Engineers Licensure Examination



In a remarkable feat, University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) School of Technology has secured the ✨️third spot✨️ of the top-performing schools in the May 2023 Chemical Engineers Licensure Examination. With an outstanding 100% 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 and an 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 90.00%, UPV SOTECH has once again proven its excellence in producing highly competent chemical engineers.

The results, released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), showcased UPV’s consistent commitment to academic excellence and rigorous training. The university’s stellar performance is a testament to the dedication of its faculty and the hard work of its diligent students. This achievement further solidifies UPV’s position as a premier educational institution, fostering a culture of innovation and expertise in the field of chemical engineering. The university’s emphasis on holistic education, practical experience, and research has undoubtedly contributed to its students’ success.

With this recent accolade, the University of the Philippines Visayas School of Technology reaffirms its commitment to producing competent professionals who will make significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering and drive the nation’s progress forward.

Padayon Bagong Mga Inhinyero ng Bayan! 👷‍♀️👷‍♂️

PubMat By: Jex Palomo 🧑‍🦰
Caption By: Kaylen Yvon Jalandoni 👩‍🦰

Source: UP Visayas Tibud Facebook

UP School of Health Sciences Main Campus Student Council congratulates the 38th Batch of BS Nursing for their 100% passing rate in the latest Nursing Licensure Examination

Poster from

🥇[𝐔𝐏 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 – 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟑𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐒𝐍 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!] 🎓

We are immensely proud to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 15 exceptional students of the 38th Batch of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) of UP School of Health Sciences Main Campus for their outstanding achievement in passing the May 2023 Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE)!

Your unwavering dedication, hard work, and perseverance have been rewarded with this significant milestone. The NLE is a rigorous test of knowledge, and your success reflects the exceptional quality of education and training you have received.

With immense pride, we applaud your commitment to excellence and passion for providing compassionate care to those in need. Your success not only brings honor to yourselves but also inspires current and future students of the UP School of Health Sciences Main Campus.

As you embark on your professional journey, we are confident that you will make a profound impact in the nursing field, upholding the values of SERVICE EXCELLENCE, HEROISM, and SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY. May your knowledge and skills continue to grow, and may you touch the lives of countless individuals with your expertise and compassionate care.

Congratulations again to the 38th batch of BSN graduates of UP School of Health Sciences Main Campus, who passed the May 2023 Nurse Licensure Examination! 🌟

———

Pubmat and caption by: SC Councilor Ivan Pedrera (Academics and Scholarships Committee Head)

Source: UP Manila School of Health Sciences Palo Student Council Facebook

UP tops CPA licensure exam performance

Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo

The UP Cesar EA Virata School of Business in UP Diliman, Quezon City. Photo from the Virata School of Business on Facebook.

The University of the Philippines (UP) emerged as the top performing school in the Board of Accountancy’s May 2023 Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants (CPA). This was announced by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on May 30, when it released the official results.

 

Out of the 59 exam takers from UP, 55 passed—a passing percentage of 93.22. The top performing school, as determined by the PRC, must have a minimum passing percentage of 80 with at least 50 examinees. In the previous CPA licensure exam held in October 2022, UP had a passing percentage of 88.24. It did not, however, meet the required number of examinees as it only had a total of 34 exam takers, 30 of whom passed.

 

UP Diliman’s Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business offers the five-year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accountancy program, which accepts anywhere from 60 to 90 students each academic year.

Source: https://up.edu.ph/up-tops-cpa-licensure-exam-performance/ 

UP alumna receives 2023 UAE Health Foundation Prize

Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta

Pictured here from left: Hon Chris Fearn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health of Malta and WHA76 President; Dr Maria Asuncion Silvestre from the Philippines; WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Sector, Ministry of Health and Prevention of the United Arab Emirates. © WHO / Pierre Albouy

An alumna of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine, Dr. Maria Asuncion Silvestre, was awarded the 2023 United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize during the 76th World Health Assembly for her advocacy work in promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving the health of mothers and newborns.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Silvestre is a renowned clinician and researcher, a passionate advocate for exclusive breastfeeding, and the founder of a nongovernmental organization Kalusugan ng Mag-Ina, Inc. (KMI). She designed a pioneering protocol called Essential Intrapartum and Newborn Care, consisting of a simple set of choreographed actions for health workers attending a mother during delivery and her newborn immediately after birth and during the first week of the child’s life. This affordable Essential Intrapartum and Newborn Care Protocol helps to bridge the health equity gap.

“Non-separated, the mother/newborn pair is our first food system. We should protect it as passionately and as furiously as we protect our agricultural lands, coral reefs, and rainforests,” Silvestre said during the awarding ceremony, as reported by the WHO. “We sought to ‘re-choreograph’ actions in the first minutes to hours after birth, eliminating unnecessary actions, so we formulated a time-bound sequence of steps. Many health facilities in my country and elsewhere implemented the Protocol and reaped the benefits. Evidence shows that receiving at least one of the four core steps was protective; the more elements of essential care received, the more newborn survival improved. Breastfeeding saves lives,” she added.

In collaboration with the Philippine government and 17 other countries of the WHO Western Pacific Region, Dr. Silvestre scaled up the “First Embrace” campaign for Early Essential Newborn Care, a set of simple WHO-recommended and cost-effective interventions. Her work has helped save lives at national level and beyond, earning her the 2023 UAE Health Foundation Prize.

The UAE Health Foundation Prize

According to the UAE Health Foundation Prize’s Guidelines, the prize is given to a person or persons, an institution or institutions, or an NGO or NGOs that have accomplished notable advances in the health field according to the global strategy for achieving health for all by the year 2000.

“The aim of the UAE Health Foundation Prize is to motivate health workers, including scientists, researchers, workers and specialists,” said Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, when presenting the prize to Dr. Silvestre on behalf of the UAE Health Foundation, “in order to make further achievements that benefit health in its various sectors and to contribute with the UN system in general and the WHO in particular to the implementation of projects and programmes that strengthen health for all around the world and address health challenges globally.”

The UAE Health Foundation Award was given during the 76th World Health Assembly, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland last 21-30 May, with this year’s theme being “WHO at 75: Saving lives, driving health for all.”

A graduate of both UPLB and UP Manila

Dr. Silvestre earned her BS in Zoology degree, magna cum laude, in 1978 from the College of Arts and Sciences of UP Los Baños, and her Doctor of Medicine degree from the College of Medicine in UP Manila in 1982. After completing advanced studies in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan and Wayne State University, she became a faculty member of the UP College of Medicine and the UP Philippine General Hospital. She advocated for breastfeeding as a core component of pediatric education, and authored a chapter on infant and young child feeding in the textbook Fundamentals of Pediatrics.

Aside from founding the KMI, Dr. Silvestre chairs the Early Essential Newborn Care Independent Review Group (IRG) of the WHO Western Pacific Region Office (WHO WPRO), and co-directs the I-CATCH community-based program for Unang Yakap and Breastfeeding with support of the American Academy of Pediatrics in Dulag municipality, Leyte.

With reports from the UP Office of Alumni Relations.

Source: https://up.edu.ph/up-alumna-receives-2023-uae-health-foundation-prize/