MANILA, Philippines?Paulo Papillero, 26, graduated valedictorian upon completing a degree in Public Health at UP Manila.

He then entered the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Medicine, where he qualified for full-scholarship assistance from the First Gentleman Foundation for two years of medical clerkship and internship training.

Paulo was only 15 years old when his mother passed away. His youngest sister, Patricia, was born premature and sickly. But, her doctors diligently took care of her. At age 13, Patricia is now an incoming high school sophomore at St. Anthony?s.

Inspired by the wonderful physicians who have taken care of his family through the years, Paulo decided to become a doctor to pay it forward?and render service to his needy fellowmen. He may have a busy schedule, but he still finds time to indulge in sports (volleyball) and hobbies (he sings).

He had his internship at the Manila Doctors? Hospital, and was elected president of the post-graduate interns? group. He was later honored as that institution?s Most Outstanding Emergency Room Intern.

Training

If Paulo passes the medical board exams in August, he plans to take his residency training in either OB-Gyn or surgery. He motto: ?Believe in God, and everything is possible!?

Twenty scholars of the First Gentleman?s ?Bagong Doktor Sa Bayan? project graduated last May 2?10 from PLM and 10 from UP. The project aims to produce 60 doctors for the country?s underserved rural communities by 2010.

E-mail mandynavasero@yahoo.com, or call 899-1767.