Phi Kappa Mu

Summary

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The Phi Kappa Mu (ΦΚΜ) is a medical fraternity based in the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. The Greek letters ΦΚΜ stands for Fraternity of the College of Medicine.

Phi Kappa Mu
ΦΚΜ
FoundedAugust 1933; 90 years ago (August 1933)
University of the Philippines
TypeProfessional
EmphasisMedicine
ScopeUniversity of the Philippines College of Medicine
Colors  Black and   Gold
SymbolFraternity seal, Rod of Asclepius
Chapters1
HeadquartersUniversity of the Philippines College of Medicine
Manila, National Capital Region (NCR)
Philippines
WebsiteOfficial website

Founded in August 1933, it is the oldest medical fraternity in the Philippines. The fraternity was conceived to foster brotherhood, academic excellence, leadership and service to the community among the medical students of the University of the Philippines.[1]

History edit

 
The Phi Kappa Mu Founders

In 1933, Nicanor Padilla Jr., Jose Barcelona, Leopoldo Vergel de Dios, Benito Reverente, and Jesus T. Mendoza, then members of the class of 1936 of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, initiated the founding of the fraternity. They met with Luis Torres Jr., Jose Barcelona, and Antonio Cañiza of the intern's class; Nicasio Sahagun of the senior's class; Enrique Garcia and Victor Nañagas of the lower years. By the time the fraternity was formally created, there were 35 charter members.[1]

The name Phi Kappa Mu was conceived by Luis Torres Jr. who, along with Jose Barcelona, was among the first Filipino members of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. The fraternity's constitution and by-laws were created through the efforts of Leopoldo Vergel de Dios. Cesar Villafuerte and Herminio Velarde Jr. composed the fraternity's song in 1939.[1]

Since then, numerous luminaries have emerged from the fraternity's membership, several of whom were conferred by the UP College of Medicine as those who made lasting contributions to the practice of Medicine in the Philippines.

In 1996, the PHIKAPPAMU.COM and the Phi Network were created, mobilizing Phi Kappa Mu members around the world. The Phi Kappa Mu Alumni Association in North America was established in 1998. Later, the name was changed to Phi Kappa Mu International. The Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity Permanent Endowment Fund was initiated and is currently the largest endowment fund within the University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America–Permanent Endowment Fund. The fund has contributed to various scholarships and infrastructure projects in the UP College of Medicine.

The Phi seal edit

The Phi Kappa Mu seal consists of a seven-cornered golden sunburst with the Greek letters ΦΚΜ across the middle. Above it is the staff of Aesculapius flanked by the letters U and P which stand for The University of the Philippines. Below the Greek letters is the year the Fraternity was founded, 1933, and the name of the College of Medicine.

Service projects edit

Usapang Isipan edit

 
Usapang Isipan

To combat the pervasive stigma on mental health in the country, the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity launched Usapang Isipan, a series of projects seeking to break the status quo by raising awareness on mental health and engaging various sectors to contribute in improving the mental health outcomes of the Filipino people. Usapang Isipan serves as a platform to increase health-seeking behavior among the youth, elevate discussions surrounding mental health, and equip stakeholders to address their communities’ mental health concerns.

Since the Usapang Isipan conception in 2016, the project series has hosted mental health forums on depression, burnout, stress, and other mental health concerns of the youth while actively promoting its advocacy of safe spaces through peer counseling and effective coping mechanisms to mental health. In partnership with the Philippine General Hospital Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, the project also sought to bring first-hand experiences of mental health issues among young students, community leaders, and the general Filipino people through mental health conferences and training programs.[2]

During COVID-19 pandemic, the Usapang Isipan Webinar and U and I Stories video series, continued to encourage discourse on mental wellness among students and vulnerable citizens suddenly forced into an online setting.[3] In its latest iteration, the mental health project series, with the official endorsement of the Philippine Department of Education, held a mental health research competition open to high school students from across the Philippines.[4] Kabataang Usapang Isipan: Mental Health Research Competition guided high school students as they identified relevant mental health concerns existing in their online environment and presented their devised solutions to expert mental health advocates.

