Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photo by Ronald Verceles
Students from the University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health were honored for their accomplishments during the recognition ceremony.
The Filipino word “Banyuhay” translates to “metamorphosis” or “transformation” in English. It symbolizes significant change and evolution, mirroring the graduates’ journey and growth as they prepare to tackle challenges in the field of public health. To celebrate and honor their achievements, the UP College of Public Health (CPH) held its Recognition Ceremony on July 25, 2024, at the Julian Felipe Room in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). With the theme, “Banyuhay: Dangal at Husay sa Pampublikong Kalusugan Tugon sa mga Hamon ng Panahon,” highlighted the vital role of public health professionals in addressing contemporary challenges.
“You our dear graduates have shown exemplary dedication, hard work, and determination. You have gone above and beyond embodying the principles of public health that in your own way contributed to the well-being of our community. This event is actually a testament to all of your efforts and a reminder of the vital part or component you all play in safeguarding public health,” said Dr. Fernando B. Garcia Jr., Dean of the College of Public Health at UP Manila and Centre Director of SEAMEO TROPMED Regional Centre for Public Health in his welcome address.
The event’s highlight was an inspirational message from Dr. Nina G. Gloriani, a vaccine expert and former Dean of CPH. Reflecting on her fifty-year career in public health, she shared, “Two years after my retirement in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic pulled me back into the mainstream of public health and the very core of microbiology, virology, and immunology. What started as primarily a technical job evaluating vaccine data turned into a more meaningful involvement. I was happily serving, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, translating scientific data into laymanized forms, to communicate to the public.”
Dr. Gloriani recounted the challenges and triumphs of her pandemic experience, emphasizing the importance of scientific communication and the battle against misinformation. “We tried to do better and vigorously countered disinformation and misinformation. With all the uncertainties, staying positive and upbeat proved productive,” she noted, encouraging graduates to maintain resilience and dedication.
“Let’s keep moving forward! Start something for the common good, move on and progress, forever learning, contributing to society,” Dr. Gloriani advised.
Honoring Excellence
The program included the presentation of graduates from various disciplines, including Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Master of Hospital Administration, Master of Occupational Health, Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Epidemiology, Master of Science in Public Health, and Doctor of Public Health.
The ceremony also celebrated academic excellence, highlighting the achievements of outstanding graduates. Angeline Menguito Perfecto, who graduated Magna Cum Laude, addressed her peers.
“It is not just the “Med Tech ng UP” or simply a pre-med course. Public Health is way more than that. There is a plethora of fields of work that we can take and make a difference in such as the academe, research, epidemiology, health promotion, health policy administration and management, and the like, which emphasizes that we can have an impact and give contribution to improving healthcare not only as medical doctors in the hospital setting,” she stated. “Many Filipinos still believe that health equals cure in a hospital, and public health is a foreign concept. It is now a challenge to us public health graduates to be involved in correcting this misconception—that health encompasses and is affected by numerous factors, and that the health of the general population is as important as that of an individual.”
Perfecto reminded graduates of their obligation to serve the Filipino people, saying, “As we take on different paths outside this college or university, our obligation to our country remains. I hope that even as we take off our Sablay, Honor and Excellence is still embodied by each and every one of us. I hope that we always remember that it is through the Filipino people that we got to this position. We owe them. So now, it is our time to give back to our country, to the Filipinos, who alone are deserving of our service.”
Other Awardees Included:
Academic Excellence:
Highest in Comprehensive Examination:
Leadership Award – Adrienne Natalie Hatad Ebillo
Recipients of Dr. Benjamin Rigor Scholarship Award – Angeline Menguito Perfecto and Aronne Joy Cestina Madrangca
Doctor of Public Health graduate Kerfelcel B. Retoriano also shared his thoughts, focusing on resilience and adaptability. “Don’t chase success; chase excellence, and success will follow.”
“The theme of our graduation, “Banyuhay: Dangal at Husay sa Pampublikong Kalusugan, Tugon sa mga Hamon ng Panahon,” reminds us that our college has prepared us to face challenges and demonstrate competency as public health graduates. As such, we are expected to influence people and lead in whatever path we choose,” Retoriano advised, echoing the sentiment of the institution.
The ceremony concluded with the induction of new alumni by Dr. Leonita P. Gorgolon, President of the UP College of Public Health Alumni Association and Ms. Guia P. Bengzon President, BS Hygiene/Public Health Alumni Association.
“Naway lagi ninyong isapuso ang mga aral at karanasan na inyong na eksperyensya dito sa kolehiyo at unibersidad nawa ay huwag ninyong kalimutan ang tunay na dangal at husay ay makikita sa patuloy na paglilingkod sa kapwa, sa ating bayan,” said Dr. Evalyn A. Roxas, College Secretary, UP College of Public Health and Chair, 2024 Recognition Ceremony Organizing Committee.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, they carry with them the values of honor and excellence instilled by the UP College of Public Health. The event marked a significant milestone for the graduates, who are now poised to make meaningful contributions to public health and society.
