EDSA 1986

The People Power Revolution (also known as the EDSA Revolution and the Philippine Revolution of 1986) was a series of nonviolent and prayerful, mass street demonstrations in the Philippines that occurred in 1986. It is sometimes referred to as the Yellow Revolution due to the presence of yellow ribbons during the arrival of Ninoy Aquino. (remember the song "Tie A Yellow Ribbon") These protests were the culmination of a long resistance by the people against the 20 year running authoritarian regime of then current president Ferdinand Marcos and made news headlines as "the revolution that surprised the world". The majority of the demonstrations took place at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue between Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame up to Green Hills area, known more commonly by its acronym EDSA, in Quezon City. Other parts of Metropolitan Manila was also involved and an actively revolving mass of people were going from place to place, this includes areas around Channel 4, Channel 7 areas, the vicinity of Malacañang to include Mendiola bridge, and involved millions of Filipino civilians as well as several political, military, and religious figures, such as Jaime Cardinal Sin.
The protests, fueled by a resistance and opposition of years of corrupt governance by Marcos, occurred from February 22 to 25 in 1986, when Marcos fled Malacañang Palace to the United States and conceded to Corazon Aquino as president of the Philippines. Our EDSA revolution gave a blueprint for the modern non violent revolution and was now sweeping across the Middle East. A revolution by the people wanting freedom from oppression and repression by a government that only catered to a few.
MEDICUS was a part of this revolution and fight for freedom, and our story was never told.
February 22, 1986 Saturday: Medicus members went to a Medical Mission near the Nescaffe factory at Muntinlupa, it was a very fruitful day treating patients. I am a 2nd year medical student then and we did the minor surgical part including circumcisions. Max was our team leader being a 3rd year. There were other several seniors that were guiding us, lunch time was vegetarian. As I remember at 4 pm we have seen the last patient and started to pack our things. It is almost 5 pm when we reached the highway along Paranaque. We saw several military tanks parked on the side of the highway going into Makati. We did not see any problem then and we continued on our way to Caloocan via EDSA. When we reached EDSA in front of Camp Crame, we saw several hundred demonstrators with their placards, we were able to pass through without any problem and continued to Caloocan. Joel Mendoza who lives at Kamias decides to get off at Kamias and went back to stay around Crame and see what's going on. The rest of the group went to MCU, embarked, and went home.
Unknown to us at about 6:30pm, February 22, Enrile and Ramos held a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo, where they announced that they have resigned their positions on Marcos's cabinet and are withdrawing support from his government. Apparently a supposed "coup de etat"by RAM spearheaded by DND personel was foiled early that day by the Marcos government around the Malacanang area. Cardinal Sin went on the radio and called for the people to protect these soldiers from harm that night. He asked the people to surround the areas of Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame and serve as buffer so that government forces could not attack. That night people who were holding rallies around Malacañang and other areas trickled down to EDSA in front of the two camps. In the morning people from all over Metro Manila from all walks of life rich and poor, the religious and the not so religious, the "inteligencia" and laborers came and lend a hand. "Kapit Bisig" in front of the camps.

February 23, 1986 Sunday: It is now known that we have a "coup de etat" going on. Joel called several MEDICUS members early that day and updated us on what was going on around Crame. We also heard from the radio that night, that Cardinal Sin was calling for people to support Enrile and Ramos (they were the leaders of a coup de etat). We called other Vincula and asked each other if we will participate in this protest. Me(Alex,) Edwin, Alon, Vic, Joel, Mario, Gilbert, Cris, and the rest of Vincula decides that we will. I remember Alon saying " what will you tell your children or grandchildren when they asked you "nasaan kayo noong EDSA revolution"? We decide to go.

