College of Allied Medical Professions
Padre Faura corner Ma. Orosa Streets
Ermita, Manila
Philippines 1000
Phone (632)5245113
Telefax (632)5262271
camp@mail.upm.edu.ph

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 INFORMATION     Mission Statement / Brief History / Proposed Physical Facility (New CAMP Building) / The CAMP Logo

History

The School of Allied Medical Professions (SAMP) has undergone dramatic changes from the time of its establishment in 1962 to what it is today. After more than 36 years since its founding, its pursuit of academic excellence and its dedication to serve the Filipino people have been the guiding pillars of the School. These goals shaped the School as the premier institution in the country that offers degree programs in the professions of Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and Speech Pathology (SP).

The events which led to the establishment of SAMP can be traced back to the mid 50's when Dr. Henry Kessler, a renowned US Rehabilitation expert on a mission to the Philippines recommended the immediate establishment of occupational and physical therapy schools to meet the growing demand for professionally qualified rehabilitation manpower. There was an urgent need then for the services of allied medical professionals to give complete rehabilitation care to patients. In 1958, Dr. Benjamin Tamesis, then Chief of the National Orthopedic Hospital took up the challenge and formulated a proposal for such a program. The proposal coursed through then Secretary of Health, Dr. Elpidio Valencia, who subsequently designated the University of the Philippines to pioneer in the professional education of rehabilitation personnel in the country.

The U.P. College of Medicine where the School was initially attached accepted the challenge, knowing its impact on the health profession and the people's well-being. Harnessing the expertise of Mrs. Charlotte A. Floro and Mrs. Conchita Abad, two US trained occupational therapists, the College drew up the Occupational Therapy curriculum, while, two Physical Therapy advisers, Ms. Eliabeth Ahlberg and Mr. Robert Jacques drafted the PT curriculum. Both curricula, the first of their kind in Asia, were approved by the University Council and Board of Regents in 1962 with the corresponding budgetary allocation approved by Congress in 1964. Dr. Benjamin Tamesis was appointed the first director of the School.

SAMP began its operations in November of 1962. Due to space and other constraints at the Manila-based College of Medicine and Diliman campuses, the School was given temporary quarters by Dr. Benjamin Tamesis at the National Orthopedic Hospital in Banaue, Quezon City. The School gradually progressed through the generous assistance extended by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes and Office of the President of the Philippines during its first 2 years of operation. International bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nation's International Children's Educational Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Project (UNDP), Peace Corps and the United Kingdom Colombo Plan assisted the school in the form of equipment, books, teaching material, advisers, faculty fellowship, and student scholarships. In great measure, these agencies paved the way for the acceptance and recognition of the School both nationally and internationally.

In 1969, the Physical Therapy Department was transferred to a renovated area at the back section of the UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) compound in Taft Avenue, Manila. The Physical Therapy (PT) Department developed the area into a teaching facility and established its own training clinic, the Physical Therapy Clinical Center (PTCC). Three years later, the OT Department and the SAMP Administration also transferred from the National Orthopedic Hospital to the UP-PGH compound in the newly constructed pre-fabricated school building donated to SAMP. The School relocated again in 1985 when it had to vacate the UP-PGH premises to give way to the massive development of the UP-PGH Medical Center Complex. The SAMP transferred to portions of the Joaquin Gonzalez Bldg. (formerly NEDA building) along Padre Faura St., its site until present.

In 1977, the School was elevated to an independent unit upon the approval of the UP Board of Regents. Dr. Guillermo Damian, then Director, received the title as the first Dean of SAMP.

A new degree programme was added and implemented in 1978 with Board of Regent's approval of the four-year course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology, thus making the SAMP the first School in the Philippines to offer education and training in the field of Speech Pathology. To this day, it remains the only Philippine institution offering the program.

CAMP celebrated its Silver Jubilee in November of 1987 which was highlighted by a year-long series of activities: scientific meetings and seminars; an awards program honoring the School's founders, faculty, lecturers and non-academic personnel; revitalization of the UP-SAMP Alumni Association and the establishment of the first SAMP Alumni Relations Office.

