As a well-known pediatrician, Dr. Santos-Ocampo doesn’t just take care fo babies. She’s a mother to countless children who grow up healthier and smarter. That’s because she devotes her time and efforts on how to control and manage diarrhea and malnutrition. By understanding the factors that cause such disease, she emphasizes 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 on 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 Institutes 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 is currently the President of the National Academy of Science and Technology, the highest and most prestigious scientific body in the country.
Dr. Santos-Ocampo is 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. –Rodel G. Offemaria