Brief History of the Committee on Aging and Degenerative Diseases
The University of the Philippines Manila is the country’s leading institution for health research and development. The creation of the National Institutes of Health was approved by the Board of Regents at its 1094th meeting on 26 January 1996, and with it, the Gerontology and Disabilities Programs Cluster, through the Committee on Aging and Degenerative Diseases. The committee is composed of various physicians, academicians, and allied medical professionals within the UP-PGH system.
The COMADD is currently comprised of volunteer consultants from various Clinical and Basic Sciences Departments of the UP-PGH system:
1. Philippine General Hospital – Clinical Departments are involved through their representatives, including: Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Surgery, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, Neurology, Psychiatry and Nutrition.
2. UP College of Nursing – membership representation
3. UP Manila College of Arts and Sciences – membership representation thru the Department of Behavioral Sciences (Anthropology)
4. College of Allied Medical Professionals
5. College of Pharmacy
6. College of Dentistry
Mission-Vision: Institute for Aging and Degenerative Diseases
Vision
The Filipino elderly enjoying a healthy body, mind and spirit, being treated with dignity, and valued as a productive member of society, in a dynamic process unique to himself, and beginning a life of unlimited possibilities.
Mission
The institute shall create with the aging Filipino, unlimited possibilities for their value added life through scientific research, training and education, and specialized services.
Clinical Programs
The Committee on Aging and Degenerative Diseases through it multidisciplinary membership is involved in the development and management of various clinical programs within the UP-PGH system, including:
Outpatient geriatric evaluation and wellness clinic
Inpatient geriatric medical consultation
Memory clinic
Stroke unit
Rehabilitation unit (physical, occupational and speech therapy)
Menopause clinic
Specialized services such as Spine/Osteoporosis care; Rheumatology clinic
Policy Development
The Committee and its members have been directly involved as technical advisers in the development of
The Philippine Plan of Action for Older Persons, DSWD
The Health Program for Older Persons, DOH
Baseline Surveys for the National Objectives of Health, DOH, NIH
Periodic Health Examination Guideline, PHILCLEN, DOH
Alzheimer’s Disease Association of the Philippines Recommendations on Diagnosis, Prevention and Management
Education
The Committee has undertaken 9 successful Post-graduate courses in Geriatric Medicine for physicians, nurses, and allied medical professions since 1997
Research
The Committee and its members are involved in funding and development of essential national health researches including those that resulted in the Policy and Recommendation documents above.
