The University of the Philippines Alumni Society in America (UPMASA) held a celebratory program to commemorate the opening of the UPMASA Auditorium on the 4th floor of the Henry Sy, Sr. Building in UP Manila on Dec. 19, 2022. This was held as part of the webinar with the theme “Expanding the Edge of Philippine Medicine.”
“Today we celebrate a victory,” UP-PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi stated, “… a battle that has brought together the most determined deans and administrators, the most efficient builder, and the most generous of donors.” Director Legaspi spoke about a red badge of courage, the common desire of everyone in having fought a good fight.
The Auditorium is a testament to the enduring love and commitment of people who believe in what UP stands for — a refuge for the idealists; a bastion of excellence harnessed for the common good.
Several messages and talks marked the occasion. A philanthropist in medicine, Henry Sy, Jr. said that their family and the SM Foundation offer the facility as a tribute to his father’s life legacy. They believe that partnering with UP in building the future of the Philippines in healthcare would help improve the quality of life of people and businesses and will allow social good to flourish. The late Henry Sy, Sr. adhered to a belief that social development and investment go hand-in-hand with business goals to achieve a better future.
Dr. Jaime M. Montoya, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development executive director, gave an overview on the frontiers of health research in the Philippines and shared current coordinating and monitoring research activities.
Former UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Ramon Arcadio, Association of Philippine Medical Colleges chairman, discussed the new definition and aspects of medical education in his talk on “Perspectives on Philippine Medical Education” under six areas – participating agencies, medical teacher training, management and leadership training of medical school leaders, medical curriculum, social accountability, and quality assurance.
Dean Eric Elster from the School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, spoke on “The Frontier of Medical Education” while UP President Danilo L. Concepcion talked on “The Future of UP Medical Institutions.”
During the celebration, a special awarding ceremony was held for former UPCM Dean Agnes Mejia, Dr. Rody G. Sy, and President Concepcion.
UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita D. Padilla emphasized that doctors can no longer be viewed in isolation with other healthcare practitioners under the Universal Healthcare’s Act coverage. She showed the health professionals’ global scenario on how the Philippines fared vs. other countries.
There are 66 medical institutions in the Philippines that are supposed to produce doctors for the Philippines. Following the 2030 projection, there will be a shortage of 15 million health workers across the fields. Chancellor Padilla urged the group to look at the data, look at where the gaps are, and see how UP can alleviate the situation.
Haziel May Natorilla | Published in UP Manila Healthscape No. 48 (February 2023)
Source: www.upm.edu.ph/node/4149