Philippines

Valentin C. Dones III, Ph.D. is the research supervisor of the Center for Health Research and Movement Sciences of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences of the University of Santo Tomas. He is the CEO of the PainFree Management and Consulting, Inc. He is a manual physiotherapist who acquired his degree in Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences at the School of Health Sciences of the University of South Australia, receiving the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship of the Australian Government. His degree preparation and experience prove effective leadership, scientific, and technical assistance to researchers, fostering the research culture in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences. He has received several research grants from government and non-government grant-giving bodies including the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Science and Technology, and Accenture for his research on manual physiotherapy, human anatomy, fascia, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and taping techniques, published in national, and international journals. Prof. Dones was an evidence synthesis reviewer of the Philippine COVID-19 Living Recommendations developed by the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infection Disease. The Department of Health adopted the Philippine COVID-19 Living Recommendations. https://www.ust.edu.ph/profile/dones-valentin-iii-c/

Manang Norma B. Bautista our beloved nanny, is 76 years old and has been a great help with our household chores. Unfortunately, she experienced low back pain from lifting something incorrectly. Initially, walking was quite painful for her. However, her determination to keep walking led her to discover that it helps alleviate her low back pain when she walks for longer periods. She enjoys strolling around our neighborhood, where she often encounters familiar faces, buys necessities for our home, and chats with friends. Manang Norma is not only an industrious and caring nanny but also an incredibly honest one. After more than 20 years of dedicated service, she has become a cherished member of our family, loved by all five of us.

Donald G. Manlapaz, Ph.D. finished his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the same institution, cum laude, and Doctor of Philosophy in Physiotherapy from the University of Otago, New Zealand. He served several administrative functions including College Secretary from 2012-2015 and Physical Therapy Department Chair from 2019 up to the present. As a researcher, he is a member of the Center for Health Research and Movement Science and the associate editor of the Philippine Journal of Allied Health Sciences. He is also an editorial board member of Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy and Philippine Journal of Allied Health Sciences. He published and presented his research papers in the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, osteoarthritis, exergaming, and geriatrics. He was the recipient of the 2020 Outstanding Professional of the year in the field of Physical Therapy given by the Professional Regulation Commission and currently one of the board of directors of Philippine Physical Therapy .

Association.https://www.ust.edu.ph/profile/manlapaz-donald-g/