NTTC-HP Marks 51st Year; Calls for Unity in Purpose, Programs, and People

January 12, 2026

Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit

Officials and staff of UP Manila and the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions (NTTC-HP) pose for a souvenir snap following the University’s first flag-raising ceremony of the year on Jan. 12, 2026.

The National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions (NTTC-HP) marked its 51st anniversary with a renewed call for unity and shared responsibility in advancing modern health professions education, as leaders emphasized that meaningful reform begins with a clear sense of purpose across the entire academic community.

“Bilang mga tagapagtaguyod ng edukasyong pangkalusugan, tangan natin ang responsibilidad na hindi lamang magturo kung hindi maghubog ng mga profesional na may malasakit, may integridad at kakayahang tumugon sa mga hamon ng makabagong panahon,” said NTTC-HP Dean Maria Elizabeth M. Grageda during the center’s fundraising and flag-raising ceremony on Jan. 12, 2026.

With the anniversary theme, “Pinag-iisang Layunin, Programa, at Kawani Para sa Makabagong Edukasyong Pangkalusugan,” Dean Grageda emphasized the importance of strong collaboration and alignment around a shared purpose to advance transformative health professions education in the Philippines. The theme reflects the NTTC-HPs long-standing mission and future direction after more than five decades of service in health professions education.

“Alalahanin natin na ang bawat araw ay pagkakataong maglingkod ng mas mahusay, magtulungan ng mas matatag, at magtaguyod ng mas makatarungang kalusugan para sa lahat,” she added.

Echoing the call for unity, Dr. Julius Ceazar Reyes, president of the NTTCHP Alumni Association, underscored in his message, “Moving Forward as One,” that a strong institution is anchored on a shared purpose. He said that NTTC-HP remains committed to providing quality health education that is relevant, ethical, compassionate, and responsive to societal needs, noting that alignment across administrators, faculty, staff, students, and alumni strengthens the institution’s impact. He added that programs serve as the bridge between vision and outcomes and must remain dynamic, evidence-based, and forward-looking.

Dr. Reyes emphasized that programs translate vision into action and must remain dynamic, evidence-based, and forward-looking, noting that their success depends on the people involved. “No curriculum succeeds without committed educators. No institution thrives without dedicated staff. And no legacy continues without students and alumni who carry its values forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bernadette Heizel Reyes urged members of the community to recognize their individual contributions to the university’s mission, regardless of role or position. “Lahat tayo dito may ambag tungo sa layunin ng unibersidad,” VC Reyes said.

Vice Chancellor Reyes emphasized UP Manila’s mandate that is rooted in nation-building, particularly in developing human resources for health. She also cited NTTC-HP’s role in advancing this mission by training educators who will, in turn, shape future generations of health professionals. “Ang ginagawa natin ay hindi lamang pag-abot ng diploma, kundi getting people ready to be contributors to our nation,” she added.

As NTTC-HP enters its 51st year, speakers collectively challenged the community to move forward as one—aligned in purpose, strengthened by collaboration, and grounded in the shared goal of building a more responsive and humane health education system.#