“To have our own UP oblation here in Tarlac is challenging because we all know what it stands for [symbolizing the hallmarks of a UP education—honor and excellence in service to the country], but we will continue to train doctors, nurses, and midwives who will reach the underserved and geographically-isolated areas.”

March 14, 2023 — In celebration of its 2nd founding anniversary, the University of the Philippines Manila School of Health Sciences Tarlac (UPM-SHS Tarlac) formally unveiled its own UP Oblation last March 13, 2023.

The Provincial Government of Tarlac (PGT) commissioned UP Artist Grace Alfonso to sculpt the UP Oblation for its SHS Tarlac campus. The Oblation was completed and installed in its place on February 28, 2023 to coincide with the founding of SHS Tarlac on February 26, 2021.

In her speech, Padilla also mentioned that the high retention rate of SHS graduates in the community of Tarlac will help strengthen the manpower requirements of the Universal Health Care implementation. (Photo from UP Manila SHS Tarlac)

UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla expressed her utmost gratitude to the Provincial Government of Tarlac (PGT), led by Governor Susan Yap, for its robust and unwavering support to SHS-Tarlac. The PGT has been funding the endeavors of the institution since its inception including the creation of the UP Oblation and construction of its soon-to-open dormitory.

UPM SHS Tarlac Director Pedro Magadan guiding (L-R) Tarlac Governor Yap and UP Manila Chancellor Padilla in their visit to the new SHS Tarlac Dormitory.

This new facility is expected to open in 2024 according to the SHS dean, Dr. Filedito Tandinco. 

“Ang partnership namin sa SHS Tarlac ay isang modelo [Our partnership here in SHS Tarlac is a model]. We [in UP] are always ready to share and give [quality service to the community], but we really need the support of the local government”, Padilla remarked. She emphasized that with strong collaborations like this, the goal of upgrading the healthcare system in far-flung areas can be realized.

Yap also shared the same sentiments saying, “With the establishment of SHS here in Tarlac, mas mapangangalagaan ang aming mga mamamayan—ang mga bata, ang mga matatanda, ang mga may sakit [our people will be better taken care of—the children, the elderly, the sick]”. Yap hopes that soon SHS Tarlac will not just produce doctors, nurses, and midwives, but also medical technologists, radiologists, and other healthcare workers who also play vital roles in the clinical setting.

UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, who graced the ceremony, also expressed his full support to the undertakings of SHS Tarlac. In this event, Jimenez unveiled a UP oblation for the first time in his term. 

From top left to bottom right: UP Manila Vice Chancellor Michael Tee, UPM SHS Tarlac Director Pedro Magadan, Mr. Albie Clarito (UPM-Office of the Chancellor), UP Manila Architect Rosalie Flores-Bernardo, Ms. Katherine Munda (UPM-Office of the Chancellor), UP Manila Information, Publication, and Public Affairs Office Director Olympia Ursula Malanyaon, UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla, UP President Angelo Jimenez, UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nymia Simbulan, UPM SHS Tarlac Oblation Artist Grace Alfonso, Ms. Anne Santos (UPM-Office of the Chancellor), Ms. Joycelyn Deanon (UPM-Office of the Chancellor), and SHS Dean Filedito Tandinco

“To have our own UP oblation here in Tarlac is challenging because we all know what it stands for [symbolizing the hallmarks of a UP education—honor and excellence in service to the country]; but we will continue to train doctors, nurses, and midwives who will reach the underserved and geographically-isolated areas,” stated SHS Dean Filedito Tandinco as he laid his plans for SHS in response to the generosity of the PGT to the institution. According to Tandinco, the unveiling ceremony in SHS Tarlac completes all SHS units having their own UP Oblations. 

Distinguished guests from the UP System, Provincial Government of Tarlac, and the Department of Health

The historical and momentous event was also attended by distinguished guests from the UP System­­ such as Faculty Regent Carl Marc Ramota and Student Regent Siegfred Severino, Provincial Government of Tarlac (PGT), and the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH is hopeful that in the next three years, the SHS Tarlac will become a DOH-accredited partner institution.

Before the formal program, SHS Tarlac Director Pedro Magadan showcased the facilities of the campus to the guests, including the newly constructed dormitory which is hoped to improve the students’ educational experience inside the school.

(Francis Nicole G. Maga)