Asst. Prof. Donald G. Manlapaz, PhD is the 2020 Outstanding Professional in Physical Therapy of the Professional Regulation Commission, a September 18, 2020 letter from PRC Commissioner Yolanda Reyes disclosed. Manlapaz, the incumbent Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, is the University’s advocate and researcher on exer-gaming, or using game-based technology to improve wellness among the population, especially the well-aging and patient population groups.
According to PRC, the “Outstanding Professional of the Year 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.”
Conferment ceremonies will take place on December 4, 2020.
Manlapaz becomes the fourth Physical Therapy faculty member to be given the distinction by PRC. Previous awardees included former CRS Dean and now Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH, former CRS Dean and now Continuing Professional Education and Development Director Jocelyn F. Agcaoili, MSPT, and faculty researcher Donald S. Lipardo, PhD. In 2015, Manlapaz received the Special Citation from PRC for his contributions to the profession.
