Furthering the Vision of College of Public Health’s Alumni Association on UP’s Centennial Year

It has been 31 years since the UP College of Public Health Alumni Society (UPCPHAS) was born. During the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the UP College of Public Health (then UP Institute of Public Health) on April 28, 1977, a general meeting of alumni of the Institute was held. Although the alumni of each degree program had formed their own alumni organization, the graduates present at that time unanimously agreed to form a single alumni organization and this was called the UP Institute of Public Health Alumni Society (UPIPHAS). In 1989, UPIPHAS became UPCPHAS as the UP Institute of Public Health became UP College of Public Health.

Through the years, the Board of directors of UPCPHAS consisted of big names in the health sector who have made their mark here and abroad. Two secretaries (Dr. Clemente Gatmaitan and Dr. Carmencita Reodica), several undersecretaries, assistant secretaries and directors of the Department of Health headed the organization. The first President of UPCPHAS was the Former DOH Secretary Clemente Gatmaitan. There were also alumni board members who became officers in the WHO, UN agencies and other international organizations. There were also officers from UP and other academic institutions, LGUs, hospitals, NGOs and private companies.

The UPCPHAS has mainly contributed in the dissemination of health knowledge and researches through the conduct of lecture series, symposia and fora. A convention is conducted annually as a venue for keeping the alumni up-to-date on the comings and goings in the health sector. Other important activities of the organization include: donations and assistance to calamity-affected areas, medical missions, and fund raising campaigns to contribute to the renovation of the college’s facilities.

However, just like any other organizations, UPCPHAS undergone a cycle of activity and dormancy. There were years where no visible activities were carried out by the organization aside from the homecoming. The link of UPCPHAS to the college needs to be strengthened. Contacts with some alumni were not sustained, and alumni database needs updating.

The UPCPHAS’ vision is to strengthen its partnership with the College of Public Health in the areas of research and development and capability building. It also aims to improve its membership, update database and sustain communication with the alumni. These are reflected in the strategic plan which highlighted the role of UPCPHAS in promoting high standards of education in public health.

On June 27, 2008, new UPCPHAS board of directors was elected. In their hands is the challenge of furthering the vision of UPCPHAS as the UP celebrates its centennial year. The centennial officials of UPCPHAS are:

President: Undersecretary Mario C. Villaverde

Vice President: Dr. Paulo A. Castro Jr.

Secretary: Ms. Frances Rose T. Elgo

Asst. Secretary: Ms. Ellen A. Villacorte

Treasurer: Dr. Corazon I. Flores

Asst. Treasurer: Dr. Lilen C. Sarol

P.R.O: Dr. Romeo M. Maaño

Auditor: Dr. Ma. Lourdes S. Deri

Members:

Dr. Eleanor J. Galvez

Dr. Yolanda Oliveros

Dr. Irma Asuncion

Dr. Clarence Consignia

Immediate Past President: Dr. Gerardo Bayugo

There are a lot of things that has to be done but strong commitment of UPCPHAS board and support from all alumni are needed in order to make the visions a reality.

Congratulations UP and Mabuhay!