Juan Barrameda Escandor, “Johnny / Jerry”, was born on November 14, 1941 in Gubat, Sorsogon. Johnny entered the University of the Philippines under the BS Pre-Med program, and juggled his time for academics and athletics, being a member of the State University's Track and Field Varsity team. Encouraged by her mother and relatives, Johnny continued continued his studies in the UP College of Medicine despite the hardships he had to face. To finance his education, his father had to gradually sell small parcels of his land. Johnny, for his part, worked as a waiter at the UP Drive-In and later as a clerk at the Registrar’s Office for additional income.

Nevertheless, he slowly but surely made his way through medical school, and he did it successfully. Johnny was a dedicated and well-rounded student, maintaining high academic standards. As a fourth year student, he even earned the first prize award in an annual undergraduate research contest sponsored by the Manila Medical Society for co-publishing a paper on “The Effects of Antihistamines on Gastric Motility”. He later earned his coveted MD degree in 1969. Johnny, unlike many of the youth of his time, sought answers to many socio-political questions. As early as his medical school years, Johnny had already engaged in activities and groups oriented towards social and national awareness; while the rest of the class worried about grades and other things that preoccupy the average student, Johnny had already decided that you cannot separate medicine from politics. He was a founding member of the Kabataang Makabayan in 1964. In 1969, he helped organize the Sorsogon  Progressive Movement and in 1970, the Progresibong Kilusang Medikal - PGH Chapter.

After graduation, Johnny took his residency in Radiology at UP-PGH from 1969-1971. He was recognized as an outstanding doctor, being sent to participate in international seminars, and later even earning the title of Chief Resident of the Department of Radiology in 1971-1972. He then served as a consultant in the said department after residency, at the same time heading the Research Department of the Cancer Institute in PGH in 1972.

With his early success and numerous achievements, Dr. Escandor was well on his way towards a lucrative medical practice. Just like other doctors, material wealth was within his reach. He received invitations to migrate to other countries where the salary was many times greater. But he chose to remain in the Philippines, and when he did not work in the PGH, he served as a doctor in rural areas. He signed up for government and non-government organizations to become a doctor and conduct free clinics to many poor barrios in Central Luzon and Mindoro. On holidays, he would set up a barrio clinic in his hometown of Gubat, Sorsogon, where he had hoped to build a hospital one day. He also offered his services to indigenous peoples, volunteering as a medical aid of the Presidential Assistance to National Minorities (PANAMIN).

• Perpetually remembered Perpetually remembered
• Freedom Fighter Freedom Fighter
• A Scholar beyond standards A Scholar beyond standards
• Graduation in 1969 Graduation in 1969
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