UP-PGH Family Medicine Marks 50 Years
Pamana: The University of the Philippines- Department of Family and Community Medicine Golden Anniversary and Alumni Homecoming
By Dr. Mel Anthony E. Acuavera
One of the recently recognized centres of excellence in family and community medicine training programmes in the Philippines, the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) celebrated its golden anniversary on March 21, 2026 at Marco Polo Hotel, Pasig City with the theme: “Pamana: Honoring the UP-PGH DFCM Legacy and Building the Future Together.”
The department has produced several key alumni such as leaders in World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) including Dr. Zorayda “Dada” Leopando (batch 1979) who served as Vice-President (now termed as regional president) of WONCA Asia-Pacific Region from 1995 to 2001.
The event served as a poignant reunion for generations of family physicians to reminisce and reconnect. Dr. Karin Estepa-Garcia (Batch 2009), Department Chair, opened the festivities by challenging alumni to carry a sense of pride and ownership. “Remain rooted in compassion and responsive to the needs of the community,” she urged.
University leaders also paid tribute to the department’s impact. Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, UP-PGH Director, lauded the DFCM as "the perfect example of what a doctor should be," thanking them for their unwavering service to the country. Dr. Charlotte M. Chiong, Dean of the UP Manila College of Medicine, encouraged the alumni to continue mentoring the next generation of primary care providers.
The gala night highlighted five outstanding alumni who embody the department’s core values of integrity, social justice, and nationalism: Dr. Eva Irene Y. Maglonzo (Batch 1991) for Academe & Mentoring, Dr. Noel L. Espallardo (Batch 1992) for Research & Innovation, Dr. Annie A. Francisco (Batch 1985) for Family Medicine Practice, Dr. Welthy E. Villanueva (Batch 2005) for Community Health, and Dr. Zorayda E. Leopando (Batch 1979) for National & International Engagement.
Symbolising the transition of leadership towards a commitment to the road ahead, the evening featured two ceremonial toasts: “Pamana” (Legacy), led by Dr. Edward C. Tordesillas (Batch 1978), and “Pangarap” (Vision), led by Dr. Sitti Khadija U. Salabi-Sidaoui (Batch 2023).
The night concluded with a powerful commitment pledge led by Dr. Leopando, as the alumni reaffirmed their dedication to family and community medicine. Closing the event, Dr. Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho (Batch 2009), Chair of the Alumni Homecoming Committee, expressed her gratitude to the residents and alumni who made the milestone celebration a success.
Apart from contributions in WONCA, the department has produced several alumni who served as presidents of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians - a founding member of WONCA, members of the Philippine Regulation Commission Board of Medicine, deans of medical schools, chairs of family medicine residency training programmes, and presidents of subspecialty societies in family medicine, among others.