Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Maria Elizabeth M. Grageda

This feature is part of UP CAMP’s Alumni Spotlight Series, highlighting the seven recipients of the CAMP Luminary Awards. Awarded during the College’s Foundation Month celebrations in November 2025, the CAMP Luminary Awards recognize alumni whose exceptional achievements and service have advanced our professions and created meaningful impact in society.

Among the awardees is Dr. Maria Elizabeth M. Grageda, recipient of the CAMP Luminary Award – Philippines, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to physical therapy, health professions education, and academic leadership.

With over 30 years of professional experience, Dr. Grageda has distinguished herself as a physical therapist, educator, scholar, and administrator. She currently serves as Dean of the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions (NTTCHP) of the University of the Philippines Manila, where she leads initiatives that strengthen faculty development and academic leadership in the health professions.

Prior to joining the academe, she served at the Philippine General Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and became Chief Physical Therapist from 1998 to 2006. In this role, she led improvements in clinical operations, staff development, patient services, and internship training programs.

Dr. Grageda has also made significant contributions to physical therapy education nationwide through her work with the Commission on Higher Education’s Technical Committee for Physical Therapy Education and Regional Quality Assurance Team, helping shape policies and uphold standards for PT programs across the country.

A recognized expert in competency-based assessment and curriculum development, she has authored scholarly publications, presented at national and international conferences, and led major projects for the Department of Health and the National Institutes of Health. Her contributions have earned numerous distinctions, including the Professional Regulation Commission’s Most Outstanding Physical Therapist Award in 2007.

She has likewise played an important role in advancing the profession through the Philippine Physical Therapy Association, serving on the Board of Directors and leading initiatives that strengthened the development of physical therapy educators nationwide.

UP CAMP proudly celebrates Dr. Grageda’s remarkable contributions to physical therapy and health professions education, and her enduring commitment to advancing excellence in healthcare training and practice in the Philippines.