The University of the Philippines (UP) extends its deepest condolences to the friends and loved ones of distinguished ophthalmologist and former Chancellor of UP Manila (UPM) from 2011 to 2014, Dr. Manuel B. Agulto.
Dr. Agulto is remembered by the University for his lifelong commitment to public service and excellence in the field of ophthalmology. As Chancellor of UP Manila, he advocated for community-oriented academic education and research; strengthened research infrastructure for translation; implemented enterprise resource programs; and professionalized and streamlined University operations.
An article posted in the UP Phi Kappa Mu’s official website shared Dr. Agulto’s own words on being chancellor of the country’s premier health sciences center:
“I ran for Chancellor because I knew that things could be made better. I have the will to do it and the group that will accomplish it with me. I wanted to continue my life of service. What is three years more to give back to UP—UP that gave me everything that I have right now? ”
Dr. Agulto was also one of the country’s most prominent eye doctors. A graduate of the UP College of Medicine, Dr. Agulto began his medical practice by serving patients in the UP-Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and in communities in Pampanga. He pursued his specialization abroad under the mentorship of the world’s best glaucoma experts and returned to the UP-PGH as glaucoma specialist, health educator, and academic leader. He also served as director of the Institute of Ophthalmology of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and head of the UP-PGH Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
Dr. Agulto passed away on December 18, 2023.
Reference: Official Facebook account of UP Manila