Me and Edwin rode a jeep to Cubao with out water canteens, flashlights, sandwich and jackets (we're ready to spend the night) and from there walked to Santolan. We got there before 9 am and met with Joel, Alon, Vic and some other MEDICUS members. Ramos and Enrile decides to consolidate their position. Enrile with the RAM boys decides to go to Crame which is easier to defend than Aguinaldo. We saw them walking and crossing EDSA.
At lunch time we saw other MCU students from different MCU organization and was informed that MCU doctors were also on their way to provide medical help if necessary and to be a part of the protest under the DOCTORS for CORY banner. Someone with a Volkswagen Combi was there with a tarpaulin and we started building a tent on the corner of EDSA and Santolan. The place used to be a motor shop but was close at that time. The people living in the house above the "talyer" allowed us and welcomed us to stay in front of the house and they gave us water. When the tent was finished, we contribute with what money we have and start buying supplies and calling other brods and sis to bring supplies and equipment that we used mostly for our medical missions. An MCU ambulance came with MCU MD's and this tent becomes the headquarters for the MCU contingent at EDSA. Some doctors from MCU brought medications, sutures, IV's and surgical equipment with them and added to the pool. We made makeshift red cross arm bands out of Marios's (Mario Lopez) lab gown. Armed with first aid equipments we start to do foot patrol around the area ready to give first aid. At 2 pm a lot of "ralyista" coming from different directions of Metro Manila gathered where we were. The road was closed and no cars can pass, we also have our first case. A lady collapsed near Cubao and nobody can reach her, since the roads were now closed.
We were young and full of energy, we grab a gurney and tried to run near Cubao to help the lady in need. Halfway to Cubao that gurney feels like a refrigerator, it was so heavy that we are having a hard time holding on to it. We got to the lady, after what seems to be hours. We put her on the gurney and tried to run back, but we were so tired it ended in a walk back to the camp near Santolan. She was dehydrated, an IV was started and after a few minutes she was up.
The MCU medical unit treated everyone that needs help. We met an old man coming from the Visayas region with a big wound on his foot, he got it from stepping on a broken glass in one of the protest marches. He was in Manila participating on the protest for several days and did not have the money for the wound to be taken care off. He was taken care off at that time and no one asked for any payment or for anything in return. Everything was freely given if it is needed, sometimes even when it is not needed. People who do not know each other gave each other food and water no questions asked. You can see people who do not know each other splitting a little sandwich and sharing drinking from a single cup. We slept that night on that makeshift camp, with newspapers as our beds and cockroaches as our alarm. Side by side people were ready to give and make the ultimate sacrifice for a belief that we are fighting for our freedom, for our children's freedom and that tomorrow will be a better day.

February 24, Monday: I woke up at 2 am after 2 hrs of sleep, only to be told that we are needed at the Santolan going to Libis as the Marines were trying to breach that area. When we got there tear gas was everywhere. People were pulling back, then pushed back as the Marines pulled back after a brief scuffle. First aid was rendered to those who need it. With watering eyes, coughing and in need of help ourselves. We helped those that we can reach and pulled them out of the area.
We want back to the camp and rest. At 5 am I saw an elderly couple driving their van. They stopped across our camp and started to make a fire, with firewood that they brought and boiled water on a big kettle. They made coffee in the middle of EDSA and anyone who want a cup can have one until the whole drum of coffee was gone. They said that it is their small contribution to the cause, they cannot shed blood and life but they can give coffee. A coffee that was very welcome after a sleepless cold night.
Later, during that morning we saw helicopters coming to EDSA. Everyone was tense, thinking that this is it, blood will be spilled all over the place. As it was thought that General Ver ordered an attack that day. Then shouts rung as the helicopters landed inside the camp and unloaded military supplies to the rebels. It turned out to be the 15th Air Force Strike Wing, led by Major General Antonio Sotelo who went to side with the rebel forces.

By lunch time there was a festive spirit. Some MCU students came and then disappear but we were still there. People were donating to our camp, giving food and money to buy medicines. Someone donates 3 crates of fresh egg and up to now I do not know what happen to those eggs (we have no way of cooking those eggs).
February 25, Tuesday: We woke up from our naps that morning thinking that another attack is imminent. I found the old couple again, giving away coffee. The team stays and tried to give help who ever needs help. Cory was inducted as the President and Marcos did the same in Malacanang. I went home to get new clothes and bathe. At 9 pm that day Marcos left Malacang. I was at home taking a bath and getting ready to go back to EDSA, but then decide not to since Marcos left.
agp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooGtSV7UafI&feature=youtu.be

MCU - FDTMF Genesis

Located near the imposing Monumento Circle in Caloocan City is the sprawling compound of Manila Central University. Tall Acasia trees dot the ten hectare lot providing a refreshing spot amidst the busy industrial surroundings. A look at MCU-FDTMFs history shows the indomitable spirit of its founders, the late Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco and his wife, Mrs. Purificacion Gallego-Tanchoco.

