by Julian Que Arguilla Φ2013
Doctors, professors, government and university officials gathered last June 16, 2014 at the PGH Social Hall to partake in the Launching of Brod Felipe Estrella’s Memoir, PGH Post- EDSA 1986-1994: A Journey with the Lord, The Dr. Felipe Estrella Story. The occasion was graced by no less than Brod Chancellor Manuel Agulto, former Senator Edgardo Angara, UP College of Medicine Dean Agnes Mejia, Professor Winnie Monsod, and friends and family of Brod Ipe.
UP Manila Chancellor Brod Manuel Bautista Agulto Φ1969A gave the introduction speech. “This book is a testament to honor and integrity in public service, particularly in the use of public funds. It only shows his selfless devotion to duty and love for PGH… the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity conferred to him the title Father of Modern PGH, as well as the Outstanding Phi Award, serving as a bastion of Leadership and blazing a path for others to follow.” Brod Benito Rances Reverente Jr. Φ1950, then class president of batch 1955, also spoke in his behalf. He recalls brod Ipe to be “a simple man, but whose work ethic is second to none. His accomplishments are one of the main reasons why class ’55 was awarded Most Outstanding Class in 1995. He set the standard for future PGH directors.”
Brods Manuel Bautista Agulto Φ1969A (L) and Benito Rances Reverente Jr. Φ1950 (R)
Brod Ipe finished his medical degree from the UP College of Medicine. He took up residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology thereafter. He also undertook postgraduate training and education courses at the Harvard Medical School, USA, the Radium Hemment, Sweden, as well as in the University of Vienna, Austria.
Despite studying overseas, Brod Ipe remained dedicated to his passion to serve the country by practicing here and teaching as well. In 1985 he was named the Vice Chancellor for Administration of UP Manila. In 1986, he was named the Director of the Philippine General Hospital. To call his eight-year term fruitful is an understatement. As Brod Manny recalls: “his was a milestone period, many renovations of the hospital were instituted, and the Outpatient Department was opened. There was an improvement of healthcare quality overall”. By the end of his term, in 1994, the Senate cited the hospital as one of the 33 centers of excellence in government service.
After his term, he served as consultant to the office of Senator Edgardo Angara, Euromed Laboratories, and UP Health Services. He held the position of Director of Medical Services at the Medical City in 1995. In 1998, he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Health, by recommendation of Senator Angara.
For his achievements and years of dedication in improving the nation’s healthcare system, he received the prestigious Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award. In his alma mater, he was conferred the Gawad Propesyonal sa Medisina by the UP Alumni Association. A path blazed, indeed, for the younger members of the Fold to follow. All for Phi!
