Text by Charmaine Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces Pulumbarit
The University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) launched its anthology book, “PAMANA”during its 120th founding anniversary on Dec. 1, 2025.
The book commemorates UPCM’s 120 years of history of education, research and public service immortalized in narratives and photos provided by students, alumni, faculty, staff, and patients.
Department of Physiology’s Dr. Ricardo Quintos III described PAMANA as “an anthology of historical references, reflections, and reminiscences of UPCM’s 120 years of legacy in science, culture, and public service to the community, the nation, and the world.”
“From the recounting of the hopeful beginnings and the challenges to its growth, to the flowering of its present and the musings of its future, this book, dedicated to the community, the UPCM community; the students and alumni; the faculty and personnel; the patients and the public—weaves a colorful tapestry of its collective memories in this book, PAMANA, making it as much a mirror to the past as it is a lens to the future,” Dr. Quintos said.
This was echoed by UPCM Dean Charlotte Chiong: “Ang ating pagdiriwang ngayon ay may temang Pamana — isang pamanang nakaugat sa AKAP: Agham, Kalinangan at Pagdamay. Paalala ito na sa loob ng isang daan at dalawangpung taon, hindi lang mga manggagamot ang ating hinubog, kundi isang komunidad na yumayakap sa agham, may husay, at nakaugat sa kultura, at may tunay na malasakit sa bawat pasyente,” she said.
The Father of Philippine Endocrinology Professor Emeritus Augusto Litonjua delivered an inspirational message in the event. Dr. Litonjua, 95, is the founder of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (PSEM) in 1962. He also served as the first president of PSEM.
Representing class 1956, Dr. Litonjua continues to serve and inspire generations of UPCM physicians.
“The true teacher is one who believes in developing people to the point that they eventually surpass him or her in knowledge and ability. I consider myself one of those teachers. How can you teach a student to become a chancellor, a dean, a director… I am proud of that achievement.” He said during the ceremony quoting a famous line from author and business executive Fred Manske Jr.
He also shared a special message to students. “When you explore the world and the paths before you, take the road less traveled, seize the opportunities it offers, and do your best. If you fail, at least you have given your best effort. If you succeed, that will be an opportunity built on the lessons from failure. That is what happened to me—starting out wanting to be a surgeon, I ultimately became an endocrinologist. I worked hard for it, and I have been rewarded,” he emphasized.
Chancellor Michael Tee highlighted the enduring values instilled by UPCM among its students as well as its contributions to the national health sector through leadership at the Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philheath), and Health Technology Assessment sectors. “It is the discipline that we learn in the College of Medicine. Discipline that allows us to serve our people and make sure that whatever we do will result in a Filipino race that is healthier, stronger, and safer,” he noted.
Philippine General Hospital Director Dr. Gerardo “Gap” Legaspi reflected on the value of remembering the College’s history. He pointed to achievements such as the construction of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall and the restoration of the Bobby dela Paz buildings as examples of how far the institution has come. “It’s really amazing how looking back makes us appreciate all of this even more because we know they were all grounded on the vision of those who came ahead of us, and I’m hoping that those who will follow us will also see the same thing in the future.” he said.
An updated UPCM Faculty Manual, revised by the Dean’s Management Team, was also launched during the celebration. The event was organized by the Department of Physiology and the Department of Medicine. #
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