National Scientists inspire researchers in UPM NIH 26th anniversary forum

Fred Dabu

March 5

The year-long celebration of the 26th anniversary of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) kicked off last February 28 with the forum "National Scientist on National Scientist," featuring Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla and Dr. Ernesto O. Domingo. Both are National Scientists and former Chancellors of the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM).

The NIH's anniversary lecture series showcases the institution's scientists and research, in line with the theme of "Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in Population Health Research: Ensuring Better Health Research Practices, Interventions, Policies, and Outcomes for All."

Dr. Padilla and Dr. Domingo discussed their respective experiences and the insights gained during the course of their pioneering works. They also underscored the importance of mentoring, dedication, persistence, and resourcefulness in doing research that responds to the health needs of the Filipino people.

*The NIH anniversary forum was also attended by online participants via Zoom, including Dr.*
*Renato Solidum, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), who gave*
*his message during the event. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO.*

Padilla, a clinical geneticist and pediatrician, spearheaded the institutionalization of the country's Newborn Screening System and the establishment of the Philippine Genome Center, and contributed to the legislation of the Newborn Screening Act of 2004 and the Rare Diseases Act of 2016. She served as UPM Chancellor from 2014 to 2023 and was conferred the Order of National Scientist in a ceremony held on August 31, 2023, at Malacañang Palace.

Domingo, a liver specialist, led major studies on viral hepatitis and liver disease, and helped the Department of Health in developing technologies and formulating the country's policy on hepatitis B immunization and universal health care. The efforts of these two renowned National Scientists over the course of many decades have helped save the lives of millions of Filipinos, especially the poor. He served as UPM Chancellor from 1987 to 1993 and was conferred National Scientist in 2010.

*Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla and Dr. Ernesto O. Domingo shared key moments and important*
*lessons learned during the course of their pioneering works. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UP*
*MPRO.*

UP President Angelo A. Jimenez congratulated the NIH for exemplifying the university's thrust of "Honor and Excellence in the Service of the Nation." He pledged to support NIH's programs, and urged the onsite and online forum participants to help address the most difficult challenges faced by the nation's marginalized communities, especially in Mindanao. He said UP aims to send thousands of its volunteers to help the people in these communities during his term of office.

Dr. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-De la Paz, NIH Executive Director; Dr. Michael L. Tee, UPM Chancellor, (through Dr. Leslie M. Dalmacio, UPM Vice Chancellor for Research) ; Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr., Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary; Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) Executive Director; Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Director; and Dr. Mario Philip R. Festin, Chair of the Scientific Program Committee, likewise delivered their congratulatory messages.

Dr. Susan P. Mercado, Director of Programme Management of the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Regional Office, served as forum moderator, while Dr. Rohani C. Navarro served as emcee. Dr. Emmanuel S. Baja, Overall Chair of the Organizing Committee of the 26th NIH Anniversary Conference, provided an overview of the succeeding forum discussions.

The event was held at the Plenary Hall of the Henry Sy, Sr. Building, UPM College of Medicine.