 
Bloodline

Bloodline/Operation Blood Brother edit

Bloodline is a bloodletting activity of the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity, in partnership with the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority, for the benefit of the Philippine General Hospital blood bank and other local blood banks. Through the years, the Fraternity has partnered with medical organizations such as the Philippine Women’s University School of Medical Technology and Red Cross as well as local communities including Trece Martires city, Barangay UP Diliman, and Philippine General Hospital.[2][5]

Surgical missions edit

As expected of a service-oriented medical fraternity, annual surgical missions are offered for Filipino communities which lack the financial capacity.[6] Beginning the summer of 2017, yearly mass circumcision missions are organized in partnership with local communities to provide safe circumcision procedures for the young boys of the community with parental consent. In 2017, 700 boys were given free circumcision from the Barangay Cristimar in Antipolo, Barangay Bañdero in Calamba, and other barangays in Luzon. In 2018, an estimated 1000 boys were circumcised during different medical missions within Luzon at no cost while their family members were offered dental, obstetric and medical check-ups nearby.[7]

 
Phi Gawad Kalinga Village

Phi Gawad Kalinga Village edit

The Phi Gawad Kalinga Village is a GK-partnership service project of the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity that provides sustainable and affordable housing to residents of Tandang Sora, Quezon City.[8] In November 2013, 26 new houses were successfully turned over to the residents. Looking to further facilitate the community's growth and development, public health lectures on household injuries such as sprain and brains as well as safe health practices were creatively presented.[8][9] In 2014, a youth day filled with mentoring, sport coaching, and fun activities was facilitated for the adolescents of the Phi Gawad Kalinga Village.[8] The project has been recognized by the 2013 COKE Barkadahan Grant Program and a beneficiary of the UP class of 1962 during its golden jubilarian years.[10]

Phi relief Operations edit

The Phi Relief Operations, entitled UniPhi, is a year-long joint service project of the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and Phi Lambda Delta regularly facilitated through their joint service arm: the Pagkalinga sa Kalusugan ng Mamamayan (PagKalMa). Through UniPhi, the Fraternity is able to dispatch calls for in-kind and monetary donations from various communities within and beyond UP College of Medicine, mobilizing relief operations to disaster-stricken communities anywhere in the Philippines. UniPhi Relief Operations have raised donations for the typhoon victims ravaged by typhoons such as Typhoon Maring and Typhoon Yolanda in 2013,[11] and Typhoon Glenda in 2014.[12] In 2020, UniPhi Relief Operations raised a total of Php 111,925 in donations for the communities in Cagayan affected by Typhoon Ulysses while also collecting Php 21,167 and numerous essential and medical goods for the victims of Super Typhoon Rolly.

 
Empowerment Through Mobility

Empowerment through Mobility edit

Empowerment Through Mobility is the socio-civic project of the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity to provide indigent differently-abled Filipinos with free quality wheelchairs.[11] Since 2007, over 6000 wheelchairs have been provided to the differently-abled Filipinos nationwide, and in January 2013, the Empowerment Through Mobility Run was organized to mark the project’s 7th successful year.[13][14] The fun run brought together hundreds of runners at the Quirino Grandstand to raise awareness and financial support for the Empowerment Through Mobility and other service projects.[13][14]

Diamonds in the Rough edit

On its 75th Fraternal year, the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity launched “Diamonds in the Rough: The National Search for Outstanding Young Doctors in the Community Setting” which aimed to celebrate these unsung heroes who devoted their lives to selflessly serve neglected communities in the Philippines. Diamonds In The Rough selected one awardee each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, awarding each of them with Php 100,000 and an additional Php 100,000 for their community’s sustainable projects. The three awardees were Dr. Vietrez David-Abella from Catanduanes, Dr. Mennie Cabacang from Eastern Samar, and Dr. Afdal Kunting from Zamboanga.[15]

