Text by Brian Floyd Andrewmer B. Albitos

Photo by Angelou C. Mendoza 

The 14 graduates of the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions pose for a photo during the 9th Recognition Ceremony. 

The National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions (NTTCHP) celebrated its 9th College Recognition Ceremony on July 27, 2024 at the Admiral Hotel Manila. 

Celebrating academic excellence and unwavering commitment to social responsibility, the NTTCHP conferred degrees to eleven graduates of the Master in Health Professions Education program, two graduates of the Master of Health Professions Education program, and its very first graduate of the Doctor of Health Professions Education program.

The ceremony also marked the turnover of leadership, with Dr. Maria Elizabeth M. Grageda being introduced as the new dean of NTTCHP. In her address, Dean Grageda commended the graduates for their perseverance and encouraged them to embody the university’s values in their future endeavors. “Sigurado ako na sa tulong at suporta ninyong lahat ay sama-sama nating matutupad ang mga layunin ng NTTCHP bilang ambag sa pagtupad ng mga layunin ng UP Manila,” she stated. 

UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael L. Tee, in his acceptance speech, delivered an inspiring message and underscored the importance of consistency and action. “Words are leaders’ most important weapon. [But] that weapon can be dull or sharp. To sharpen it, you need to sharpen it with action. Your actions will be the most important sharpening agent because if your people see that your actions are consistent with your words, then it builds community, it builds commitment among your people,” he said.

Guest speaker and NTTCHP alumnus Dr. Mario Philip R. Festin inspired the graduates to pursue excellence and maintain a commitment to public service. “You only become a good educator because you’re not only able to influence individuals but also programs. I hope our new graduates of health professions education will be able to use what they have learned to make an impact in each and every life,” he said.

Dr. Evangeline B. Dela Fuente, MD, MHPEd, DrHPEd, NTTCHP’s first graduate of the Doctor of Health Professions program and recipient of the NTTCHP Academic Excellence Award delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates. 

Dr. Evangeline B. Dela Fuente, the college’s first graduate of the Doctor of Health Professions Education program and recipient of the NTTCHP Academic Excellence Award, reminded her fellow graduates of the commitment and values instilled by the university. “I urge us all who have a love of learning to continue nurturing it in ourselves and others. Let this learning serve a purpose, and let that purpose be service. At dahil tatak Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, let it be done with honor and excellence in loving service to our people, especially the underserved,” she emphasized.

Alongside Dr. Dela Fuente, Dr. Joseph U. Olivar, a graduate of Master in Health Professions Education, was also honored with the NTTCHP Academic Excellence Award.

The celebration concluded with the introduction and oath-taking of the newly elected officers of the NTTHCP Alumni Association (NTTCHPAA) and the induction of the graduates into the association.