A FACULTY member from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS) has been named the Professional Regulation Commission’s (PRC) Outstanding Professional of the Year in physical therapy.
The award, considered the highest distinction given by the PRC to a professional, was given to Assoc. Prof. Michael Jorge N. Peralta during the commission’s 52nd founding anniversary on Sept. 6 at the Manila Hotel.
Peralta is the executive assistant for intellectual property and research and the manager of the Innovation Technology Support Office under the UST Office of the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation.
He has held key roles in the PPTA, serving on the board of directors from 2012 to 2018 and heading its legal and ethics committee from 1999 to 2003.
He became a lifetime member in 1997 and continues to promote professional development in PT through continuing education programs.
Peralta earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1997 and his Master of Science in Physical Therapy from UST in 2003.
He later completed a Master of Science in Physiology at the University of the Philippines Manila in 2010, and in 2016, obtained a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property from the Università degli Studi di Torino, Italy.
Peralta has been active in interdisciplinary work, serving as a member of the Physiology Society of the Philippines since 2001 and as a founding member of the Alliance of Technology Transfer Officers of the Philippines since 2020.
His background in law and intellectual property has allowed him to promote awareness of intellectual property rights and to champion innovative health technologies that help patients reintegrate into society.
“With still only approximately 11% of facilities in the country that offer complete rehabilitation services, the need to develop more physical therapists to answer the call is imperative,” Peralta told the Varsitarian.
As both scholar and advocate, Peralta has pushed for the integration of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Rehabilitation 2030 goals, which highlight the role of physical therapists as frontliners in restoring patients’ mobility, independence, and quality of life.
“Beyond clinical outcomes, physical therapists focus on restoring mobility, independence, and participation in society, education, and employment,” he said. “In the academe, my vocation is to mold, train, and develop Thomasians with the 3Cs who can help address the WHO’s Rehabilitation 2030 goals.”
Peralta also underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing the field.
“To improve our profession is a concerted effort. We all have something to offer to the table, and by working together, we can bring our goals and aspirations to fruition.”
Peralta pursued physical therapy to help his sister, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He said his mentors during undergraduate and graduate studies inspired him to teach.
The awarding ceremony was held as part of the PRC’s 52nd Founding Anniversary, which carried the theme: “Pride in Service, Respect for Duty, Commitment to Professional Excellence.” Mary Dawn S. Santos
