PhotoHunt: Hope

This was the float of our Health Sciences Center campus during the University of the Philippines Centennial Lantern Parade held last December 18th. The main figures on the float represented the health professionals graduated by our campus- UP Manila- which included social scientists, physical and occupational therapists, nurses, public health practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, physicians, and health educators.

But the most important figure is that of The Oblation, the University's main icon, for gift of oneself to the country, offering of oneself wholeheartedly, taking life's challenges as one's own while embracing others in a spirit of cooperation, friendship, collegiality and equality, taking up the cudgels for the oppressed and marginalized. This has been the University's legacy of the past 100 years and its continuing mission in the next 100 years.

I hope and pray that this same selfless offering of oneself, doing whatever one small bit we can for others- when taken together- will make the world so much better, compared to when we first arrived on it.

Hail! U.P. Oblation - The Centennial Photo-Op

At the crack of dawn on December 13, 2008, the country’s top photographers and international press will be on hand at the UP Amphitheatre for a Photo Expedition that will feature 100 Oblation Men from all sectors of the University (UP students, alumni, faculty and staff) to honor the immortal symbol of academic freedom, excellence and service. Models will be suited with a crafted fig leaf, exclusively designed by renowned fashion designer, Eric Pineda. As the 100 Oblation Men pose, photographers will be given time to capture the moment by interpreting the meaning of the Oblation through their camera lenses.

Top Philippine photographers including media will be invited to this photo expedition which we hope will land on the cover of TIME magazine and the front pages of national dailies. As of this writing, we already have confirmation from both local and foreign press photographers that they will cover the event. The best shots will be featured in the UP Centennial Coffee Table Book which is now a work in progress. Slots are still available for the 100 Oblation Men in this once-in-a-lifetime event.

For more details, contact Debbie at 09177913924 or Misha at 09209015107. Queries can be sent to hailupoblation@gmail.com. Photographers may also get in touch with Debbie.

Join up and spread the word! A chance like this comes only once every 100 Years.

(From the University of the Philippines Alumni Association)

Connecting learning to global health trends: ICEHS 2008

In celebration of the Centennial of the University of the Philippines (UP) and in keeping with its mandate to be the leader in education, research and service to the nation, the UP College of Medicine and the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions spearheads the First International Conference on Education in the Health Sciences (ICEHS), from October 1-3, 2008 at the Science Hall of the UP Philippine General Hospital.



Centering on the theme “Connnecting Learning to Global Health Trends,” the First ICEHS brings together noted local and international experts to collective chart the course of health education in the face of the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Health science educators from the Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United States will be flying in to share best practices in their respective institutions. Most notable among them perhaps will be Prof. Frances Baum of Flinders University, Commissioner from Australia of the UN Commission on Social Determinant of Health, a dedicated teacher and researcher in the field of community health and its interrelation with politics and economy.

Included in the roster of some 25 Philippine experts on health and education are two former Secretaries of the Department of Health and UP professors Drs. Alberto Romualdez and Jaime Galvez Tan; former UP Manila Chancellor Dr Marita Reyes; Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teachers Drs. Antonio Dans and Rafael Bundoc, and; TOYM Awardee Dr Alvin Marcelo, among others.

Participants will experience two and a half days of plenary and symposia tackling issues ranging from distance learning to MD-MBA education models; effective teaching of courses like Gross Anatomy to community-based learning initiatives to admissions policies. This First ICEHS will not only assume the worldview of teachers but it will also paint a more complete picture by presenting perspectives from students as well as institution administrators.

For those with the passion for the business, art, science, and vocation of health education, do not miss this chance to enhance your capacities by learning from the best. Be part of the First International Conference on Education in the Health Sciences (ICEHS).

For inquiries, please get in touch with:

THE CONFERENCE SECRETARIAT
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH SCIENCES
c/o University of the Philippines Centennial Committee in Manila
Rm. 125 Ground Floor, National Institutes of Health Building
Pedro Gil Street, Ermita, Manila
1000 Philippines

Ms. Rhea Obera (UPM Centennial Office)
Telephone Number: (632) 524-7571
Email: upm.icehs@gmail.com
Fax number: (632) 526-0371, (632) 536-1329

15th Grand Scientific Symposium, February 1-2, UP College of Medicine

In celebration of the Centennial of the University of the Philippines, the UP College of Medicine thru its Postgraduate Institute of Medicine is holding the 15th Grand Scientific Symposium on February 1-2, 2008 at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino, Pedro Gil Street, Manila. With the theme- The Brain and Behavior: Optimizing Function from Birth and Beyond- the 15th GSS is a collaboration of the Departments of Neurosciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine of the University.

