PRC chair and CEO Richard Gordon and UPM chancellor Dr. Michael Tee signed a memorandum of agreement on Monday at the UPM College of Medicine to formalize the partnership in providing the scholarship for the eight students, who shall complete the Doctor of Medicine-Master of Public Health (MD-MPH) double degree program. Also, part of the signatories of the MOA were UPM College of Public Health dean Dr. Fernando Garcia Jr. and UPM College of Medicine Dr. Charlotte Chiong, as well as PRC secretary general Dr. Gwendolyn Pang and PRC vice chair Corazon Alma de Leon.

Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas

The University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) have launched the second batch of scholars in the nation’s first Doctor of Medicine – Master of Public Health (MD-MPH) Double Degree Program. This initiative was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Student Contract during a ceremony held on June 10, 2024, at the Vicente Tiu Conference Room, Henry Sy Sr. Hall, UP Manila College of Medicine.

Dr. Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho, Director, Office of International and Local Linkages, emphasized that the five year MD-MPH Double Degree Program, jointly offered by the College of Medicine and the College of Public Health, integrates the Master of Public Health (MPH) curriculum into the medical degree, ensuring a comprehensive education in both fields. The program is aligned with global and national health needs, including the response to public health crises, non-communicable diseases, and emerging infectious diseases.

“The reason why we created this program is because we knew that we really need a lot of public health experts,” asserted Dr. Charlotte Chiong, Dean of the College of Medicine. She emphasized that there are currently eight scholars, with twenty slots approved in the budget by the board. The goal is to fill the remaining twelve as this is a continuing program.

By mid-year next year, another batch of scholars will be enrolled. She stated that once these MD-MPH students graduate, they will be crucial in the implementation of universal healthcare.

 “Our vision is to serve the underserved, and we know that currently, sixty percent to fifty percent of the population still cannot access a medical doctor. With the expansion from eight to 21 state universities setting up their own medical schools, we are also looking at these graduates as potential educators who will lead our country towards fully achieving universal health care.”

Chancellor Michael L. Tee said the partnership is geared on developing the future leaders of medical and public health sciences, leaders who will shape the nation’s response to future public health challenges and shape policies that will help the Philippines. 

“Ang UP ay isang tugon sa lumalalang public health crisis,” said Chancellor Michael L. Tee.

He recounted that in 1905, the UP College of Medicine or Philippine Medical School was established to respond to the increasing number of cholera and malaria outbreaks in the country.

“One hundred sixteen years after, we see that UP as a national response to the public health crisis is again evolving, and that is what is good about this university,” he said. “We are not stagnant; we are able to evolve to respond to what is needed. This evolution is highlighted by how our experts—the faculty from the UP College of Medicine, UP College of Public Health, particularly members of the Community Health Development Program—have shifted. With you as our students, we are now capable of responding to another public health crisis.”

Richard J. Gordon, Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross, emphasized the duty to contribute to the country’s development and welfare. “UP should always show the way. UP must lead,” Gordon said. 

He challenged the students to become “extraordinary citizens,” adding that compassion for the people they comfort and heal, along with their research for new medicine, should be at the heart of their work. He advised the students to “never forget your values of volunteerism, pagmamalasakit, and pakikipagkapwa tao.”

The eight PRC scholars are Pauline Angela F. Abu, Charmaine Khaye D. Alba, Ceidy Joyce A. Balubal, Czariss Dale Grace A. Bedoya, Haggai Elisha L. Facon, Mary Hazel B. Florita, Rona Angela D. Grindulo, Wade Montgomery S. Rosales.

“I joined the MD-MPH program so that hopefully in the future to help bridge disparities in health at the same time help my communities and give back to them,” said Ceidy Joyce A. Balubal. Czariss Dale Grace A. Bedoya emphasized that she joined the MD-MPH program because she “believed that becoming a physician with an expertise in public health will aid in prolonging life, preventing diseases, and promoting health in the community.” The scholars expressed gratitude to the Philippine Red Cross and Chairman Richard Gordon for this scholarship. “More than the financial support, your eagerness to help us continues to inspire us to strive for excellence in our medical and public health journey. We promise to carry forward your legacy of service and to make a positive impact on the lives of many”

Dr. Fernando B. Garcia, Jr. – Dean, College of Public Health said that UP Manila commits to the provision of scholarships to deserving students. “The PRC and UP Manila have had a long-standing friendship and partnership. Individual members and units of both institutions have established a variety of collaboration projects in the field of public service and education. This MOA actually commits us to work together more closely towards our shared goal, which is the pursuit of better health outcomes and helping our communities for our beloved country, the Philippines.”