A sweeping unprecedented reorganization of UP Manila at both the macro and micro levels took place when Dr. Jose V. Abueva assumed the UP presidency in September of 1987. Through a democratic process, Dr. Ernesto O. Domingo was named the new Chancellor for UP Manila. The reorganization proposals of UP-SAMP covered its goals, mission, governance and programmes. One of the proposals was the change of status from School to College on its April 28, 1988 meeting, at the end of Dr. Damian's term as Dean, the Board of Regents approved the appointment of Prof. Charlotte A. Floro as the Dean of the newly renamed College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP).

The College's renovation and expansion in 1989 allotted more training space for the increasing number of students enrolled in the three programmes. Part of this expansion was the establishment of a Community Based Rehabilitation programme in Montalban to develop an awareness and commitment among its students in responding to the health and rehabilitation needs of persons with disability in a rurban community. A growing CAMP Unit Library and more updated facilities and equipment also contributed to a more conducive environment for learning and training.

Meanwhile, faculty interest in research was harnessed and inspired since 1991 by the third Dean of the College, Professor Policarpia M. Magpili. In the same year, the concept of the Research and Rehabilitation Development Center (RRDC) was revived. The objective of this endeavor was to serve as an extension arm of the College for the Ermita community through its outpatient clinic for OT, PT and SP.

Through avid support from alumni, organizations and individuals, the Charlotte A. Floro Professorial Chair was launched in 1996 as a fitting tribute to the pioneering efforts and contributions of the late Prof. Charlotte A. Floro to the development of the occupational therapy profession and rehabilitation in the Philippines.

In 1992, the Clinic for Developmental Therapy Services (CDTS) was opened as a programme of RRDC. In November 1996, the programme was officially recognized by the Board of Regents as the Clinic for Therapy Services. The objectives of this programme are to develop the students' clinical skills in managing children with developmental delays and their families using the transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach as management tools as well as to develop right attitude towards the spirit of service to the Filipino patient and his family.

Meeting the current changes in their field of expertise, CAMP remains committed to train occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech pathologists who will participate in innovative training, research and extension programs, appreciate the health needs and problems of the country, and are contributing members of the health professional community for national development. Through this end the College's growth in its academic program continues to improve through constant review and revisions of its undergraduate programmes.

From 1997 to 1999 the College saw the birth and expansion of its course offerings and a change in leadership. The College pioneered in offering the first Masters degree in Rehabilitation Science, Speech Pathology (MRS-SP) track with the Board of Regents' approval of the curricular programme in June 1997. The MRS-SP track formally opened during the 2nd semester of AY 1997-1998 to focus on clinical specialization in speech pathology. In 1998, the College welcomed Prof. Susan B. Villegas as its fourth Dean. On December 1998, a second Masters programme was approved by the Board of Regents. This is the Master of Rehabilitation Science (generic) programme. The curriculum is focused on management, teaching and research in the rehabilitation sciences. In May 1999, two major curricular matters were passed. The Board of Regents approved the Master of Clinical Audiology curriculum, a program jointly offered by CAMP with the College of Medicine to establish the profession of audiology in the areas of hearing evaluation, habilitation, rehabilitation and conservation. The curricular revision of the Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy program from 4 to 5 years was also approved by the President on May 20, 1999. The latter accommodates the institution of new professional courses as a result of changes in the delivery of PT practice in the Philippines and other parts of the world.

Last June 29, 1999, CAMP witnessed another milestone in its 36 years of existence and development. Ground breaking rites were held for Phase I of the new CAMP building at the UP Manila academic site at Pedro Gil St. The project was made possible through a Php 5M appropriation from Hon. Cong. Rolando R. Andaya, Sr. The elusive dream of having a permanent site for CAMP is now becoming a reality.

A faculty continues to conduct and propose research and/ or creative work through faculty grants and the C.A. Floro Professorial Chair. They also render extension services as lecturers, consultants, resource persons, speakers, and leaders in government organizations (GOs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) for University, national and sectoral concerns.

The College has established linkages nationally and internationally with GO's and NGO's in the form of clinical affiliation, consultancy, training, research, board membership, scholarships, etc. The faculty accepts that there is so much more to be done. With support from the UP administration, concerted efforts and determination, whatever challenges ahead can be overcome.