Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photo by: Joseph A. Bautista

After graduation from BS Public Health, graduates have various pathways they can pursue based on their interests, skills, and career goals.

This was emphasized by Frances Rose E. Mamaril, Director of Universal Health Care Health Services Cluster – Technical Office of the Department of Health during the “Kwentong Alumni” forum on February 20, 2024 at the UP College of Pharmacy Emilio T. Yap Auditorium.

She highlighted the pivotal role of mentorship networking in navigating one’s professional journey. “Good mentors are like angels that will guide you,” Mamaril said highlighting the invaluable support and guidance mentors provide in career development.

The public health expert said she finds fulfillment in contributing to the nation’s health at the policy level. She said her motivation stems from deep-rooted love for the country rather than salary concerns.

The “Kwentong Alumni” series was held in celebration of the UP Manila College of Public Health’s 97th founding anniversary and its 59th anniversary as a SEAMEO TROPMED Regional Centre. The event was conceptualized as a result of collaborative meetings with the BS Hygiene Batch 1968 alumni, following the generous scholarships by the alumni. It serves as a platform to explore the diverse professional journeys of CPH alumni, explained CPH Dean and SEAMEO TROPMED Centre Director Fernando B. Garcia Jr., PhD.

Epidemiologist and biostatistician Luceli C. Cuasay at the Research for Health in Texas, a BS Hygiene graduate, also shared her transformative career journey and underscored the significance of diverse educational experiences and the expansion of networks within the university and among fellow alumni.

Meanwhile, Chief Health Program Officer Pio Justin V. Asuncion, from the Health Research Division of the Department of Health (DOH), shared invaluable advice during the program.

Asuncion, who finished his Master’s degree in Public Health in 2015 emphasized the acronym S.U.C.C.E.S.S., which stands for: Search for a good mentor; Understand deeply what you want; Chase your dream; Continuously grow; Eliminate negativities; Surround yourself with people who share the same values as you; and Serve the people.

“Working in the government takes a lot of courage, you may encounter deflectors who have different mindset. Stay grounded in your values and identify your allies,” said Asuncion.

Drawing from the lessons discussed in the forum, Kristine Fei S. Pataueg said her degree in public health “is not just a stepping stone to medicine but a worthwhile career and an avenue to prevent diseases and promote health.”

In her closing remarks, CPH College Secretary and Alumni Monitoring Cluster Head Dr. Evalyn A. Roxas, lauded the event for strengthening the bond between the college and its alumni and for providing students with valuable insights.

The “Kwentong Alumni” forum series promises to be an ongoing, enriching dialogue, connecting past and present members of the CPH community, and inspiring the next generation of public health professionals.