In 1946, the Board of Directors of the Manila Central Colleges (MCC) considered offering the first years of the Medical and Nursing Curricula due to public demand. The plan came at an opportune time because at about this time, the Afable College of Medicine and Surgery was at the verge of closure. The owners, heirs of Dr. Valentine Afable were no longer interested in the continuance of its operation. Upon the appeal of the students of said school for the continuance of its operation, the MCC Board of Directors then arranged for the lease of its facilities as well as that of the Manila General Hospital. Thus, in 1947, the plan for a College of Medicine of the MCC was realized. Since its inception in 1947, the College of Medicine and the College of Nursing used the facilities of the Afable Hospital in Quezon Boulevard. However, in 1949, a ten hectare lot was purchased from the Novitiate of San Jose in Caloocan to house the institution. Subsequently, the needed facilities for the College of Medicine were acquired and completed a year later. With the inspiration of her husband, Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco, Mrs. Purificacion G. Tanchoco initiated the construction of the MCU Dispensary to give the medical students the needed practice and training in the management of patients. In 1951, she again spearheaded the construction of a two story semi-concrete 120 bed capacity hospital purely for teaching purposes. At that time Dr. Alfredo Guerrero blazed the trail as its first dean.

Dr. Ramon Macasaet, its second dean, reorganized the nine departments of the MCU College of the Medicine In line with modern trends, Dean Macasaet renamed the Department of Bacteriology and Preventive Medicine in 1951 to the Department of Microbiology and Preventive Medicine.In 1954, Dean Macasaet separated the Department of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat to the Department of Ophthalmology and the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. This gave the MCU College of Medicine the distinction of being the first Medical College in the country to separate the two specialties in both teaching and hospital services.

At about this time, Mrs. Purificacion Tanchoco had the Laboratory building completed. It housed the Departments of Anatomy, Pathology, and Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Hygiene, Parasitology and Laboratory Diagnosis. The succeeding Dean, Dr. Alfredo Ortiz separated the areas of Microbiology and Preventive Medicine.

In 1962, the MCU College of Medicine qualified to be a member of the Association of the Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC). As the College of Medicine grew stronger, other buildings were put up in the campus. A four story building was completed in 1959 and a three-story concrete hospital edifice accommodating 220 patients replaced the rest.

To assist its medical graduates, the MCU Hospital offered training programs in 1971 for its postgraduate trainees in all clinical departments including Anesthesia. In the same year the Board of Directors of MCU decided to convert the College of Medicine and the hospital into a non-stock and non-profit educational foundation. Thus on June 28, 1971 the two entities became the MCU Filemon D. Tanchoco Medical Foundation (MCU-FDTMF).

Two other deans followed: Dr. Floria Velasquez and Dr. Jaime Aquino . Each contributed their share to make MCUFDTMF what it is today. In 1974, through the initiation of Dean Buenaventura Angtuaco, the Out-PatientDepartment and the Emergency room were renovated to give students better clinical exposure. Provisions were made for a medical auditorium and an audiovisual room. During Dr. Angtuaco's time the College of Medicine voluntarily reduced its first year admissions by 50% to ensure better quality of graduates. Dr. Victor Valenzuela succeeded Dr. Angtuaco as Dean and continued the program for the improvement of the college. He also strengthened the Department of Family and Community Medicine and recruited qualified faculty members.

On August 4, 1984 Dr. Lutgarda Celestino-Quito, succeeded Dr. Valenzuela. She was the first MCU Alumna to be appointed as dean and under her leadership, the College entered a new era in its development and growth as an institution of learning. She coordinated actively with the alumni association in the United States and was instrumental in establishing a stronger bond between the alumni and their Alma Mater.

