Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Hanz Villarba, Brandon Deichmann and Assoc. Prof. Fernando C. Ligot
Edited by Yves Y. Palad and Gabriella Isabel R. Tablante-Santos
The University of the Philippines Manila College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP) held its recognition ceremony, “Pagkilala 2025,” on July 21 at Cine Adarna, UP Diliman, with the theme “Paghayo Tungo sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod.” The event celebrated the academic achievements of graduating students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech pathology, rehabilitation science, and clinical audiology.
In her opening remarks, CAMP Dean, Professor Esmerita Rotor, reflected on her personal journey likened to following the “beat of a different drummer,” inspired by a quote from Henry David Thoreau. Her own journey included entering UP, leaving a career in the US, and unexpectedly joining CAMP as a member of the faculty. Guided by her instincts, she found purpose and fulfillment in CAMP. Her message encouraged graduates to listen to their own calling and to trust their unique paths that may be uncertain but meaningful.
“This is my simple wish for you, CAMP Batch of 2025: that you hear the music—the drumbeat that leads to the path meant for you. It won’t be a paved road, that’s for sure. In following my own music, I found myself alone, lonely, uncertain, and unknowing. But it led me to a good place. As a graduate of UP, there will be expectations of you. At the very least: Honor, Excellence, and Service. Lean into these—you may just hear your music louder if you do.”
A Voice for Inclusion and Empowerment
The keynote speaker, Coach Obelia Lacanilao-Cutiongco, a speech communication specialist, delivered a moving address that bridged personal advocacy with professional excellence. As a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, she shared her personal journey as a parent and advocate for children with disabilities. She spoke about founding a tutorial center and later, Espesyal Pinoy—a Filipino support group in Singapore—to build a caring, informed community for families like hers. She emphasized the importance of empathy, proper guidance, and early intervention through dedicated therapists who helped her daughter, Sandra, reach key developmental milestones. Returning to the Philippines, she continued her advocacy through awareness talks, free teacher training, and inclusive programs. She also highlighted the urgent need for more committed special education (SPED) teachers and therapists, especially given high turnover rates that negatively affect children’s stability and trust.
She went on to express her hope that the graduates would extend their reach—volunteering in community schools, outreach programs, organizations, and SPED institutions, and becoming speakers in career and awareness talks. Through their profession, she called on them to uplift others and build more inclusive, compassionate communities.
“May pangarap ako—na bawat isa sa inyo ay hindi lang basta magiging therapist, kundi magiging tagapagtayo ng mga komunidad na tunay na nagmamalasakit.”
She also envisioned a future where therapists are more widely recognized, where more students pursue careers in CAMP, and where therapy services become more accessible. She dreamed of graduates becoming educators, center founders, and sector leaders—advancing inclusive education and support. She called for support for advocacies and policies that uphold the dignity and rights of children with special needs.
“Ang UP ay hindi lamang tungkol sa academic excellence. Ito ay tungkol sa serbisyo sa bayan, sa pagtulong sa kapwa, at sa pagbibigay ng pag-asa.” She ended her speech by urging the graduates to commit to being Filipino therapists who choose to care, to serve, and to stay.
Honoring Academic and Leadership Excellence
Chancellor Dr. Michael L. Tee formally recognized the candidates for graduation, affirming their successful completion of program requirements.
A total of 84 candidates for graduation from the undergraduate programs were recognized this year:
56 candidates for graduation were recognized with Latin honors:
The college also recognized 8 candidates for graduation from its graduate programs:
Special awards were also conferred:
“Let’s HOP In: A Case Series on the Implementation of a Health Optimization Program for University Constituents”
Denabea Emry R. Catapang, Adrienne S. Tibi, Erin Daphne C. Tiu, Raphael Jacob A. Uy, and Eurissa Louise L. Yutuc
Student Response and Alumni Induction
Delivering the graduates’ response was Rae Michelle Alamis Taray, magna cum laude from the Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy program, who reflected on the varied reasons students pursued occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech pathology, or clinical audiology—family, personal experience, or the drive to make a difference. But beyond “why,” she urged them to ask, “Para saan? Para kanino?” She honored their quiet struggles and daily perseverance, and recognized the support of parents, mentors, friends—and especially patients, whose resilience gave true meaning to the profession.
“Ngayong araw, tayo ay nagtipon-tipon hindi lamang upang ipagdiwang ang ating pagtatapos, kundi upang gunitain ang mga taon ng pagsisikap, pagkadapa at pagbangon, at higit sa lahat, ang ating paglago bilang mga taong handa nang maglingkod,” she said.
As graduates take different paths, Taray reminded them that their duty goes beyond institutional walls. True service, she said, must be felt in places forgotten and unseen, where hope is most needed. She challenged her fellow scholars to use their knowledge to uplift, to disrupt injustice, and to serve not out of obligation, but out of love for country.
“Mula sa mga tahimik na sakripisyo at mga araw na pinili nating umusad kahit mabigat ang bawat hakbang, tayo ay ngayon hahayo nang nakataas ang kamao, matatag ang diwa, at handa ang pusong magsilbi para sa bayan. Mabuhay ang Batch 2025! Padayon sa mga bagong alagad ng makatao at makabuluhang paglilingkod!”
#FP1 #FP6 #InnovationsForLifelongLearningDedicatedToService
