Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. - College of Medicine

𝗝𝗠𝗖𝗙𝗜 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗝𝗜𝗧𝗠𝗠 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

The Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. (JMCFI) – College of Medicine proudly reinforced its growing international research presence through its participation in the Joint International Tropical Medicine Meeting 2025 (JITMM 2025), held on December 2–4, 2025 at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, Bangkok, Thailand. Organized by the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, JITMM 2025 carried the timely and resonant theme “Building Bridges for Sustainable Health in a Dividing World.”

JITMM 2025 was convened in collaboration with Mahidol University, the Department of Disease Control of Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, the Mahidol–Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), and the SEAMEO TROPMED Network. The conference served as a premier global platform for advancing dialogue and collaboration on critical issues in tropical medicine and public health, including neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), emerging and re-emerging infections, HIV/AIDS, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), One Health, vaccine and diagnostic innovation, health policy and equity, digital health, artificial intelligence and Big Data, and the health impacts of climate change.

𝘼 𝙂𝙡𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

The conference formally opened on 2 December 2025, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weerapong Phumratanaprapin, Dean of the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, and Chair of the Organizing Committee, presiding over the opening ceremony. Two distinguished keynote speakers set the tone for the meeting: Dr. Hani Kim, Executive Director of the RIGHT Foundation (South Korea), who spoke on regional funder collaboration for sustainable health, and Prof. Zbynek Bozdech of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, who delivered an insightful lecture on malaria drug resistance.

With over 600 participants from 34 countries, JITMM 2025 fostered a rich environment for knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and the building of research networks aimed at addressing complex global health challenges.

𝙅𝙈𝘾𝙁𝙄’𝙨 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝

Representing JMCFI College of Medicine was a delegation composed of senior clerks Graze Ann Suazo, Vienee Albert Ela, and Roan Claire Labio; post-graduate intern Andro Larong; faculty members Dr. Raymond G. Libongcogon and Dr. Jing Bautista; and Dean Dr. Nestor Arce Jr. Together, they carried the institution’s banner with academic rigor, professionalism, and a shared commitment to advancing Filipino scholarship on the global stage.

Throughout the three-day conference, the JMCFI delegation actively engaged in symposia and scientific sessions featuring cutting-edge research on infectious and tropical diseases, health systems strengthening, and sustainable public health interventions. These discussions provided valuable perspectives that resonate strongly with the Philippine context, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

A major highlight of JMCFI’s participation was the successful presentation of two peer-reviewed research studies:

Senior clerks Suazo, Labio, and Ela presented their study entitled “Prevalence of Paragonimiasis in Selected Barangays in Manay, Davao Oriental.” The research underscored the persistent burden of this neglected parasitic disease in rural communities and emphasized the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, early screening, and accurate diagnosis to prevent long-term morbidity.

Meanwhile, post-graduate intern Andro Larong presented “Heroes Without Capes: Unveiling the Lived Experiences of Doctors to the Barrio Working in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).” His public health–oriented study shed light on the lived realities of frontline physicians serving in remote communities, highlighting both the challenges of managing infectious and communicable diseases and the resilience and aspirations of Doctors to the Barrio (DTTB) in advancing accessible and sustainable universal healthcare.
Both presentations drew interest from international delegates and exemplified the relevance of community-based research in informing health policy and practice.

𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙂𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙨

JMCFI’s participation in JITMM 2025 strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, through research addressing communicable diseases, health inequities, and the strengthening of primary healthcare systems in underserved populations;
• SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing students and faculty with international research exposure and opportunities for capacity building; and
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by engaging in global academic collaboration and fostering networks with institutions such as Mahidol University and other international partners.

𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝘽𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨

True to the JITMM 2025 theme of “Building Bridges for Sustainable Health in a Dividing World,” the JMCFI delegation maximized the conference as a platform not only for presenting research but also for fostering meaningful professional connections. Beyond formal sessions, JMCFI delegates engaged in profound discussions and planned collaborative initiatives with fellow Filipino participants, aimed at strengthening multicenter research, advancing community-based tropical disease surveillance, mentoring early-career investigators, and amplifying Philippine-led contributions to global health discourse.

These interactions underscored the importance of solidarity among Filipino researchers abroad—building bridges that transcend institutions and geography to collectively address persistent public health challenges affecting vulnerable populations in the Philippines and the broader Southeast Asian region.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Roan Claire Labio shared,“Throughout the conference, we actively engaged in scholarly exchanges with fellow researchers, especially early-career investigators, which fostered meaningful academic discussions and broadened our understanding of emerging advances in tropical medicine. One of the most memorable moments was the visit of Dr. Vicente Belizario, who reviewed our poster, listened to our presentation, and commended the scientific rigor and public health relevance of our findings. He also encouraged us to pursue publication and shared valuable academic guidance and insights that significantly enriched our professional growth as a research team.”

These moments of mentorship, dialogue, and collaboration embodied the very essence of JITMM’s mission—bridging generations of researchers, linking local realities with global science, and transforming shared knowledge into sustainable health solutions.

Authors: Andro Larong, RGL

𝐉𝐌𝐂𝐅𝐈 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬

The Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. (JMCFI) – College of Medicine successfully conducted an academic visit and benchmarking activity at Mahidol University – Faculty of Tropical Medicine and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases on 4 December 2025.

𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞

The JMCFI delegation—composed of faculty members, students, and staff—received a warm and collegial welcome from their Thai counterparts, reflecting Mahidol University’s strong culture of international collaboration and academic hospitality. The visit was especially meaningful as Dr. Nestor Arce Jr., Dean of the JMCFI College of Medicine, is an esteemed alumnus of Mahidol University, underscoring a shared academic heritage and long-standing ties between the two institutions.

The Hospital for Tropical Diseases formally welcomed the delegation under the leadership of Dr. Muangnoi Charoen, Deputy Director of the Tropical Medical Hospital, together with Dr. Prakaya Kaew Charunawatana, who extended greetings and facilitated the visit on behalf of the hospital administration and faculty.

𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞

In line with JMCFI’s objectives, the academic visit focused on benchmarking best practices in tropical medicine education, research, and clinical service. The delegation engaged in courtesy meetings with research faculty, program coordinators, and international collaboration officers of the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, where discussions centered on curriculum design, research mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives for students and early-career researchers.

At the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the delegation was briefed on the hospital’s organizational structure and the role of the Faculty of Hospital Management in supporting high-quality patient care. The group was then guided through key clinical and diagnostic areas, including:

• Fever Clinics
• Parasitology and Infectious Disease Laboratories
• Travel and Tropical Disease Clinics
• Critical Care Units
• General Wards and specialized patient services

These visits provided valuable insights into the integrated approach to managing tropical and infectious diseases, combining clinical excellence, research, and public health responsiveness.

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬

The academic visit served as an important platform for sharing experiences and exploring future collaborations in tropical medicine education, public health training, and community-engaged research. Discussions highlighted opportunities for joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and collaborative capacity-building initiatives that are responsive to the health needs of vulnerable and underserved populations.

This engagement strongly supports the JMCFI Vision of becoming a world-class university producing globally competitive leaders in nation-building, while advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals through meaningful international academic cooperation.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The benchmarking visit to Mahidol University’s Faculty of Tropical Medicine and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases enriched the JMCFI delegation’s understanding of global best practices in tropical medicine and reinforced the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing complex health challenges.
For JMCFI College of Medicine, the visit was not merely observational but transformative—strengthening institutional linkages, honoring shared academic roots, and laying the groundwork for sustained partnerships that bridge local health realities with global expertise in tropical medicine.

Author: RGL

Let’s take a beautiful glimpse back at our unforgettable Medicine Week — Mors Vitaque Academed! ✨

A celebration filled with laughter, competition, friendship, and memories that remind us why we chose this journey. 🩺

Here are the official photos capturing the heart, spirit, and unity of our medical family — moments that will live on long after the week has ended. 📸

𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐐𝐔𝐄 𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 — 𝘋𝘈𝘠 2 𝘈𝘍𝘛𝘌𝘙𝘕𝘖𝘖𝘕 𝘏𝘐𝘎𝘏𝘓𝘐𝘎𝘏𝘛𝘚 🏆

The court came alive as the Day 2 Ball Games brought out the best of teamwork, energy, and school spirit! 💪🔥

From powerful serves to unstoppable shots, every game reflected passion, determination, and camaraderie among our future doctors. 🩺✨

Thank you to all our players, supporters, and organizers for making this afternoon an unforgettable showcase of sportsmanship and unity! 🙌

Stay tuned — more highlights and official photos coming soon! 📸💜

𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐐𝐔𝐄 𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 — 𝘋𝘈𝘠 1 𝘏𝘐𝘎𝘏𝘓𝘐𝘎𝘏𝘛𝘚 ✨

Here are some snapshots and moments we’ve gathered from yesterday’s events — a glimpse into the energy, passion, and camaraderie that filled the first day of Medicine Week! 💜

Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and made Day 1 a success. Your enthusiasm truly set the tone for an unforgettable week ahead! 🙌

Stay tuned — the official photos will be released soon! 🎬✨

✨ The wait is over— the rhythm of 𝕸𝖔𝖗𝖘 𝖁𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖖𝖚𝖊 𝕬𝖈𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖉 2025 unfolds. 🌅

Three days woven with purpose and passion, where every heartbeat finds its meaning and every mind shines with brilliance. From the spark of cheers to the quiet victories of wisdom, these moments remind us that medicine is not only learned, but lived.

Here lies the 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 —
a journey through laughter, challenge, and discovery.
May each event be a step closer to who we’re destined to become —
healers not just of bodies, but of hearts and souls. 🕊️

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Mors Vitaque Academed 2025! 💜🩺✨

A new chapter unfolds as we gather to celebrate the life, passion, and purpose that define the College of Medicine. Day One sets the tone for a week filled with knowledge, camaraderie, and pride — a reminder of why we chose this noble path.

As the sun rises on November 4, may our hearts burn with the same fire that drives every future doctor — the desire to serve, to heal, and to inspire. Let us stand together as one family, united in excellence and compassion.

See you all at Day One of Mors Vitaque Academed 2025 — where every heartbeat echoes our commitment to life and medicine. 💫

Congratulations to our 26 newly licensed physicians from the Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. – College of Medicine!

Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication have truly borne fruit. Despite the challenges, you have shown remarkable resilience and strength.

We are proud of you, JMarian Doctors! May you continue to serve and inspire as true Physicians with a Heart 💜