Notable members edit

Name Φ Class Notability Reference
Ramon F. Abarquez Jr. 1948 cardiologist, developer of the dynamic exercise ECG test [16]
Benjamin D. Adapon 1953 pioneering neuroradiologist in the Philippines [17]
Brod Manuel Baustista. Agulto 1969 chancellor, University of the Philippines - Manila; ophthalmologist [18][19]
Abundio A. Balgos 1976 The Outstanding Young Scientist awardee and pulmonary specialist [20][21]
Jun Y. Belizario Jr. 1981 Ten Outstanding Young Scientist award; dean and centre director, College of Public Health,

University of the Philippines Manila

[22]
Guillermo Damian 1948 specialist in rehabilitation medicine, founder of the College of Allied Medical Professions of the University of the Philippines [23]
Carlo Diasnes 1993 medical doctor and Congressman, Lone District of Batanes
Felipe Estrella 1950 former Secretary of Department of Health [19][24]
Francisco Perfecto Flores 1981 programme management officer, WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office; recipient,

World Health Organization Director-General Reward for Excellence

[25]
Tet Garcia 1934 former Secretary of Department of Health Philippines
Quintin Gomez 1940 pioneer anesthesiologist
Teodoro Javier Herbosa 1979 trauma surgeon; professor and former executive vice president, University of the Philippines [26][27]
Florentino B. Herrera 1937 former dean of College of Medicine, University of Philippines Manila; namesake of medical library [28]
Jesus Lava 1933 secretary general of the first Communist Party of the Philippines, Hukbalahap
Augusto Litonjua 1952 endocrinologist, The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines 1962 awardee [29][30]
Luis M. Mabilangan 1947 pediatric cardiologist [31]
Jesus T. Mendoza 1933 Brigadier General and former Surgeon General, Armed Forces of the Philippines [32]
Enrique Ona 1957 surgeon, professor, Secretary Department of Health [33]
Edgardo Ortiz 1972 The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines awardee for medicine [34]
Vinson B. Pineda 1958 "father of Philippine dermatology" [35][19]
Ricardo Jose D. Quintos II 1986 The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines 2003; Ten Outstanding Young Scientist awardee [29]
Alfredo T. Ramirez 1956 The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines 1973, dean of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine [29][36]
Jose Jonas Del Rosario 1986 The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines 2004, Philippine Heart Association

