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The Philippine
Physical Therapy Association was founded on December 8, 1964 by the first BS PT graduates from the University of the Philippines School of Allied Medical Professions (UP SAMP), the first academic institution to offer a bachelor's degree in physical therapy in the Philippines. This association was then seen as a venue to promote the professional advancement and to provide continuing educational growth for physical therapists in the country. Thus the objectives of the association was at the time of founding were as follows: to foster strong and active fellowship among its members; to participate in all endeavors for the advancement of members; to contribute to the implementation of lawful activities that promote professional development; to aid health service by providing knowledge and service to the disabled community and the general public; and to help eradicate malpractice in the field of physical therapy.
Aside from the UP SAMP graduates, the moving forces behind the establishment of PPTA were the following: Dr. Benjamin Tamesis, then director of UP SAMP and National Orthopedic Hospital, Dr. Guillermo Damian, then Secretary of UP SAMP, later to become its Dean, Prof. Robert Jacques, World Health Organization consultant in physical therapy, Lt. Col. Jesus Mendoza, MD, then President of the Philippine Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The founding President was
Mr. Jose I. Inoturan.
The association was incorporated on December 26, 1964.
One of the early fruits of labor of the association was the enactment of the
Republic Act 5680 (Philippine Physical and Occupational Therapy Law) on January 21, 1969.
PPTA was accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission as a national organization for physical therapists on
May 31, 1978 (with accreditation number 29).
The PPTA acquired membership in the World Confederation for Physical Therapy on
May 24, 1967 and became founding member of the Asian Confederation for Physical
Therapy.
Dynamism in the profession dictated corresponding changes in the mission and objectives of the association.
Recent activities and accomplishments of the PPTA were designed and implemented toward te above purposes. These include provision of continuing professional education programs; development and maintenance of excellent standards of practice in the Philippines through collaborative efforts with the PRC Board of Examiners for OT and PT; participation in the formulation of principles and position statements of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy to echo its stand on health care and/or social issues; and extension or service work specifically through an agreement with the Bantay BAta Foundation, anon-government organization concerned with the plight of children in need and with developmental disabilities; and the initiation of special interest group in musculoskeletal condition within the association. 1998 was a very significant year in view of the signing of the Presidential Proclamation No. 15 declaring every 8th day of September as National Physical Therapy Day. With this declaration, the Philippines celebrates PT Day with the rest of the world and hopefully this proclamation paves the way to increased awareness of the public on what physical therapy can do for them. In 1999, much of the efforts of the Association have been channeled toward redefining the physical therapy profession through amendment of the RA 5680.
The 7th Asian Confederation for Physical Therapy International Congress in Manila
was hosted by the PPTA last September 8 through 10, 2000.
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