A Mentor, A Leader, A Legend: The Enduring Impact of Dr. Liberato De La Rosa
Dr. Liberato “Levy” C. De La Rosa dedicated 48 years of his life and still counting, in shaping the minds of future healthcare professionals. His passion for Parasitology is unparalleled because of his unwavering commitment to his students and colleagues. He is more than a professor— a mentor, a leader, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of learning from him.
His academic journey was nothing short of extraordinary. From earning his B.S. in Medical Technology in 1967 to completing his Doctor of Medicine at FEU-NRMF Institute of Medicine in 1975, he pursued excellence at every step. Took his residency in Clinical Pathology at FEU-NRMF Institute of Medicine from 1985 – 1978. After finishing his residency, his thirst for knowledge led him to a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand in 1979, and finally, obtained a Master’s in Health Profession Education at UP Manila NTTC-HP in 1987.
His brilliance in teaching was recognized with numerous awards, including the Dr. Horacio Ylagan Award for Most Outstanding Faculty in 1989, 1996 and 2001, the Josephine C. Reyes Merit Award in 2012, the Dr. Claro D. Cabrera Most Outstanding Medical Technology Faculty Award in 2015, 2017 and 2018, and the Guro Award from the FEU-NRMF Faculty Association in 2017, to name a few. His impact was so profound that in June 2018, he was honored and conferred upon by the FEU-NRMF Board of Trustees of the title PROFESSOR EMERITUS, a title befitting to his lifelong dedication to academia.
Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. De La Rosa is a visionary leader. He became the Assistant Dean of the Institute of Medicine from 1990 until 2004, and served as the Chairman of the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology for nearly three decades from 1994 until 2022 and remained as Chairman Emeritus up to this date.
His leadership extended to various prestigious organizations, including serving as President of the FEU-NRMF Medical Technology Alumni Society, the FEU-NRMF Medical Alumni Society, and the Philippine Academic Society for Microbiology and Parasitology (PASMAP). He also contributed to education standards as an accreditor for the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU).
But beyond his titles, accolades, and leadership, Dr. De La Rosa is beloved by his students and colleagues. His lectures were legendary—not only for their depth of knowledge but also for his signature humor.
More than a scholar and mentor, he is a devoted husband to Sonya and a loving father to three children and grandchildren. Despite his many achievements, he remained humble, always placing his students and the institution above himself. Dr. De La Rosa’s legacy is one of passion, wisdom, and kindness. His influence will live on in the countless lives he has touched—students who have become doctors, educators, and medical professionals because of his guidance.
