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Philstar.com
January 30, 2026 | 2:00pm
MANILA, Philippines — UERM Medical Center, a formidable institution in the health sciences, started the year by honoring its 12th president and chief academic officer, Norbert Lingling Uy, MD, MEM, MSPH, through the Investiture Ceremony held at UERM's Cohan Auditorium in Quezon City, January 28.
Guided by a five-year road map, Dr. Uy spearheads colossal changes in both the university and the hospital, which began during the start of his term in 2024.
With the profound and rapid changes in health care, the almost 70-year-old UERM Medical Center must not only respond, but lead.
In his Inaugural speech, Dr. Uy emphasizes that leadership is a relay, and he is wholeheartedly accepting that torch with respect for the past and resolve for the future.
“I envision a UERM that stands as a national pillar of integrity, innovation and service—an institution that forms not only competent professionals, but principled leaders who carry both skill and conscience into the communities they serve,” he said.
Dr. Uy bannered his promise of pouring and giving out his heart.
Dr. Norbert Lingling Uy inducted as 12th president of UERM Medical Center by the Commission on Higher Education Chairperson, Dr. Shirley Agrupis (center left) together with Dr. Uy’s family.
Holistic excellence in the academe
“I wish to continue guiding young people in committing to a life dedicated not just in theoretical excellence but practical mastery as well,” shares Dr. Uy.
Quality education valued by families contribute to UERM’s goal of becoming transformative and innovative. It calls for graduates who are adaptable, reflective and grounded in values.
Under his leadership, UERM celebrated the milestones of the College of Medicine as Overall Top Performing Private University in the October 2025 Licensure Exam with two topnotchers: Rank No. 2 Eris Orlan Muñoz, MD and Rank No. 10 Jarvin Vincent Lumauig, MD.
The tradition of excellence continues at the UERM College of Nursing with three consecutive years from 2023-2025 of 100% passing rate in the Licensure Exams.
The Physical Therapy Program was reaccredited by PAASCU until 2030 while the BS Prosthetics and Orthotics program is internationally accredited by the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics.
The youngest program, BS Medical Technology, also delivered impressive results in the August 2025 licensure exams with first-time takers achieving 100% passing rate.
Students and their families, who entrust their futures to UERM may expect strengthened curricula integrated with emerging technologies in the coming years, while still preserving the human touch that defines the UERM tradition.
Beyond a well-decorated academic life, Dr. Uy envisions a holistic graduate able to engage through various college activities such as a curated welcome orientation ensuring mental health support is deeply inculcated in students’ university life.
The president believes in giving students opportunities to relax, hence the first-ever Student Fair and “haRMony: The UERM Christmas Concert” as two major Christmas activities for the past years.
The Management Committee with Dr. Shirley Agrupis: Vice President for Treasury Iris Militar, CPA; Vice President for Hospital Services and Chief Medical Officer Maribeth de los Santos, MD, MSPH; President and Chief Academic Officer Norbert Lingling Uy, MD, MEM, MSPH; Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chief Operating Officer Wilson Young; Senior Vice President for Finance and Chief Administrative Officer Allan Quijano, FRM, MBA, MSIB; Vice President for Administration Anne Marie Virtucio and Vice President for Research Institute for Health Sciences and Head, Office of Student Affairs, Jennifer Nailes, MD, MSPH
Exemplary patient care in the hospital
The UERM hospital is embodiment of the institution’s mission.
In the span of two years, UERM made investments such as the CT scan and MRI machine, enabling access to more precise and accurate diagnostic services, the emphasis on expert eye care with the opening of a dedicated Eye Surgery Unit, the strides in building a central warehouse and sterilization room and meet the demands of gastrointestinal care with the additional procedure room.
Various equipment such as mechanical ventilators, automated external defibrillators, vein finders, a new ambulance and the new mammogram and ultrasound machine, among many others, were prioritized all to champion patient-centricity.
In the coming years, UERM Medical Center will bring husay (expertise) and malasakit (a deep Filipino value pertaining to compassion and empathy) at the core of all hospital services.
Advanced and actionable research
Research is the engine of progress. UERM continues to prioritize that research must not be confined to journals, but it must reach the bedside, the community and the nation.
Through its Research Institute for Health Sciences, the Medical Center puts front and center its Annual Research Forum and its focus on building centers of excellence, that respond to the health needs of the Filipino.
Responsive administration and finance
In all its accomplishments, UERM is backed by a team that ensures strength and sustainability.
Resilience and security, inside and outside, have been achieved in UERM Medical Center with the refreshed hospital façade to better direct visitors and the installation of a face recognition turnstile at the North Campus Admin Building coupled with various CCTVs in the premises, to ensure patients and students’ safety are prioritized.
Floodgates, reconstruction and retrofitting activities have materialized in the past two years, ensuring better resilience of UERM’s facilities. Air-conditioning units have been replaced and installed in various areas of the Medical Center, including that of the Service Hospital.
President Uy’s guidance to build a future-ready UERM are bearing fruits day by day.
The UERM community is truly honored to have (from left) Special Advisor to the Board of Trustees, and former Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista; Trustee Melvin Juan Cleofas, MD; Trustee Corazon de la Paz-Bernardo; President Emeritus and Trustee Dr. Ester Garcia; Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and COO Wilson Young; Dr. Norbert Lingling Uy; Dr. Shirely Agrupis; Trustee Joven Cuanang, MD; Trustee Fe Enrile-Bacsal, MD; Retired Supreme Court Justice and Trustee Dante Tiñga and former Senator and Trustee Ramon Magsaysay Jr.
Transformative leadership
Dr. Uy’s Investiture Ceremony was graced by fair weather and honored by the presence of Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis as Inducting Officer, uniting two leaders by fate and faith. Dr. Agrupis fondly reflected on the harmony of their leadership journeys—from professor to president—highlighting their shared inspirational song, You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban, and imparting the wisdom of King Solomon. The presidency, by any measure, is not merely a title but a responsibility to inspire, unite and serve—not only UERM Medical Center, but also the call for higher standards of education in the Philippines.
“I am not here to lead above you. I am here to lead with you. Today, I give UERM back my heart. Sa aking panunungkulan, nawa’y maalala ninyo ako bilang isang pangulong naglingkod nang buong puso sa ating minamahal na UERM,” Dr. Uy sincerely shared in front of his family, the Board of Trustees, the UERM Executive Council, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, faculty, administration staff and students.
Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by UERM Medical Center. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
