Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Ronald Verceles

The University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health (CPH) formally marked the beginning of the second term of Dean Dr. Fernando B. Garcia Jr., who renewed his pledge in leading the College. Dean Garcia, along with the College’s executive committee, took their oath of service before Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee during the CPH flag ceremony held on September 8, 2025, at the CPH Annex Auditorium. The ceremony carried the theme “Panata ng Paglilingkod: Sama-samang Paglinang ng Dangal at Husay sa Pampublikong Kalusugan Patungong Sentenaryo.”

In his speech, Dean Garcia expressed deep gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him, calling his reappointment “not just a personal privilege, but a shared responsibility.” He acknowledged the tireless work of the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners in advancing public health education, research, and service.

“Ang anumang ating nakamit sa mga nagdaang taon ay bunga ng ating sama-samang pagsisikap, katatagan, at iisang adhikain—na mapabuti ang kalusugan at kapakanan ng mga komunidad na ating pinaglilingkuran,” Garcia said.

He also thanked his family for their support and understanding, noting the many times he had to set aside personal plans to fulfill his duties as dean. Special recognition was also given to the families of his colleagues in the Dean’s Management Team and Executive Council for their continued support.

Closing his remarks, Dean Garcia renewed his pledge to strengthen UP CPH’s role as a pillar of leadership, innovation, and service in public health:

“Sa pagsisimula ng panibagong termino, muli kong pinagtitibay ang aking pangako at panata—na mamumuno nang may dangal, pagkakapantay-pantay, at kahusayan. Sama-sama nating patatagin ang ating kolehiyo bilang haligi ng pamumuno, inobasyon, at paglilingkod sa pampublikong kalusugan—kalusugan para sa ating bayan.”

Effective August 1, 2025, the College leadership team includes the following:

• Dr. Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho – Assistant to the Dean for Academic Affairs
• Dr. Paulyn Jean A. Claro – Assistant to the Dean for Planning and Development
• Dr. Sharon Yvette Angelina M. Villanueva – Associate Dean for Research
• Dr. Myra S. Mistica – College Secretary

Department chairs:

• Dr. Paul Adrian V. Pinlac – Chair, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Dr. Paul Michael R. Hernandez – Chair, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health
• Dr. TJ Robinson T. Moncatar – Chair, Department of Health Policy and Administration
• Dr. Ernesto R. Gregorio Jr. – Chair, Department of Health Promotion and Education
• Dr. Evalyn A. Roxas – Chair, Department of Medical Microbiology
• Dr. Kim Leonard G. Dela Luna – Chair, Department of Nutrition
• Dr. Jose Ma. M. Angeles – Chair, Department of Parasitology

The ceremony concluded with the CPH community reaffirming its collective commitment to the College’s vision as it prepares for its centennial celebration in 2027.

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