Mu Sigma Phi Sorority, Inc.

by Hanna Palomar '14

Last June 25, 2010, outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred the National Scientist Award on Dr. Perla D. Santos-Ocampo, former Chancellor of the University of the Philippines, Manila, during the “Alay ng Pasasalamat” Testimonial of the Science Community. The award is in recognition of Dr. Perla’s significant contribution to the field of pediatrics.

Created by the late President Marcos in 1976, the award is the highest honor bestowed to a man or woman of science by the government for their notable achievements in the field of science and technology. The National Academy of Science and Technology annually endorses ten Filipino scientists for the conferment of the rank. The final decision on who will receive the award rests upon the President of the Philippines.

Dr. Perla had her training at the Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio after she graduated from UPCM in 1955. She promoted the advancement of developmental pediatrics in the Philippines and established the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (PSDBP). Dr. Perla also spearheaded the creation of the first fellowship program in 1987 at the Philippine General Hospital and was elected as its first president. Moreover she also served as former chairman of the Dept of Pediatrics in PGH and as the President of the Philippine Pediatric Society.

Dr. Perla is also well known for her researches on nutrition and diarrhea that help shape the design of government policies and programs in the medical field.  For all her contributions to the field of medicine, she has received several awards, some of which are: World Leader in Pediatrics from the International Congress of Tropical Pediatrics, Outstanding Woman in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS), and Distinguished Alumna by UP and the UP Medical Alumni Association.

Congratulations, Sis Perla! All for the Glory!