QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA- The latest batch of MS Molecular Medicine scholars signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) during their course orientation on 27 September 2016 at St. Luke’s College of Medicine.

The latest batch of MS Molecular Medicine scholars.

The batch includes Maria Patricia Diño from University of Santo Tomas (UST), Adrian Fernandico from University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Lorenzo Gabriel Limbaga from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Mark Joseph Sison from Manila Central University (MCU), and Patricia Lyanne Teruel from Miriam College.

The MS Molecular Medicine Program, a joint initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through PCHRD, and St. Luke’s College of Medicine (SLCM), is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a research path in translational medicine.

During his inspirational speech, PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya advised the scholars to remember that the scholarship is not for their advantage alone, but for their countrymen as well.

“There are two things that I want you [scholars] to do. First, keep on learning. Be prepared to hone your expertise, enhance your skills, and reinvent yourself every time.  Second, learn from your experiences. Do not be afraid to fail for these are the things you would learn most,” Dr. Montoya emphasized.

The program gives students a firm foundation in the biomedical sciences and relevant emerging technologies to develop a highly trained manpower base for Molecular Medicine such as clinicians, medical laboratory technicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals.

“Keep your [scholars] options open and remember that the PCHRD scholarship is not only a privilege, but also a duty and responsibility,” Dr. Isaac David Ampil, SLMC Research and Biotechnology Group Vice President & Dean, added.

The MS Molecular Medicine is one of the scholarships provided by the Council. Recently, PCHRD also signed agreements with scholars of MD-PhD Molecular Medicine Program.