During the deanship of Dr. Jesus E. Fojas, MCU-FDTMF College of Medicine shifted to the Innovative Curriculum using the Problem Based Strategy. It was the first of the original medical schools to do so. Dr. Ma. Lita C. Britanico, the 10th dean, continued the basic policies set down by her predecessors. With the support extended to her by the faculty and administration, the College of Medicine has succeeded in pursuing its commitment to medical education. The 11th is Dr. Esperanza Figueroa-Rivera, former Medical Director and Chairman of the Dept. of Pediatrics. The present dean is Dr. Divina Y. Beato, former College Secretary, Faculty member of the Dept. of Pediatrics, MCU-FDTMF.

MCU-FDTMF, true to its mission statement, is committed to graduating doctors who are competent, caring and responsive to the needs of the Filipino communities they shall serve. Indeed the MCU-FDTMF has met the challenges of the past and has withstood the test of time. Now, MCU-FDTMF through hard work, continues to sustain its successes. It is proud of its recognition by the CHED and the Association of the Philippine Medical Colleges, and its recognition by various national agencies as a member of the Metro Manila Health Science Community. Having been in existence for more than half a century, MCU-FDTMF is proud of its highly qualified and dedicated faculty staff who are fully committed to education and service. It is also proud of its thousands of Medical Alumni who unselfishly serve, not only the Filipino community but also the community of nations.

(taken from the MCU-FDTMF website)

BLOG Anniversary

I do not know how many can remember when the MEDICUS BLOG showed up. It may be that no one could, but it is the same date today in 2007. The BLOG was made after a gathering of members in 2007 held at Riverside, CA.

It was like an after thought that this BLOG was made. We were already preparing to leave when discussion turned to our website which is about to disappear. It was suggested to look for a possible new MEDICUS website, because members decides not to renew with the current provider. I said why not a BLOG, it is free and we can tailor made it to our need. Cesar said that since it is my suggestion why not I made one. We have our own MEDICUS website based in the Philippines at that time. But some members think that it was too rigid and static. It is only serving us like a bulletin board not interactive. You can put your picture on your message and that's all, no streams, no videos, etc. It does not even save our messages but would be deleted after a while (i think based on a certain limit). The plan was to make this site our temporary one until we have our own website again.

I do not know how to do a blog then, but I surfed the Internet and inquired how. I got home before 12:00 midnight after dropping off Edwin to his house at that time. Fired up my laptop and by 12:40 am I have made the first BLOG. Due to the dizziness caused by wine and beer from the gathering at that time, that apparently was delayed by my metabolism. I totally forgot the sign in name and password, up to this time. The first BLOG that I made is still up and the first post was timed at 12:44 AM and the 2nd one was at 1:07 AM posted on November 5, 2007 (you can see it here). Right after the time that I cannot open the first BLOG that I did. I made a second one, this BLOG. One year later this temporary site is still ticking and is now a year old. The BLOG has evolve and is evolving, as parts were added to satisy our need and to see if it works for us. It now has a video part powered by youTube, a stream from Flickr, Gallery from smugmug, chatbox, shoutouts, logbook, link list, flash feeds and URL feeds. Each one contribute to what we perceived as our need. It serves as a publication and a hangout for members to reminisced old times and join others in celebrating the new. It introduced old members to new ones and to each others family and updated in our current situations and whereabouts.

With this site we found some of our brods and sis that have lost communication with the group for years (i was really surprised when vince wrote on our BLOG logbook). I personally become aware of some members through the existence of the BLOG. I've known and met some Brods and Sis that I could not possibly know. I also made connections with some brods and sis that I have lost communication with. Every time we found one member or made connection with one, I thought that the effort that was put into the site is worth every minute of it. Every time someone appreciate the existence of the BLOG in one way or another, I got the feeling that it is worth continuing. Our MEDICUS BLOG contribute to why there were more members that met each other this past reunion at Riverside, some were even out of state. I enjoyed making the site and maintaining it, though I need help. I need materials to post and information about the members, old news and current situations. For the reason that ideas do run out. I hope someone will provide that info like Mabel did.

All in all, it is a productive year for the BLOG. I hope it will continue, for it serves its purpose well. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEDICUS BLOG.

For the members who appreciate the BLOG,

THANK YOU.

agp

MCU Timeline (Part II)

1970: Dr. Filemon G. Tanchoco Jr., MCU Executive Vice President and Comptroller, organized the Project Lingap sa Nayon (LINA) of the World University Service, Philippines. This MCU project became the model for the government’s Youth Civil Action Program (YCAP).

