November 29, 2022 — Eight individual members and a student organization were conferred the UP Manila Gawad Chancellor award on Oct. 28 for outstanding contributions to the university, health community, and country. The conferment was held as part of the celebration of the 40th UP Manila Day and 43rd Health Sciences Center Autonomy.
Dr. Nathaniel W. Yang, College of Medicine
Outstanding Teacher
A UP College of Medicine faculty and attending otolaryngologist at the Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Yang has mentored students and residents in training and developed innovative strategies in teaching the current generation of highly computer savvy students. He directed students to utilize and discriminate various sources of information and to enhance their decision-making skills in applying knowledge. He developed and utilized online teaching and learning strategies such as asynchronous forum discussions and digital interactive learning objects. He directly supervised surgical residents with transfer of techniques in managing surgical disorders in hearing and balance, and disseminated knowledge and skills through consistent publication of interesting cases and/or review of unusual cases in clinical practice.
Dr. Roland Dominic G. Jamora, College of Medicine
Outstanding Researcher
Dr. Jamora conducted studies and published extensively on movement disorders in the Philippines and on general neurology topics: 127 full text articles published in PubMed- and/or Scopus-indexed journals, 7 full text articles in local peer-reviewed journals, 3 book chapters, and 1 book on X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP). He is first author and co-author of at least 38 papers on XDP, a movement disorder found only among Filipinos. He was deeply involved in international multi-center clinical trials, including completing a study on identifying a network-based imaging biomarker in XDP using flurodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and cranial magnetic resonance imaging. He was ranked first in Neurology in both the UP and Philippines categories in the 2021 and 2022 AD Scientific Index World Scientist and University Rankings; and received national and International publication awards.
Imelda G. Peña, College of Pharmacy
Outstanding Faculty in Extension Service
Prof. Pena’s involvement and support of advocacies such as immunization, medication adherence, and smoking cessation have led to their translation to educational materials, manuals, and lectures that benefit the practicing pharmacists, patients, and society. She contributed to the assessment of investigational drugs for COVID-19, drugs for minor inclusion in the Philippine National Formulary, and left-over drugs from the former Formulary Executive Council that can be recommended to the DOH for procurement and use by the public while ensuring their efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Her promotion of awareness on pharmacists as immunizers led to the development of the PRC-approved Immunizing Pharmacist Certification Program that resulted in the training and certification of pharmacists as immunizers of adult vaccines.
Wilfredo II Francis F. Mina, ND, PhD
Outstanding Research, Extension and Professional Staff (REPS)
Mr. Mina served as an educator in different sectors and institutions for more than 20 years—being a licensed guidance counselor and psychometrician, a certified security professional, student affairs and services specialist, school health consultant, certified prevention specialist, and safety officer. He pursued creative endeavors such as co-hosting a TV talk show and publishing articles, workbooks, research abstracts, and modules; and was a trainor and coordinator in zonal and regional projects. He served in several committees in the university and was actively involved with the UP Manila REPSA of which he is the acting president.
Maria Bernadette P. Idjao, Philippine General Hospital
Outstanding Administrative Employee (Level I)
Ms. Idlao established and maintained an effective and efficient system of property and supply management for the various hospital units that ensured continued availability and adequacy even during the COVID 19 pandemic. She developed and implemented procedures and guidelines for daily operations, especially during the pandemic, that enabled PGH to cope with increased demands as a COVID 19 Referral Center,and supply of PPEs, drugs, and medicines.
Kathlin-Kaye T. Hidalgo, Procurement Office
Outstanding Administrative Employee (Level I)
Ms. Hidalgo guided and assisted employees in the implementation and use of the FCMIS, UIS, 
Nicole Rose I. Alberto, College of Medicine
Outstanding Student
Ms. Alberto epitomizes academic excellence as demonstrated by her cum laude standing and consistent University/College Scholar ranking. She showed excellence in leadership, having received awards for leadership positions in university organizations including the UP Medicine Student Council, UPCM Class 2023 Class Council, Medicine Student Council, and UP Medical Students for Social Responsibility. She organized and participated in research projects that cater to the health and rights of the underserved and marginalized and health disparities and access to healthcare in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Phi Lambda Delta Sorority, College of Medicine
Outstanding Student Organization
The Phi Sorority has been extending services that address important health issues like maternal and child health, cervical cancer, HIV/AIDS, developmental delays in children, mental health, and blood donation. It organized projects directed towards the underserved during the pandemic such as Frontliners for the Frontlines, a fundraising initiative for COVID-19 frontliners through which the sorority was able to raise over Php 1,000,000, for much-needed PPEs to hospitals and medical centers all over the Philippines. It reached an even wider audience when it transitioned some projects and activities, such as the EmpoweRED, an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, to an online platform.
Jose V. Ogatis I, College of Arts and Sciences
Outstanding Artist
Mr. Ogatis produced 15 poems that were published in refereed books and journals In a span of two years. He strengthened culture and arts at the CAS through his active engagement in cultural activities and by supporting student organizations that showcase their members’ talents. He produced dance pieces that championed socially-relevant causes and different styles, as evidenced by the differences in the atmosphere and content of such pieces. He served as editor of the department’s online refereed journal, The Reflective Practitioner, with the first issue under his supervision to be published by the UP Press.
