Dr. Jerielyn V. Reyes, News, Open University System - Institute of Continuing Professional Development
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), through its Institute of Continuing Professional Development (ICPD), officially launched its new Certificate Course in Naturopathy during a ceremony at the PUP Sta. Mesa Campus on April 8, 2025. The event highlighted the university’s commitment to expanding its health and wellness offerings and emphasized the increasing importance of traditional and alternative healthcare in the country.
PUP President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi delivered the opening remarks, welcoming guests and outlining the vision behind the new program. PUP Board of Regent Ronald V. Laurel also addressed the audience, emphasizing the university’s role in offering relevant and innovative educational opportunities.
Dr. Evelyn Saprid-Ocampo, one of the program’s lecturers, and Genesis Walcher (also known as Patricia Javier), Council member of the DOH-PITAHC National Certification Committee for Naturopathy, expressed their support and shared messages of gratitude to PUP and inspiration for the enrolled students. Dr. Ronniel Seramines, a Certified Naturopath by DOH-PITAHC and a full member of the World Naturopathic Federation who led the course’s development, introduced the distinguished DOH-PITAHC members, guests, and lecturers.
A significant highlight of the event was the presence and keynote address by Dr. Ma. Teresa C. Iñigo, Director General of the Department of Health-Philippines Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (DOH-PITAHC). In her speech, titled “PITAHC and the Academe Towards a Healthy Philippines,” Dr. Iñigo emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between government health institutions and academic bodies in promoting holistic health practices and integrating traditional and alternative medicine into the national healthcare system
In recognition of the agency’s pivotal role, Dr. Desserie Maynes-Blanco and the ICPD team presented a Certificate of Appreciation to DOH-PITAHC for its significant contributions to the promotion and development of traditional, alternative, and complementary healthcare in the Philippines.
The launch brought together PUP Naturopathy lecturers and pioneering students of the program, alongside representatives from the PUP Open University System-ICPD, members of the PUP Board of Regents, and officials from DOH-PITAHC. Also lending their support to the initiative were Certified Naturopaths Dr. Lea B. Bayoy, Dr. Gilmer R. Ig-ig, Dr. Maricel Cabrera, and Dr. Algy Bacla.
The new Certificate Course in Naturopathy offered by PUP-ICPD aims to provide comprehensive training in natural health practices, equipping future practitioners with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the health and wellness sector.
Currently, ICPD is running the module on Fundamentals of Natural Healing via online, which is a substantial 186-hour program. One of the esteemed trainers for this module is the former Director General of the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), Dr. Annabelle Pabiona-De Guzman.
Following the completion of this module, ICPD will offer another module, and registration is currently open for those interested in continuing their studies in naturopathy.
The event concluded with photo opportunities and networking, fostering connections among stakeholders dedicated to advancing naturopathic education and practice in the Philippines. The launch marks a significant step for PUP in addressing the growing public interest in natural and complementary therapies and solidifies its partnership with DOH-PITAHC in advocating for a healthier Philippines.
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