1971: The MCU Hospital and the College of Medicine were converted into the Filemon Dionisio Tanchoco Medical Foundation (FDTMF).

1974: The Out-patient Department and Emergency as well as the medical auditorium and an audiovisual room were added to the hospital. MCU’s Freddie Cabanilla (College of Medicine, 1974) landed among the Medical Board Exam topnotchers.

1975: MCU College of Medicine Class 1975 graduates Lemuel Medina, Henry Go and Joaquin Guzon made it among the topnotchers of the Medical Board Exams. MCU Awarded the degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa to Finance Secretary Cesar Virata.

1976: Eduardo Castor and Roy Amador of the MCU College of Medicine Class 1976 joined the ranks of Medical Board Exam topnotchers.

1977: Dr. Filemon G. Tanchoco, Jr. initiated the contest on the Interdepartmental Case Report and Scientific Paper presentations. During a visit to a LINA project area in Batangas, he met a tragic road accident. Lualhati Tanchoco Gonzales assumed the post of MCU Executive Vice President. Renato G. Tanchoco was tapped to take on the role of MCU Vice President and Treasurer. Rosario Dela Torre (MCU College of Medicine, 1977) made it among the Medical Board Exams topnotchers.

1982: Medici Omnes Duciens was founded and its constitution approved by the school administration. At this time the only student organization existing in the College of Medicine.

1984: The MCU Medical Alumni Association in America, Inc was organized to strengthen bonds among US-based alumni and to raise funds for educational resources, research and patient care/ community services in the Philippines. MCU awarded Atty. Amado Dizon, prolific educator and former MCU Acting President, the title of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, MEDICUS: Vincula Concordia and Dum Spero Spera was born.

1985: The MCU Bagong Silang Health Center “under the tree” started as a community extension program. MCU would acquire a lot and build a permanent health center two years later. MEDICUS: Bel Esprit and Vitem Empendere Vero was born.

1986: The formal Committee on Research was created to coordinate all scientific researches of the College of Medicine and to publish the College’s Philippine Scientific Journal. Cesar Magsino of the MCU College of Medicine Class 1986 placed second in the Medical Board Exams, and classmate Rogelio George Magnaje joined him among the ranks of topnotchers. MEDICUS: Ne Plus Ultra and Esprit De Corps was born

1988: MCU’s Viannely Berwyn Flores (MCU College of Medicine, 1986) made it among the Medical Board Exam topnotchers. MEDICUS: Unos Sanguinis and Uno Vox was born.

1989: Emmanuel Linchangco of the MCU College of Medicine Class 1989 topped the Medical Board Exam, and classmate Lourdes Quinto (Medicus) joined him among the topnotchers.

1990: Evangeline Franco-Fabian (MCU College of Medicine, Class 1988) was among the topnotchers in the August Medical Board Exam.

1991: MCU launched the University Integrated Community Extension Programs and Services (UNICEPS) in Barangay Portrero, Malabon. Involving seven colleges and later expanding to other areas. UNICEPS adopted a holistic approach to community development that blended medical, dental, optometry, and laboratory services with literacy, sports, livelihood, health education, environmental sanitation, mothercraft and feeding programs.

1992: The College of Medicine adopted a competency –based curriculum. MCU College of Medicine Class 1990 valedictorian Glen Manalo ranked among the Medical Board Exam topnotchers. Renato G. Tanchoco passed away.

1993: A Research Unit was organized in the College of Medicine.1994: Mrs. Purificacion Gallego-Tanchoco died and was succeeded by Dr. Lualhati Tanchoco-Gonzalez as MCU President. The College of Physical Therapy was approved.

1995: The MCU College of Medicine adopted an innovative curriculum, anchored on “problem-based learning” (PBL) as teaching strategy.

1996: All the colleges were consolidated in one campus. All the programs in the Manila campuses in Zurbaran and Mayhaligue were transferred to Caloocan City.

1998: The Tanchoco Family Council was organized, creating a regular venue for the second and third generation clan members to participate formally in setting policy directions and in making major management decisions for MCU, consistent with deeply-held values and standards.

