Dr. Perla Santos Ocampo was elevated to the rank of National Scientist by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at ceremonies in Malacañang on June 25. The rank is the highest honor the government can bestow on a Filipino scientist.

Dr. Santos Ocampo was recognized for her contributions as scientist in the field of pediatrics, medical educator-leader, institution builder, and advocate for the better health of the Filipino people, the children in particular.

Her research achievements in diarrheal diseases resulted in the development of a super oral rehydration solution and provided the basis for diarrhea-related policies of the Department of Health. Her research on malnutrition’s effects on the development of children led to the rational management of nutritional problems among Filipino children. These research works were published in peer-reviewed local and international journals.

Dr. Perla Santos Ocampo, the new National Scientist, holding her citation plaque given by
then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Flanking them were, from left, then DOST Secretary
Estrella Alabastro; NAST President and former UP President, Dr. Emil Javier; Dr. Carlomagno
Santos Ocampo; and an unnamed niece.

In academe, Santos Ocampo was instrumental in establishing the first pediatric fellowship program which trained trainors in various subspecialties in pediatric centers abroad. These trainors formed the core of experts training the bulk of child care specialists in the country.

During her term as chancellor of UP Manila, she led the establishment of the National Institutes of Health in 1998, the National Graduate School for the Health Sciences, and the National Telehealth Center.

A recipient of local and international awards, Santos Ocampo served as presi-dent and continues as president emeritus of the Philippine Pediatric Society, the International Pediatric Association, and chair of the Medical Association of the Southeast Asian Nations.

In May 2010, the NAST general assembly of academicians and Nation-al Scientists elected her National Scien-tist and endorsed to Arroyo the con-ferment of the award. With Santos Ocampo, UP holds the distinction of producing 34 of the country’s 35 National Scientists.