By Edmon Agron
MANILA, June 25 - “We are proud to have the 3rd batch of
scholars for the MD-PhD Program in Molecular Medicine,” said Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Fortunato de la Peña during the
MD-PhD in Molecular Medicine Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing held recently at the Hyatt Hotel Manila.
The MD-PhD program in Molecular
Medicine is a scholarship grant under the DOST Accelerated Science and
Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) which aims to develop
human resource capacities to meet the biomedical research and development
(R&D) needs of the country.
“Through this program, the country’s
global competitiveness and capability to innovate in health R&D will be
improved. I commend our new batch of scholars who have chosen molecular
medicine as their study course. You are exactly what the country needs right
now, a doctor-scientist who will conduct biomedical research especially on emerging
diseases,” said Undersecretary de la Peña in his message.
The scholars were Crizelda Jean
Cruz, Sheriah Laine De Paz, Maria Isabel Idolor, Ana Joy Padua, Joyce Ann
Robles, Ian Kim Tabios and Cherry Joy Tumampo from UP Diliman; Josept Mari
Poblete and Jayson Trinchera of UP Manila and Angelo Sumalde of UP Los Baños.
All the scholars obtained at least
90% score in the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) which is one of the
requirements to qualify for the scholarship program. Seven of the scholars
graduated Suma Cum Laude, six were Magna Cum Laude and three Cum Laude.
“They are the ‘cream of the crop,’
the best in terms of academic performances, and our future scientists and
researchers that will lead our scientific communities in the development of
effective drugs, vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutic agents for patient
management and clinical care,” Undersecretary de la Peña said. (DOST/PIA9/alt)