2001: MCU-FDTMF engaged The Denver Group, a management consultancy organization, to take the key officers through a process of setting strategic directions for the University in the 21st century. Intensive workshops yielded the Leading Education through Alignment and Responsible Navigation (LEARN) in Creating the Unique and Revolutionary Endeavor (CURE) change management interventions for MCU and FDTMF, respectively. Noted economist and former Finance Secretary Jesus P. Estanislao was conferred the title of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa.

2003: The Commission on Higher Education selected MCU among the universities and colleges deserving of the grant of autonomy and deregulated status due to academic excellence, outstanding overall performances of their graduates in licensure exams, and their long tradition of integrity. Autonomy entitles MCU to financial incentives and the privilege to prescribe curricular programs to achieve global competence.

2004: MCU celebrated “100 years of Commitment to the Filipino through Excellence in Education.” The University conferred upon Dr. Josette Talamero Biyo, internationally award educator and scientist, the degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa.

2007: Medici Omnes Duciens celebrated its 25th year of existence at MCU. Argentum Durus was born.

Why MEDICUS exist

Manila Central University had a very humble beginning. In 1903, on the request of several students from the University of Sto. Tomas and other individuals, Dr. Alejandro Albert organized a private review class.

This review class developed into the Escuela de Farmacia del Liceo de Manila in 1904, with Dr. Alejandro Albert, Alfredo L. Guerrero, Antonio C. Llamas, Feliciano Paterno and Filemon Tanchoco, and all faculty members of the institution, as incorporators. This was the first educational institution of its kind established and managed by Filipinos. Its success demonstrated the capacity and ability of the Filipinos to manage their own affairs in the educational field, especially at that time of its initial organization it was barely 4 years after the establishment of the Philippine Educational System.

The Manila College of Pharmacy (MCP) became one of the leading institutions of higher learning of its kind. It produced many prominent pharmacists. Stable and secure in its position, the college expanded in number in 1929. Its Board of Trustees, answering a long felt need for the training of the youth for dental services, opened the College of Dentistry. Manila College of Pharmacy became then the Manila College of Pharmacy and Dentistry (MCPD) of pre-war time. Opened and dedicated to gave the best education for our youth, the College maintained its leading position in the educational field. Unfortunately, the war closed its portals in 1941.

During the Japanese occupation, the enemy systematically looted its extensive facilities, laboratory, equipment, museum, etc. and during the liberation period, it was further looted of everything but the shell of its two buildings. After the liberation of the Philippines, the Board of Trustees reorganized the College into Manila Central College (MCC).

In addition to Pharmacy and Dentistry, the reorganized institution offered courses in Liberal Arts, Education, Commerce and Business Administration and Post Graduate courses in Pharmacy. And finally in 1947, the College of Medicine was added. In 1948, it became the Manila Central University after having opened the College of Nursing and Graduate School and more than sufficiently meeting the requirements for a university.

In 1949, MCU inaugurated its 10-hectare campus in Caloocan City. Since then, additional school buildings and service facilities have been constructed yearly in the 1960s. The College of Optometry, Midwifery, High School and Kindergarten classes were also opened. Expansion projects and development program for the whole university and individual colleges were continuously drawn to meet the educational demands and the objectives of the University.

The students of Manila Central University excel in all endeavours, that includes academically and other curricular activities. The Caloocan Campus gives the necessary space and field to practice. In time the facilities become dilapidated and poorly maintained. You can see the track and field at the Caloocan Campus full of grass as tall as 4 feet in 1984 (when I was there), the Olympic size pool is boarded up and the grandstand is falling apart. The buildings at Caloocan was slowly decaying and you do not see any maintenance going on. What use to be one of the best school and the 1st Filipino founded school appears to be falling behind.

The MCU College of Medicine (Filemon D. Tanchoco Medical Foundation) is located in the Caloocan Campus. In 1982, the medical students go on their own ways. If the students have any concerns, there was no avenue to vent that concern. AS a student, you are on your own if you see a problem you do what you must. No semblance of any organization represent the students at all. The Medical Student Council do not exist.

