As a well-known pediatrician, Dr. Perla Dizon Santos-Ocampo doesn’t just take care of babies. She was a mother to countless children who grew up healthier and smarter. That’s because she devoted her time and effort on how to control and manage diarrhea and malnutrition. By understanding the factors that cause such diseases, she emphasized the importance of oral rehydration and proper nutritional guidance for suffering children.
Dr. Santos-Ocampo was born in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on July 25, 1931. She studied and earned a medical degree from the University of the Philippines in 1955. She went to post-graduate pediatrics training at UP-Philippine General Hospital, and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
She was credited for the conceptualization and establishment of the National Institute of Health in UP Manila through Republic Act 803. She also founded the National Telehealth Center, which led to the creation of the Information Technology complex in UP-PGH. These efforts make critical public health services more efficient. The Philippine Science Heritage Center in Bicutan science complex is another achievement that Dr. Santos-Ocampo helped realize. She was one of its chief advocates.
Dr. Santos-Ocampo was a recipient of numerous national and international awards, plaques, certificates, honors, and citations. These include UP Outstanding Researcher, IBM Science and Technology Award from PGH, a special citation from Gen. Carlos P. Romulo for “pushing the frontiers of science”, most distinguished alumna from UP Alumni Society. In 1999. The Civil Service Commission awarded her the prestigious Lingkod Bayan Award, in recognition of her long and remarkable service in public health system.
Dr. Santos-Ocampo was the President of the National Academy of Science and Technology, the highest and most prestigious scientific body in the country. A doctor, scientist, teacher, former chairman of the Department of Pediatrics and board member of Capitol Medical Center.
FAREWELL TO A GREAT WOMAN Dr. Perla Dizon Santos-Ocampo who died last June 29, 2012 and was buried at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City
