UDM-CHS Brings Inclusive Healthcare and Disability Awareness to Manila Communities Through “Rise and Rehabilitate” Program 

On April 29 and May 6, 2025, the College of Health Sciences (CHS) of Universidad De Manila launched its Community-Based Rehabilitation Program titled “Rise and Rehabilitate: Empowering Lives through Awareness and Rights”, held across Barangay 819 and Barangay 38 in the City of Manila. 

The initiative was led by CHS Physical Therapy (PT) Faculty and 3rd Year BSPT Students, with strong support from the Barangay Councils of both locations, Yakult Employees Credit Cooperative, Philippine Nursing Student Association, Dr. Joyce Brillantes, and UDM PT alumni. 

The program advanced SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being by providing free medical services, including vital sign assessment, medical consultations, medicine distribution, and assistive device provision for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and vulnerable residents. Beyond physical aid, the event featured educational sessions on PWD rights and legal protections, livelihood training opportunities, and career awareness about the Physical Therapy profession. 

At its core, Rise and Rehabilitate emphasized that rehabilitation is not just a clinical procedure—it is a social justice effort. By empowering PWDs through health access, information, and advocacy, the program championed inclusive and community-centered healthcare, ensuring that no one is left behind due to disability or poverty. 

The initiative also highlighted service-learning as a core identity of UDM’s health sciences education, showing that its students are not only trained to treat patients but to uplift entire communities through empathy, leadership, and professional expertise. 

Article by: 
PROF. ENRIQUITO E. MAHINAY JR., RN, MSN 
PROF. DAISY LOPEZ, RPT