National Epidemiology Center

The bar graph on the left represents the systematic use of statistical data employed by the field epidemiologist. The head silhouettes represent the human population, who are our principal concern. Following that is an Erlenmeyer flask that symbolizes the laboratory and medical technology support necessary in epidemic studies. The graduated cylinder to the right of the vessel represents the precision in measurement and gathering of scientific data that is the hallmark of the FETP epidemiologist. Below this is the internationally recognized EIS/FETP icon depicting a worn-out sole foot print which represents the "shoe-leather epidemiology" involved in the investigations conducted by the FETP epidemiologists. 1987 marks the foundation year of the Philippine Field Epidemiology Training Program.

About the Training Program

The Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) is a special 2-year post-graduate program for Human Resource Development in the Department of Health (Dept. Order No. 383 s. 1994) designed to develop epidemiological expertise among health professionals. The program provides highly trained epidemiologists to meet the country's disease prevention and control needs. FETP was established in 1987 in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Agency for International development (USAID). Similar programs have also been established in other countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, Taiwan, Peru, Egypt, Spain, Australia, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Italy and Zimbabwe.

The faculty, fellows and graduates of FETP have provided invaluable inputs for public health policy and implementation. FETP fellows have conducted studies on the following: Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (red tide), Fireworks-related Injuries, Disasters, Measles and other vaccine preventable diseases, Cholera, and Typhoid.

FETP fellows are available to their sending agency and field health offices as resource persons and are willing to share their technical expertise. They provide valuable service in collaboration with their program supervisors in the following areas:

Outbreak Investigations
Public Health Surveillance systems
Disease control and prevention
Program evaluation

Awards

The Philippine FETP has received the John Snow Award from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention twice; in 1992, for disease surveillance in evacuation sites following the Mt. Pinatubo disaster and in 1995 for an investigation of a typhoid fever outbreak in Camarines Sur. FETP is also a two-time recipient of the William Foege Award for Outstanding Public Health Intervention; in 1998 following an investigation of resurgent typhoid fever in Manila City Jail and in 1999 for an investigation of a cholera outbreak in Paco, Manila.

FETP Graduates

FETP has produced 53 graduates who have become valuable assets to the health system; most are managers of Epidemiology and Surveillance Units at regional, provincial or city/municipal levels. Three are DOH Directors. Two are Provincial Health Officers in Kalinga and Cavite. Seven have left the government and joined NGOs as consultants. Seven have stayed with NEC and serve as FETP faculty.

Directory of FETP Graduates

1st Batch (1987-1989)

Ma. Rosario Marilyn Benabaye,MD

Emmanuel Conanan, MD

Erlinda Guererro, MD, MPH

Vivian Lofranco, MD

Nino Ismael Pastor, MD

2nd Batch (1988-1990)

Nicolas Bautista, MD

Revelyn Rayray-Cayabyab, MD

Roy Gavino, MD, MPH

Ivy Gopez, MD

Ma. Consorcia Lim-Quizon, MD

Eumelia Salva, MD, MPH

3rd Batch (1989-1991)

Mario Brizuela, MD

Juan M. Lopez, MD

Mary Elizabeth Miranda, DVM

Ma. Concepcion Roces, MD, MSc

Nancy Zacarias, MD

4th Batch (1990-1992)

Grace Abad-Viola, MD

Ilya Abellanosa-Tac-an, MD

Florante Magboo, MD

Rio L. Magpantay, MD

Ma. Ruth Surmieda-Gamaro, MD

Enrique A. Tayag, MD

5th Batch (1991-1993)

Timoteo Badoy, Jr., MD

Janice Zabala-Bugtong, MD

David Mendoza, MD

Marlow O. Ninal, MD

Agnes J. Pacho, MD

Ma. Nemia Lapastora-Sucaldito, MD

6th Batch (1992-1994)

Jessie Glen Alonsabe, MD, MPH

Jocelyn Flores-Cabarles, MD

Ma. Teresa G. Castillo, MD, MPH

Ricardo Mateo, Jr., MD

Josefina Superable, MD (RIP)

Judith I. Tapiador, MD

7th Batch (1993-1995)

Ma. Vilma Diez, MD, MHA

Ferchito Avelino, MD

Marianne Trabajo, MD, MPH

8th Batch (1995-1996)

Lynette Adorio-Arce, MD, MPH

Nicolas T. Catindig, MD

Vito Roque, Jr., RMT, MD

9th Batch (1996-1997)

Benjamin Dacula, MD

Teodulfo Joselito Retuya, Jr., MD

Douglas Ting, MD

10th Batch (1997-1998)

Rhodora Antenor, MD

Agnes Benegas, MD

Onofre Edwin Merilles, Jr., RN

Cesar Sabenicio, MD

Ofelia Tolentino, RN

11th Batch (1998-1999)

Celia Flor Brillantes, MD

Jessie Fantone, MD

Jose Ramoncito Navarro, MD

Epi Ramos, RMT

Cherybel Verdadero, RN

National Epidemiology Center - Department of Health 2004

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