Text by Angelou C. Mendoza
Photo by Joseph A. Bautista
(From left) UP College of Medicine Dean Charlotte M. Chiong, Former Dean Alberto Roxas, Dr. Zorayda E. Leopando, former PGIM Director (2004-2006) and UPCM Professor Emeritus, and the event’s keynote speaker, receiving a plaque of recognition, and Former Dean Agnes Mejia.
In commemoration of its years of dedication to continued public service and evolution in health education, the UP College of Medicine Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (UPCM-PGIM) celebrated its 85th Anniversary last August 16, 2024 at the Henry Sy Sr. Hall Building.
PGIM Director Teresa Luisa G. Cruz opened the program by welcoming the esteemed guests of the special celebration, including UP Manila officials, past Directors of PGIM, members of the UPCM Class of 1967, UPCM faculty, graduate program coordinators, and staff, and acknowledged the contributions of everyone for the productive years of the Institute.
UP Manila Vice Chancellor (VC) for Academic Affairs Dr. Heizel Manapat-Reyes, who delivered the inspirational message on behalf of Chancellor Michael L. Tee, lauded the contributions of PGIM to the academic and professional development and life-long learning of health sciences professionals. VC Manapat-Reyes also expressed the administration’s support to the future endeavors of the Institute.
“The PGIM has been instrumental in facilitating the mission of the College and the University to provide transformative and innovative graduate education, postgraduate education, postgraduate training, and post-professional training in the health sciences. Through its postgraduate and post-professional courses, PGIM also has helped generations of competent and skilled health professionals upgrade their knowledge and skills, and I think this is where the impact of PGIM is most felt,” VC Manapat-Reyes said.
Dr. Zorayda E. Leopando, former PGIM Director (2004-2006) and UPCM Professor Emeritus, who served as the keynote speaker of the program, imparted a short background history of PGIM, discussing the postgraduate courses offered by the College and its departments, international linkages such as the academic link between UK and the Philippines through the British Council, the Universal Healthcare timeline and milestone, and the residency practice of the Doctor to the Barrios.
Dr. Cruz also recognized the former directors of PGIM who have immensely contributed to the success of the Institute: Dr. Antonio G. Sison (1938-1951), Dr. Arturo B. Rotor (1951-1960), Dr. Ernesto O. Domingo (1972-1988), Dr. Federico B. Cruz (1988-1989), Dr. Reynaldo O. Joson (1989-1991), Dr. Federico B. Cruz (1991-2003), Dr. Zorayda E. Leopando (2004-2006), Dr. Alvin B. Marcelo (2006-2007), Dr. Paulo Ma. N. Pagkatipunan (2007-2010), Dr. Josefina Isidro–Lapeña (2010-2012), Prof. Rhodora Estacio (2012), and Dr. Lenora C. Fernandez (2012-2018).#
