Metro Manila, 3 May 2024 – The contributions of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to the progress and development of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine (UPCM) was recognized by UP Manila’s new and 10th Chancellor Dr. Michael L. Tee during his investiture ceremony last April 30. 

Dr. Tee personally expressed his gratitude to PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon for initiating and spearheading the provision of full scholarships to 24 economically disadvantaged students of UPM. The PRC is notably the biggest full scholarship provider of the UPCM, covering the tuition fees, living allowance, and  transportation allowance, among others, of medical students and those enrolled from allied health programs. 

Chairman Gordon congratulated and thanked Dr. Tee for acknowledging the efforts of PRC. He also reaffirmed his commitment to helping the country address its shortage of doctors, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, as the majority of the country’s medical personnel seek better opportunities abroad.

“At the PRC, we only have the “common tao” but we have accomplished a lot. Imagine the possibilities if we could mobilize more doctors for our humanitarian responses. This underscores the importance of investing in the education and future of the youth because it ensures a far-reaching impact for the whole society in the long run,” said Chairman Gordon. 

Dr. Tee also acknowledged the support provided by the PRC during countless fire emergencies at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in recent years while Chairman Gordon also recognized Dr. Tee’s contributions to PRC’s COVID-19 Operations. It can be noted that Dr. Tee, in 2021, led the research study that validated the use of saliva for the diagnosis of COVID-19 –  a collaborative project of PRC, University of Illinois, and UP Manila. 

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