The topics lined up for the two-day symposium consist of everyday challenges doctors, patients and their families and communities face. Below are just some issues to be tackled in the GSS which I personally am very interested in:

Brain and Development: IQ vs EQ, Family Role in Child Development

Dysfunction of Brain and Behavior: Autism, Learning Disabilities

Neurologic Problem in Children: Head Trauma

Bangag o Baliw: Neurobiology, Psychology, Pharmacology of Addiction

Issues in Children and Adults: Behavioral Problems, Teenage Pregnancy

Crossroads: Gender Issues, Midlife Process, Spirituality in Healing, Death and Dying

Neurology of Aging: The Aging Philippine Population, Successful Aging

Dementia: Makakalimutin lang o Ulianin na?, Pag-aaruga ng Ulianin

Neuropharmacology: Psychopharmacology in Geriatrics, Polypharmacy

Epilepsy Primary Care

Optimizing Stroke Management: Stroke Mimickers, When Medical Therapy Fails

Special Topics: Herbal and Food Supplements, The Living Will

There are other topics which I have not listed above. But suffice it to say, this two-day CME ought to cure some of my anxiety about encountering patients with neurologic or psychiatric problem NOT because of the physical harm they can inflict on me but because I HARDLY know what to do to help them.

To get to know more about the 15th Grand Scientific Symposium of the UP College of Medicine, please get in touch with the GSS Secretariat at +632.536.1319 and look for Ms. Agnes Enagan or email upcmpgim@gmail.com.

Registration fees: P2,500 for medical practitioners; P2,000 for residents in training; P1,500 for teachers/ allied medical professionals; P1,000 for government employees.

You can also visit the UP College of Medicine site or the symposium invitation at the Department of Health site. PDF files related to the 15th GSS can be downloaded there.

University of the Philippines Centennial Celebration Kick-Off January 8, 2008

UP: Excellence, Service, and Leadership

in the Next 100 Years

Everyone- especially past, present, and future students, faculty, and REPS of the UP- is highly encouraged to join the launch of the UP's centennial year!

Program of Activities for the

UP System Centennial Kick-Off
(From the UP Centennial website and the memo to its constituents by the UP Manila Chancellor dated December 29, 2007)

January 8, 2008, Tuesday

7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Mass at the PGH Chapel in UP Manila

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Centennial Celebration Launch Program

at the UPMASA-PGH Science Hall in UP Manila

11:00 – 12 nn
Assembly for Motorcade (PGH and Tipunan/NIH)

12nn – 2p.m.
Motorcade from UP Manila to UP Diliman
Assembly of the celebrants at the University Ave. in UP Diliman

2:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Motorcade from UP Manila meets the other UP College Units contingents in front of Lung Center in Quezon Ave.

2:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Motorcade proceeds to University Ave.

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Arrival of Motorcade at University Ave.

4:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Skydivers with banners land in open area next to Plaridel Hall

4:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Tambuli and ‘Kwitis’ signal start of ceremony

4:45 - 4:55 p.m.
Doxology

4:55 - 5:00 p.m.
The Philippine National Anthem

5:00 - 5:05 p.m.
Opening Remarks by UPAA President Ponciano E. Rivera, Jr.

5:05 - 6:00 p.m.
Centennial Flame is passed around the academic oval by 100 UP alumni

6:00 - 6:10 p.m.
UP System President Emerlinda R. Roman lights the centennial cauldron
Carillon is played with 100 gun salute by the UP Rifle Team

6:10 - 6:12 p.m.
President Emerlinda R. Roman opens UP Centennial Year

6:12 - 6:17 p.m.
Assembly singing of “UP Naming Mahal”

6:17 - 6:30 p.m.
UP Pep Squad performance

6:30 - 6:45 p.m.
Revelry

6:45 - 7:00 p.m.
Chancellor Sergio Cao invites assembly to the Concert
Assembly moves to the ampitheater

7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Concert at the ampitheater

9:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Fireworks