In August of that year, as the rest of the Medical schools were getting busy preparing for the Medicine Week celebrations, you will not find the same at MCU. No preparation was being done in Caloocan. The students go on their own routine, unmindful that there should be a Medicine Week the following month. Some 3rd year students tired of the monotonous routine in the campus, have aired their concerns and wanted to be a part of the celebrations. But there is no one to organized or officiate the celebrations. It is then that 15 3rd year students during one of their drinking sessions, decides to do something. During their brainstorming cum drinking session an idea came up. The concept of a Fraternity in the campus to represent the medical students to the faculty, management and board (remember there is no Medical Student Council at this time) was born. Of the 15 students 13 started and founded Medici Omnes Duciens (medicine channels for all) and the other 2 came in as the 1st special batch. On that year there is a Medicine Week celebrated at MCU a first after so many years and the MEDICUS founders were the one who organized and officiate the celebrations. During the basketball game students were wondering who are and where the officiating persons came from, all of them MEDICUS.

When I walk into MCU Caloocan campus in 1984 as a 1st year medical student, what I saw was not a promising site to see. For an outsider, what I saw were dilapidated buildings and rafters that were falling. But the provincial atmosphere is actually very conducive for learning. Campus and facility wise compared to UST, FEU, UP and UE, MCU is at the bottom, far different from what it used to be in the old days passed.

As I came out of the classrooms on our 1st day after our orientation, I saw a welcome banner of an organization called MEDICUS (Medici Omnes Duciens). Then I noticed MEDICUS members welcoming the new students to the campus. As I gave myself a tour of the campus, I saw medici omnes duciens labels on things that appears to be new along the background of old. These I learned later to be small projects by MEDICUS members.

From its founding, MEDICUS is the organization that mediate or channels what the students needs and wants to almost everyone, always the leader. It makes the life of a medical student less boring and made improvements in the campus atmosphere and its facilities to the best that they can do. After the founding of MEDICUS the College and Board established the Medical Student Council, and several other student organization came up (some from students who tried to be a MEDICUS but did not made it for one reason or another, there is also an organization where another MEDICUS is a founder). From this humble beginnings MEDICUS is still here trying to do what it was made for. MEDICUS members even though a lot have graduated from MCU, were still leading in their respective communities and trying to be a focal point of change for a better tomorrow.

agp107

MCU Timeline: The Beginning

1904: A private review class for pharmacy students was institutionalized as the Escuela de Farmacia del Liceo de Manila, the first school of Pharmacy run by Filipinos, in 1904 with Dr. Alexander Albert as Founder and Director. Classes are conducted in the building later occupied by Avenue Theater in Rizal Avenue, Manila. Dr. Albert held the school directorship until 1908.

1908: The Escuela produced its first batch of graduates – among them Filomena Francisco Guerrero and Matilde Arquiza Arroyo, the first Filipina Pharmacists.

1913: Filemon D. Tanchoco (B.S. Pharmacy, 1910) placed second in the Pharmacy Board Exams.

1915: With a steady increase in enrollment, the Escuela was transformed into Manila College of Pharmacy(MCP) with Alfredo Guerrero, Antonio C. Llamas, Feliciano Paterno, and Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco, as incorporators. The school was authorized to confer post graduate and doctoral degrees in Pharmacy. The College was housed in a new building at the corner of Oroquieta and Zurbaran in Manila. With Dr. Leon Ma. Guerrero appointed as the country’s representative to the Panama Pacific Exposition, Dr. Albert became school director.

1918: The Pharmacy profession reached new heights around 1000 registered drugstores, boticas, and farmacias,in the country, 229 of them in Manila and suburbs. Many prominent pharmacies were graduates of the MCP.

1920: In a landmark case that put the integrity of the nascent pharmacy industry on the line, Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco took the cudgels for the Filipino Pharmacist. He defended a group of pharmacists accused by the American government of selling adulterated preparations-based on the U.S. Pharmacopea and the National Formulary and of violating the Drug Law. Shortly thereafter, the Philippine Pharmaceutical Association was established.

1926: Construction began on a new building at the corner of Mayhaligue and Felix Huertas in Manila.

