From left: Dean A. Malaya, Mrs. Serafina Punsalan-Maxino, former Secretary to the Dean, Former CPT Dean Juan Alcazaren Jr., former College Secretary J. Bundoc and Mr. G. Martin during the President´s Toast

On June 20, 2008, the UERMMMCI College of Physical Therapy celebrated its 20th Anniversary Gala Night at the Tejeros Hall of Camp Aguinaldo. It was the culminating activity of a yearlong celebration by the College. The 20th anniversary theme was “Legacy of Yesterday, Promise of Tomorrow.”

The program, which started at 6 pm, opened with an invocation by Suzanne Kristine Baysa and the Philippine National Anthem led by Archelle Jane C. Callejo. A video was presented on the history of the College that let the audience feel the trip through 20 years of achievements, adventures and accolades.

The College´s Dean, Dr. Arnel V. Malaya, welcomed the guests as he acknowledged their presence. The President, Dr. Romeo A. Divinagracia; the College of Nursing Dean, Dr. Carmelita Divinagracia; the Dean of the Graduate School, Dean Teresa L. Yap; the Senior Vice President, Ms. Violetta Suquila; the Comptroller, Ms. Iris Militar; and the Registrar, Ms. Imelda Delos Reyes were among those present to share in the celebration. The UERM community, with the Medical Center´s 50th Anniversary still fresh in the mind, was in a festive mood and a fitting way to cap the moment was to celebrate its youngest College.

A tribute to the architects of the College was presented, amid long memories and glistening eyes. Former UE and UERMMMC President Isidro D. Cariño was honored for his role in providing the drive and thrust the College needed through its inception. Dr. Juan A. Alcazaren Jr. was the first Officer in Charge of the College of Physical Therapy from 1988 to 1989, and a mentor to Dr. Malaya. Mrs. Serafina P. Maxino was recognized for her role in the struggling years of the College both as one of the people in charge of the selection process of the Medical Center´s first PT students and as one of the first instructors.

As part of the festivities, the PT Community recognized another recent feat of its graduates as they awarded two alumni for garnering top 10 places in the February 2008 National Board Examination for Physical Therapists. Sheila Marie L. Laurido (PT2001) ranked 4th with an average of 82.55‰, while Gregorio Tercero S. Dorado (PT2003) ranked 9th place with an average of 81.75‰. They exemplify the continuing UERMMMC spirit of competitiveness and excellence.

They were not the only alumni honored, however. Four CPT alumni were also recognized for their service in the field of Physical Therapy and beyond, thus bringing honor to their Alma Mater. The awardees were Gerard Martin, RPT, PTRP; Joven S. M. Tan, RPT, PTRP; Martin Aguda, PTRP; and Rajawen C. Africa, PTRP.

Alumni Achievers:

Rajawen Africa, PTRP	Gerald Martin, PTRP, RPT	Joven Tan, PTRP, RPT	Martin Aguda, PTRP

College Secretary Raquel Cabazor, MD, itroducing the College of PT´s ”principal architects“	Dr. Josephine Bundoc, former College Secretary and Tenured faculty member, introduces the Alumni Achievers

To make sure the awards didn´t stop there, the College of Physical Therapy Outstanding Alumni Awards were launched by Dr. Josephine R. Bundoc, the former CPT College Secretary. Different categories were presented in which alumni achievers can aspire to, but in the end, there can only be one who will be recognized with “Da Juan Award,” for the Best among the Best in all categories. The awards will be presented on the 25th anniversary of the College on 2013.

With the rising collective pride of the College, Hymns and Symphony, the College of PT Chorale, presented the first public performance of the UERM CPT Hymn. Alumnus Adelaido P. Ubalde Jr. (PT 2004) and Jack Daniel L. Calinawan (PT 2004) composed the sonorous tune, its lyrics echoing the goals of the College as fulfilled in every UERM PT graduate. The night ended after dancing and partying with music provided by the Wodo Tribe band.

Mrs. Virginia S. Cariño, wife of former UE President Isidro Cariño MD, accepts the award on Dr. Cariño´s behalf from President Divinagracia and Dean Malaya

The 20th anniversary celebration´s organizing committee were composed of College of PT faculty members, namely: Dr. Racquel S. Cabazor, Archelle Jane C. Callejo, John Christopher D. De Luna, Josephine R. Mata, Esther Melody R. Nicolas, Grace V. Ramos, Michael V. Resuello, and Fria Rose Santos. The Committee was headed by Rongie Bren S. Magdangal.