Eight new scholars of the MD-PhD Molecular Medicine Program of the University of the Philippines Manila signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Science and Technology at the UP Manila Student Dormitory last August 23, 2022.
The 13th batch of MD-PhD scholars are Jirov A. Advincula, Khevin Jade B. Gumaru, and Sean Philippe L. Chua (BS Biology, UP Diliman); Mary Ann F. Cabrera and Claire Abigail A. Collantes (BS Public Health, UP Manila); Harley M. Rodriguez (BS Education, Major in Physical Sciences, University of the Eastern Philippines); and Fred Lawrence D. Samante (BS Medical Laboratory Science St. Scholastica’s College).
The new scholars will receive a monthly stipend, waived tuition fees, book and transportation allowances, insurance benefits, and thesis or dissertation grants during their entire 8-year ladderized program. At the completion of this degree, they are expected to contribute valuable efforts in the medical field as research-physicians, physician-investigators, and physician-scientists.
“This scholarship program, at present, is the most expensive scholarship grant ever in the Philippines”, DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime C. Montoya stressed. “In order to complete this program, you need to have two things: focus and commitment,” he added as he reminded the students of their topmost priorities in their lives which should include the completion of this program.
“Much is given, so much will also be required. Pero, hindi kami nandito para mamulis, kundi para tulungan kayo na matapos ang digri na ito.
Ms. Paula Jane E. De Leon, on behalf of the DOST-PCHRD Institution Development Division, emphasized the shared obligations of the grant-giving body, the research-mentors, and the students in this memorandum of agreement. She remarked, “Much is given, so much will also be required. Pero, hindi kami nandito para mamulis, kundi para tulungan kayo na matapos ang digri na ito. [We are not here to police you; rather, we are here to help you complete this degree.]”
The students are expected to display academic excellence and utmost professionalism during their stay in the program, and complete it on time. On the other hand, the research-mentors are also anticipated to extend emotional support, aside from academic enlivening. DOST-PCHRD and UP Manila will be responsible in ensuring that the stipulations in the memorandum of agreement are strictly complied with through close monitoring.
Currently, this is the only MD-PHD program in the Philippines. It embeds in its curriculum the fields of biomedical sciences, bioengineering and biomedical imaging, chemical and physical sciences, computational biology and informatics, public health, epidemiology, and preventive medicine to train its young members in the disciplines that will help improve the medical development and advance scientific research in the Philippines.
Aside from the aforementioned scholarship privileges, other opportunities open to the new MD-PHD students include: (1) attendance to local and international conferences and/or conventions, (2) assistance in publication fees, and (3) participation in summer immersions and research enrichment programs.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla, and the College of Medicine Dean Charlotte Chiong also gave video messages during the event.
Francis Nicole G. Maga