1929: The College of Dentistry was founded in response to a long felt need for the training of the youth for dental services. The institution became the Manila College of Pharmacy and Dentistry. Dr. Genaro Felizardo, who organized the college, served as acting head of college until appointment of Dr. Jose Francisco as the first dean. The opening of the College of Dentistry was the first step in the founders’ program of expansion and in affording the youth as institution devoted solely to the teaching and development of science courses.

1936: The college started developing competencies in mineral analysis with the creation of the mineral assaying department.

1938: The College began offering secondary education through Albert High School. The College started making laundry soap and later produces medicated soap.

1941: The College closed its doors as the Second World War breakes out. Japanese forces occupied its buildings and systematically looted its extensive facilities, laboratory, equipment, museum, among others, leaving only the shell of its two buildings.

1945 : The demise of two founders and the incapacitation of two others leave Atty. Tanchoco with the awesome task of reviving the College. Mustering their savings and energy, he and his wife Purificacion Gallego-Tanchoco, reopened the school with a new wing- the College of Liberal Arts. Classes started with tables and chairs made of bamboo and pinewood from crates. With Dr. Alfredo Guerrero as Dean, the school was renamed the Manila College of Pharmacy and Liberal Arts.

1946: Further expansion followed with the setting up of the College of Education, the Normal Department and the Elementary Department. The Board of Trustees reorganized the College into the Manila Central Colleges (MCC) with Atty. Filemon Tanchoco as Chairman and Dr. Alfredo L. Guerrero as the Dean of the College of Pharmacy. The Liberal Arts and Education colleges and the Normal Department were grouped under the Allied Colleges. Acting Dean Magdaleno Arellano was succeeded by Dr. Eugenia Reus-Beucler, an alumna, a year later.

1947: Responding to an appeal from students and community to continue operating the Afable College of Medicine and Surgery after the death of its founder, MCC acquired its facilities. Thus, MCC’s College of Medicine was born, with Dr. Alfredo Guerrero as the first Dean. The College of Nursing was opened after the Bureau of Private Schools granted MCC the permit to operate the first year of a four- year course. Permit to operate subsequent years of the course were secured thereafter. The Graduate School in Business Administration was also established, the only one of its kind focusing on scientific management, to offer the degrees of Master in Business Administration and later, Master in Public Administration. Dr. Leon Ma. Gonzales is the first Dean.

1948: Now with a diversity of approved courses, the MCC was granted the authority to become a bona fide university. Henceforth the institution was known as the Manila Central University. Atty. Tanchoco is the first MCU President.

1949: MCU acquired the Novitiate of San Jose in Caloocan with the end in view of eventually relocating the entire university there. The former novitiate building was renovated to house the College of Medicine. The 10-hectare campus was inaugurated in the same year. Not long afterwards, the MCU Hospital, Nurses’ Home, gymnasium and auditorium were constructed there as well. MCU conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Pedagogy on Dr. Luther B. Bewley, Adviser on Education Matters of the Office of the President.

1951: The College of Nursing was authorized to offer full four- year nursing course

1953: The Graduate Pharmacy building was erected. It housed the Industrial Pharmacy and Research Laboratory, the only one of its kind in the Far East. MCU conferred the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy honoris causa to Primo Arambulo.

1954: MCU’s Industrial Pharmacy and Research Laboratory was featured on the cover and editorial of the July 1954 issue of the American Journal of Pharmacy as well as in the August 1954 issue of the Pharmacy International. President Ramon Magsaysay received the degree of Doctor of Sciences in Public Health, honoris causa.

1955: The School of Midwifery was established.

1959: The College of Optometry was established, opening a new avenue of excellence in health science-based education.

1962: The MCU Medical Alumni Association was formed to foster fellowship and to promote the school spirit and camaraderie among the University’s medical graduates. Dr. Manuel S. Dijamco served as first MCUMAA president.

1963: Far and wide, the entire MCU family mourned the passing of the patriarch, Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco.

1964: Purificacion Gallego-Tanchoco became MCU’s second president. In line with the trends of the time, MCU started offering BS Medical Technology as a subsidiary to the College of Pharmacy

1966: The Graduate Education Division offered masteral studies in Education. Luningning Tanchoco-Estanislao assumed post as Administrator of MCU Hospital.