To signal a spirited start to the new year, the College of Public Health (CPH) hosted the first Flag Ceremony for the University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) themed “Bagong Taon, Bagong Simula: Tungo sa Kalusugang Pangkalahatan” on Monday, January 8, 2024, 8:00 A.M. at Lara Hall. Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), was the guest speaker for the event.
In his welcome remarks, Chancellor Michael L. Tee stressed that the flag ceremony is a symbol of the partnership between the DOH and UP Manila. Thereafter, he announced the upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UP Manila and the Department of Health at the end of January 2024, aimed at enhancing collaboration to strengthen universal healthcare.
“Tayo po’y maniniguro na ang mga polisiya na ipapalabas ng Department of Health ay may
UP Manila Chancellor Michael L. Tee
kaakibat na mga ebidensyang pinag-aralan ng akademya. Pangalawa, gagawa at tutulong
tayo sa pamamagitan ng paghubog ng ating mga human resources for health na ang
kaalaman ay tugma sa pangangailangan ng Department of Health, tugma para sa primary
care at sa Universal Health Care,”
In his inspirational message, Secretary Herbosa discussed the 8-Point Action Agenda outlined in Administrative Order No. 2023-0015, focusing on key health priorities such as vaccination, maternal and child health, tuberculosis, road safety, hypertension, cancer, and digitalization. He presented his ‘28-28-28’ plan—twenty-eight national ambulatory and urgent care centers for twenty-eight million of the poorest Filipinos by 2028.
“I need your help. I cannot do it alone. The DOH needs you on how we can modernize
Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH)
the Department, modernize the program, and modernize primary healthcare,”
Calling on the academic community to play a vital role in developing the healthcare system and emphasizing the DOH theme: “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga.”
In response, Associate Professor TJ Robinson T. Moncatar, RN, MPH, PhD, Assistant to the Dean for Planning and Development, assured the Secretary and the audience that the CPH would actively support the call to action, and will always be thinking innovatively to address the challenges faced by the nation.
In his closing remarks, CPH Dean Fernando B. Garcia, Jr., PhD, took the opportunity to make several announcements. He shared that the College had scored significant achievements in the last Christmas celebration, winning first place for the best façade and second place in the cheering competition. Furthermore, he invited everyone to attend other CPH seminars and events.
The Master of Ceremonies for the occasion was Associate Professor Paulyn Jean A. Claro, PhD. Associate Professor Sheriah Laine M. De Paz-Silava, MD, PhD led the invocation, and the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas and Panunumpa ng Lingkod Bayan was led by Associate Professor Romulo F. Nieva, Jr. Dr. Carlos Primero D. Gundran, Assistant Professor at the CPH, also delivered an inspirational message.
Charmaine A. Lingdas
