Text by Dr. Mel Anthony E. Acuavera
Photos by Alumni Homecoming Organizing Committee
The Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) marked its 50th year with a grand celebration themed “Pamana: Honoring the UP-PGH DFCM Legacy and Building the Future Together” on March 21, 2026, at the Marco Polo Hotel in Pasig City.
Dr. Karin Estepa-Garcia (Batch 2009), department chair, opened the festivities by challenging the alumni to carry a sense of pride and ownership.
“Remain rooted in compassion and responsive to the needs of the community,” she urged.
University leaders also paid tribute to the department’s impact on patients. Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, UP-PGH director, lauded the DFCM as “the perfect example of what a doctor should be,” thanking them for their unwavering service to the country. College of Medicine Dean Charlotte M. Chiong encouraged the alumni to continue mentoring the next generation of primary care providers.
Recognizing Excellence
The gala night highlighted five outstanding alumni who embody the department’s core values of integrity, social justice, and nationalism: Dr. Eva Irene Y. Maglonzo (Batch 1991) for Academe & Mentoring, Dr. Noel L. Espallardo (Batch 1992) for Research & Innovation, Dr. Annie A. Francisco (Batch 1985) for Family Medicine Practice, Dr. Welthy E. Villanueva (Batch 2005) for Community Health, and Dr. Zorayda E. Leopando (Batch 1979) for National & International Engagement.
A Legacy of Leadership
The DFCM has a long-standing history of producing global and local pioneers in the field. Among its distinguished alumni is Dr. Leopando, who served as Vice-President (now termed as Regional President) of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) Asia-Pacific Region from 1995 to 2001. Beyond WONCA, the department’s graduates have shaped Philippine healthcare as presidents of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP), members of the Philippine Regulation Commission Board of Medicine, medical school deans, and leaders of various sub-specialty societies.
A Commitment to the Road Ahead
Symbolizing the transition of leadership, the evening featured two ceremonial toasts: “Pamana” (Legacy), led by Dr. Edward C. Tordesillas (Batch 1978), and “Pangarap” (Vision), led by Dr. Sitti Khadija U. Salabi-Sidaoui (Batch 2023).
The night concluded with a powerful commitment pledge led by Dr. Leopando, as the alumni reaffirmed their dedication to family and community medicine. Closing the event, Dr. Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho (Batch 2009), Chair of the Alumni Homecoming Committee, expressed her gratitude to the residents and alumni who made the milestone celebration a resounding success.
The 50th anniversary was even more memorable, as the PAFP recently recognized the department as a Center of Excellence (Level IV) in family medicine residency training. Notably, the department was also recognized in 2019 as University of the Philippines-Gawad Pangulo Awardee for Excellence in Public Service.
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