The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) Director Dr. Celia C. Carlos was bestowed the Eric Nubla Excellence Award and the 2022 Most Outstanding Physician Award by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) in the 49th PRC Awards in Manila Hotel on July 29, 2022.

Dr. Carlos bested the four (4) nominated outstanding professionals and received the highest rating during the deliberations for the Eric C. Nubla Excellence Award. Those who vied for the award were Outstanding Dentist Dr. Fernando M. Fernandez,Outstanding Professional Teacher Ms. Filomena T. Dayagbil, Outstanding Sanitary Engineer Engr. Ranulfo C. Feliciano, and Outstanding Social Worker Ms. Ma. Dolores J. Nalumen.

“This candidate excels not only in his/her profession, but also stands out among the Top 5 Outstanding Professionals in terms to his/her contributions to society,” said Court of Appeals Honorable Associate Justice Fernanda L. Peralta, one of the esteemed panel of judges for the awarding ceremonies.

Aside from the Nubla Excellence Award, Dr. Carlos was also named the Most Outstanding Physician in 2022. Dr. Carlos received the excellence award medallion and outstanding award plaque as recognition for her distinguished contribution in the field of medicine.

“More than three (3) decades ago, I set my medical career goals as finding ways to contribute to nation-building and help address the deficiencies of the prevailing health situation in the country. Since obtaining my medical degree, I was able to prove that career goals intended to contribute to solving some deficiencies in the government, though ambitious, can be achieved despite immense challenges,” said Dr. Carlos in her response as she received the medallion.

Dr. Carlos was recognized for her exemplar service in her profession such as establishing and sustaining the Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program for 34 years in 26 bacteriology laboratories nationwide; serving as the Philippine representative to international surveillance and research programs on infectious diseases (ID), temporary adviser for WHO consultations, and resource person in over 250 ID conferences; authoring 74 research publications; and steering RITM’s vital public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her competence, excellence, and commendable track record have earned her various awards  and recognition such as  being one of the outstanding women in the health sciences from 1900 to 2000 by the National Research Council of the Philippines in 2004, recipient of Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Gold Pioneer Award, Philippine Federation of Professional Associations Distinction Award, Philippine Medical Association Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial Award, and the Order of Lapulapu Presidential Award.

As fellow and former president of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines, fellow of the Philippine Pediatric Society and Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, her relentless dedication to the organizations is a testament of her outstanding career.

“I would like to thank the board of judges for the award, my peers in the medical profession who nominated me for this award, my colleagues at RITM with whom I have spent most of my medical career, and my family for inspiring and supporting me in the pursuit of my career,” said Dr. Carlos as she expressed her gratitude during her response.

The Eric Nubla Excellence Award intends to accord distinct honor to a professional who surpassed the qualification standard based on the criteria set forth to be an outstanding professional.

The Outstanding Professional of the Year Award is the highest award bestowed by the Commission upon a professional as recommended by his/her peers for having sufficiently demonstrated professional competence of the highest degree and conducted himself/herself with integrity in the exercise of his/her profession; meaningfully participated in professional activities through the professional organization; significantly contributed to the advancement of the profession; and sincerely and effectively discharged personal and professional social responsibility through meaningful contribution/participation in socio-related activities.

by Allenor Enciso, Communication and Engagement Office