Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Jericho Paolo L. Mabansag
The greatest impact of public health is often invisible. It is measured not only by lives saved, but by outbreaks prevented, diseases detected early, and communities kept healthy before crises emerge.
That was the message shared by Bachelor of Science in Public Health valedictorian John Michael Osorio as he addressed the University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health (CPH) Class of 2026 during the College’s Recognition Rites held on Aug. 3, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Held under the theme, “Patuloy sa Paglilingkod na may Dangal at Husay para sa Pampublikong Kalusugan“ (Committed to Honor and Excellence in the Service of Public Health), the ceremony honored graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Master of Hospital Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Public Health, Master of Occupational Health, Master of Arts in Health Policy Studies, and Doctor of Public Health programs.
The Quiet Impact of Public Health
Speaking on behalf of the undergraduate class, Osorio reflected on how public health often works quietly behind the scenes, with its greatest successes measured by the crises that never happen.
“The success of our profession is often not measured by what happens, but by what never does—a disease detected early or even an epidemic prevented. The greatest impact of public health is often invisible because when we do our job well, people get to live their lives with good health and well-being,” he said.
Osorio also said his years at CPH taught him the values of compassion, purpose, and service, and reminded his fellow graduates that their education was made possible through the sacrifices of the Filipino people.
Staying True to The Calling
In her inspirational message, Dr. Ma. Sandra Tempongko, deputy director of the SEAMEO TROPMED Network, challenged the graduates to remain true to the purpose that first inspired them to pursue public health.
“Does that same passion that brought you to the halls of the College of Public Health then still burn bright today?” she asked.
Tempongko reminded the graduates that the realities of public health extend far beyond the classroom. She described the profession as one that demands courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to advocating for underserved communities while navigating the complexities of governance and policymaking.
“You will face chronic underfunding. You will encounter resistance to evidence-based policy. You will grapple with the politicization of science, intense pressure from decision-makers, and ongoing struggles for transparency and accountability.”
Despite these realities, she encouraged the graduates to remain steadfast in their mission.
“Your resilience, integrity, and values will be tested. But your time within the halls of CPH has given you far more than technical skill and expertise. It has deepened your empathy, sharpened your ethical compass, reinforced your sense of responsibility, and reignited your passion for public health.”
Emphasizing that public health begins with recognizing the inherent dignity of every person, Tempongko reminded the graduates that health is a human right and urged them to remain grounded in compassion and the values that shaped them throughout their education.
“Panatilihin ang inyong pagiging makatao. Be humane. Ilangkap ninyo ang inyong sarili sa inyong mga pinahahalagahang prinsipyo. Do not forget your core values. Hold on to them.”
She concluded by reminding the graduates that public health is ultimately an act of selfless service to others.
Every Decision Matters
Representing the graduate students, Joyce Parco reflected on the transformative lessons she gained through graduate education, sharing that beyond academic knowledge, graduate school taught resilience, humility, openness to criticism, and the discipline to follow evidence wherever it leads.
Acknowledging the many public health challenges facing the country, she encouraged her fellow graduates to become agents of meaningful change through integrity, service, and evidence-based action.
“As public health professionals, maybe we won’t solve all those problems overnight. But every honest decision we make, every community we choose to serve, every policy we strengthen, every student we teach, every patient we help, every piece of evidence we choose to stand by matters.”
Parco reminded the graduating class that their degrees should never be seen as symbols of privilege, but as enduring reminders of their responsibility to serve the Filipino people with honor and excellence.
Academic Excellence and Leadership
The College of Public Health also honored students who demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and leadership.
Recipients of the Academic Excellence Award were:
The Highest in Comprehensive Examination Award was conferred to:
The Leadership Award was given to Anja Victoria Moreno
The BSPH Batch 2014 Excellence Award was presented to John Michael Osorio as the Outstanding Fourth-Year Student and Gabriel Luis Villanueva as the Outstanding Third-Year Student.
A Legacy of Quiet Service
Closing the ceremony, CPH Dean Fernando Garcia Jr. reminded the graduates that the impact of public health professionals is often unseen but deeply felt.
“As you leave this college, remember that public health is unlike many professions. People may never know your name. They may never know the name of the epidemiologist who prevented a disaster or stopped an outbreak. They may never know the name of the health policy expert who improved access to care. They may never know the name of the hospital administrator who made health services more efficient,” he said. “They may never know the name of the environmental health specialist who kept communities safe. They may never know the name of the public health leader who helped shape better systems. But they will live healthier lives because someone like you chose to serve.”
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