by: Christine C. Ruedas, MM-IHSM DIP PE

Typhoon Haiyan heralded the birth of baby Jay-R. His mother braved the storm of epic proportions, literally crawling through uprooted trees and debris, leaving behind her husband and 3 sons (in Leyte) just so Jay-R could receive medical help. You see, this little one was born with myelomeningocele – a rare and severe form of spina bifida. It is a neural tube defect wherein the bones of the spine do not form completely, causing the spinal cord to stick out of the child’s back. He also has (bilateral) congenital talipes equinovarus, otherwise known as clubfoot.

Jay-R and his mother have been here in Cebu ever since with no one else to turn to except for the staff at Mactan Air Base Hospital where Velez PT alumni and student body donated medicines, clothing and food items to other victims of Yolanda.

Driven by compassion and empathy, the staff took it upon themselves to welcome baby Jay-R into the Christian world…

Let’s take a break from all the madness to celebrate this little miracle from Heaven.

Photos taken and posted with consent.

Phoebe Lao, Vital Signs Publication

Velez College amplifies its zeal for excellence. Fueled by the coming of PAASCU (Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities) on the 29th to 31st of January 2015, Velez College is gearing up full force for drastic changes. PAASCU is an accrediting body recognized by many countries. Alongside the recent construction of a six-floor school building and a modern food park, this year is a continuity of the progress that has kicked off. “I would like Velez College to evolve since we’ve pretty much been left behind,” addresses Mr. James Louis Ting (Vice President of Administration/School Administrator of Velez College). According to Mr. Ting, this year holds a series of revamping: all access to E-books and E-journals, stronger Wireless Fidelity connection and air conditioning of the school library. “I hope that we can catch up, and we will catch up,” he adds.

“We are very lucky and fortunate that the administration has already approved of the school clinic,” states Dr. Cecilia Lepon-Capatoy (dean of the College of Medical Technology). Dr. Capatoy envisions for an “Earning and Learning” students’ laboratory which will work hand in hand with the school clinic. Working together, the school clinic and students’ laboratory will offer tests (Urinalysis, Fecalysis, Hepatitis B screening, Complete Blood Count) and centralized vaccination for all Velezian students. Furthermore, the department of Clinical Chemistry is awaiting the arrival of a newly purchased fume hood while the department of Microbiology/Parasitology also awaits for a new biosafety cabinet. “These may be little things but these are improvements. I am (very) positive about it,” the dean adds.

Renovations are expected later this year as Velez College upgrades its facilities. One of which is the revamping of the school gym. Mr. James Ting mentions of more sports activities to be catered for the benefit of everyone. Beautification projects and new landscapes are also anticipated for this school year. Putting up of kiosks and gazebos will compose a new Students’ Area by second semester.

As for the academe, the school has a Five Year Development Plan in order. The teachers are bracing themselves for a change: Outcomes-Based Education. “We (faculty) will have yet to learn,” Dr. Capatoy expresses her openness to refine what needs to be refined. “I think we all know that the school is never going to compromise its quality of education,” as articulated by Mrs. Carol R. Kangleon (Dean of the Department of Nursing).

“We will have a new development in the future,” says Mr. Ting as he reveals of a plan for a new campus after the years K-12 will affect (2016-2018). He also tells us of the school to offer new courses by that time. “We are ready to invest on it,” he declares. With the coming waves of development we will be facing soon, there isn’t any doubt that a blend of history and modernity will paint the walls of Velez College a few years from now.

By: Kat Arriola

As July came, the students and faculty from the Physical and Occupational Therapy prepared for the annual National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation week. This year it focused on “Making the Rights for the Filipinos with disabilities” as its theme.

Last July 17-23, 2011, the 33rd NDPR week was celebrated and it was officially opened with a mass held at the North wing area of SM which was followed by a parade inside the mall. There was also a gallery displaying different artworks of talented PWD’s (people with disabilities). A forum and a job fair were also held for the PWD’s. Other activities during the week were the Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Plaza Independencia, Medical and Dental missions in Mabolo.

They also had activities at the Cebu City Sports Center. They had their Fun Walk and Larong Pinoy which were conducted by the 3rd year students and faculty of the PT department of Velez College. They played games like day and night, tug of war, sack race and etc. Although the games were meant to be enjoyed by the PWD’s, the students were able to play with them as well. On the other hand, the 3rd year OT’s had their feeding in Sambag II. There was also an activity held in Velez College. The scoliosis screening was conducted by the 4th year students and interns from the PT department.

The goal of this celebration was to stimulate the awareness on the disability issues and strengthen the involvement of the government and non-government organizations. It also aims to encourage the Filipino citizens to take active responsibility on the upliftment of the economic and social conditions of the persons with disabilities.

As students of the allied medicine, we should take our responsibilities in making people realize that there are still other people besides us who are in need of attention. We should help in changing our fellow citizens to be more understanding of our surroundings. But in changing other people we must always start the change within ourselves.