Outstanding Scientist 2008

[37][29]
Luis F. Torres Jr. 1933 father of modern urology in the Philippines [32]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Abaya, Antonio; Jose Acuin; Abraham Lo Jr; Teodoro Gonzales Jr; Jose Fonacier Jr; Ernesto Valdez Jr (1983). Fifty Years Gold. Manila. pp. 9–10.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  2. ^ a b "Phi Launches Service Month with the Theme "Kalusugan ng Kabataan, Kaunlaran ng Bayan"". UP Medics. 26 August 2018.
  3. ^ "Usapang Isipan: A Mental Health Webinar". When In Manila. 21 October 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  4. ^ "DepEd Makati Advisory 031-A, S. 2021 – UP-Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity (Kabataang Usapang Isipan Mental Health Research Competition)". Department of Education, Republic of Philippines. 19 March 2021. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  5. ^ Umipon, Morel Dominic Dragon (29 August 2018). "Phi Service Month Launch 2018". Phi Kappa Mu. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  6. ^ "Phi Brods Engage in Tuli and Medical Missions for 2017". Phi Kappa Mu. 7 October 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  7. ^ Aquino II, Angelo Versoza (May 15, 2018). "Unfaltering Service: PHI Surgical Missions 2018". Phi Kappa Mu. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  8. ^ a b c Milan, Mark Jason Dela Cruz (February 25, 2014). "Phi Kappa Mu Gawad Kalinga Village Youth Day". Phi Kappa Mu. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  9. ^ Adre, Lorenzo Abednego Bobadilla (November 26, 2013). "The Phi Kappa Mu Gawad Kalinga Village: Building a Sustainable Model Community". Phi Kappa Mu. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  10. ^ Picazo, Eugenio A. (2012-06-18). "How UP Medicine Class '62–golden jubilarians–have given back to country". Lifestyle.INQ. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  11. ^ a b Milan, Mark Jason Dela Cruz (15 April 2000). "The Year That Was: Phi Kappa Mu In 2013". Phi Kappa Mu. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  12. ^ "UniPhi Glenda Relief Operations". Phi Kappa Mu. July 16, 2014. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  13. ^ a b "Empowerment Through Mobility Run by the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity of the UP College of Medicine". When in Manila. 8 January 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  14. ^ a b "Empowerment Through Mobility Run 2013 | Pinoy Fitness". Pinoy Fitness. January 12, 2013. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  15. ^ Teves, Maria Althea (April 4, 2009). "Why these three rural docs are 'Diamonds in the Rough'". ABS CBN News. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  16. ^ "Academician Ramon F. Abarquez Jr, 1928-2018". www.nast.ph. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  17. ^ Artiaga, Jose Carlo Marcellana (September 14, 2013). "Dr. Benjamin Dimaano Adapon Φ1953". Phi Kappa Mu. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  18. ^ Torrevillas, Domini M. (September 24, 2019). "The doctor is in". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  19. ^ a b c Arguilla, Julian Que (June 24, 2014). "Dr. Felipe Aquino Estrella, Jr. Φ1950". Phi Kappa Mu. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  20. ^ "Abundio A. Balgos". www.spheres.dost.gov.ph. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  21. ^ Caña, Paul John (April 20, 2020). "Meet the Hero Doctor Helping Fight COVID-19 By Developing a Filipino-Made Ventilator". Esquire. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  22. ^ "Vicente Y. Belizario, Jr., MD, MTM&H, Professor and Former Dean | College of Public Health". University of the Philippines Manila. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  23. ^ Periquet, Antonio O. (2022-03-14). "50th Anniversary Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, UP-PGH". Acta Medica Philippina. 56 (4). doi:10.47895/amp.v56i4.4363. ISSN 2094-9278. S2CID 247463279.
  24. ^ "Erap's Big Role | Asiaweek". CNN. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  25. ^ Kho, Niel Benjamin dela Torre (July 31, 2016). "Dr. Francisco Perfecto Flores Ф1981". Phi Kappa Mu. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  26. ^ "Learning from chaos". University of the Philippines. May 10, 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  27. ^ Matthew, Mel (June 1, 2022). "Medical association endorses Ted Herbosa to be DOH secretary". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  28. ^ "College of Medicine (CM) - Florentino B. Herrera Jr., Medical Library | University Library". library.upm.edu.ph. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  29. ^ a b c d "TOYM Philippines: List of TOYM Awardees 1959-2008". TOYM Philippines. 2009-07-14. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  30. ^ "Augusto D. Litonjua". www.spheres.dost.gov.ph. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  31. ^ "Luis M. Mabilangan". www.spheres.dost.gov.ph. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  32. ^ a b Castillo III, Constantino Tocong (April 22, 2000). "The Founding Fathers: 35 Lives, 1 Legacy". Phi Kappa Mu. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  33. ^ "Citation for Prof. Enrique T. Ona, MD, FACS, FPCS". The Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons. 2012-11-08. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  34. ^ "TOYM List of Awardees". www.orosa.org. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  35. ^ "Dermclinic marks 45th anniversary". Lifestyle.INQ. 2016-12-02. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  36. ^ Corporal, Lynette Lee (April 12, 2005). "A burning desire to save lives". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  37. ^ Samaniego, Theresa S. (2015-09-05). "A champion for the hearts of children". Lifestyle.INQ. Retrieved 2023-01-01.

External links edit