EFFECTIVENESS OF LABORATORY PREPARED AND NATURALLY

PREPARED LAGUNDI AGAINST COUGH

A Research Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfilment

Of the Requirements in English 2

BY:

KEN RODLYNE MONOY

ARNEL D. ARADA JR.

CALMAN ASPRER

RALPH ACOSTA

REGINALD PAUL SERRANO

March 6, 2013

1

Acknowledgement

I would like to express the deepest appreciation to my Professor, Gen Cafino, who

introduced to us the making of a thesis. Without her untiring efforts to remind and

correct our mistakes this thesis would not be possible.

In addition I would like to thank our parents, because without them studying in this

prestigious school wouldn’t be possible.

This thesis would have remained a dream had it not for the contribution of ideas of our

friends and families.

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Table of Contents

o Chapter I---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4 Statement of the Problem-------------------------------------------------------------------4 Hypothesis---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5 Significance of the Study-------------------------------------------------------------------5

o Chapter II--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6

Related Literature------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 Related Studies --------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 Research Paradigm -------------------------------------------------------------------------13 Theoretical Framework---------------------------------------------------------------------14 Formal Definition ----------------------------------------------------------------------------14

o Chapter III------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16

Research Design------------------------------------------------------------------------------16 Respondents-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------16 Locale of the Study--------------------------------------------------------------------------16 Instrumentation-------------------------------------------------------------------------------17 The Study Population and Sample-----------------------------------------------------18 Procedure---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18

o Bibliography--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19o Researcher’s Profile---------------------------------------------------------------------------20

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Chapter I

The Problem and its Background

INTRODUCTION

The focus of this study is to determine the difference between natural and

laboratory prepared lagundi medicine against cough. Before the researchers identify the

difference on how it is prepared the knowledge about Lagundi is essential. Lagundi is a

large shrub that grows in the Philippines and has been traditionally used as an herbal

medicine. Lagundi is generally used for the treatment of coughs, asthma symptoms and

other respiratory ailments. It is also known for its analgesic effect that helps alleviate

pain and discomfort.

Lagundi can be prepared naturally by, gathering and mixing its leaves, roots, flowers

and its seeds then boiling them into a container for 10 to 15 minutes and then strain and

gather the juice for drinking. Lagundi can also be purchased in forms of capsule and

syrup to make it easier to handle. It can also be used with other cough remedies and

cough medicines.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

1. What is the perceive effectiveness of laboratory prepared Lagundi?

2. What is the perceive effectiveness of naturally prepared lagundi?

3. What is the difference in the perceive effectiveness of laboratory prepared and

naturally prepared Lagundi?

4

HYPOTHESIS

Laboratory and Naturally prepared lagundi has no difference in curing cough.

Laboratory prepared lagundi is handy and easy to consume however naturally prepared

lagundi needs to be boiled first before ingestion.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

To the students:

The study of lagundi can help them develop their sense of awareness to prepare them

to a deeper study to discover how the efficiency of lagundi plants can still be developed

and maximized. They can further dig extensively to discover about the plant’s other

advantages and uses together with the other similar herbal plants.

To the future students:

The study of lagundi plants could be an important key for them to open their interest to

focus their studies in the field of alternative medicines.

To the medical practitioners:

The study is most significant for them being the guardians of our health. They can avail

of the medical value of lagundi plants which is cheaper than other synthetic medicines

aside from the fact that they are readily accessible.

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Chapter II

Review of Related Studies and Literature

RELATED LITERATURE

Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) is a large native shrub that grows in the

Philippines and has been traditionally used as herbal medicine. The Philippine

Department of Health has conducted research and study for Lagundi and has

suggested that the lagundi plant has a number verifiable therapeutic value [1]. Lagundi is

generally accepted in the Philippines to be useful for coughs, asthma and respiratory

problems. There were no adverse reactions that have been reported for those patients

who have used lagundi. Scientific analysis has shown that lagundi has antihistamine

and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that lagundi can prevent the body’s

production of Leukotriene, which are released during an asthma attack. Also according

to scientific studies conducted for lagundi, the leaves, fruit and root of this plant contains

antihistamine properties that helps in releasing bronchial muscles thus reducing asthma

symptoms. Lagundi is also known for its analgesic effects that help alleviate pain and

discomfort. As an analgesic, lagundi also appears to have some efficacy. It has been

compared to drugs like aspirin in trials that show that it may be useful in treatment of

things like pain after dental extractions. There is a proof that it really helps and improves

lives of people like this, “I have asthma and sinusitis. My results with lagundi were

positive. It saved my life. I do not have to use antibiotics or prednisone anymore”. The

therapeutic effects of lagundi is indeed a testimony that the indigenous medicinal

products developed in the Philippines can very well compete with the more established

preparations coming from imported pharmaceutical companies. Especially good for

respiratory problems.

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At home, people make lagundi teas from the leaves, often producing a large amount

and bottling the excess to use later. Commercially, lagundi can be purchased in the

form of syrup or capsules to make it easier to handle. It is also blended in with cough

medicines and other herbal remedies. As with other herbal medicines, lagundi should

not be taken without consulting a doctor, as it may potentially conflict with other

medications or it may be contraindicated for a particular condition. If your doctor is

resistant to herbal treatments, you may want to seek out a practitioner who supports

complementary medicine so that you can get sound advice about whether or not lagundi

is safe for you.[ ]

Five-leaved Chaste Tree or Vitex Negundo is a medicinal shrub commonly found in

tropical, subtropical and also warm temperate regions throughout the world, especially

in the Philippines. The use of five-leaved chaste tree for medicinal purposes has been

known for a long time in China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines and other Asian

countries. Today, pharmaceutical companies in Japan are importing wild vitex negundo

from Philippines. The root is reported to be tonic, febrifuge, and expectorant. The root is

also used in a great variety of diseases: dyspepsia, colic, rheumatism, worms, boils,

and leprosy. The flowers are used in diarrhea, cholera, fever, and diseases of the liver,

and are also recommended as a cardiac tonic. The seeds make a cooling medicine for

skin diseases and leprosy, and for inflammation of the mouth. The leaves are used as a

tea for conditions like coughs and asthma.[ ]

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RELATED STUDIES

Department of Health in the Philippines 

Scientific Research on Medicinal Herbs

Lagundi Studies

Scientific name: Vitex Negundo

Lagundi is a shrub that grows in the Philippines.  It is one of the ten herbal medicines

endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health as an effective herbal medicine with

proven therapeutic value.  Lagundi has been clinically tested to be effective in the

treatment of colds, flu, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and pharyngitis.  Studies

have shown that Lagundi can prevent the body’s production of leukotienes which are

released during an asthma attack.  Lagundi contains Chrysoplenol D – a substance with

anti-histamine properties and muscle relaxant.

Plant Description: The Lagundi plant can grow up to five meters tall.  It has a single

woody stem. Lagundi distinctive feature are the pointed leaves with five leaflets set like

a hand.

Benefits: 

•    Relief of asthma and pharyngitis

•    Relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils diarrhea (roots)

•    Treatment of chough, colds, fever and flu and other bronchopulmonary disorders

•    Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox

•    Removal of worms and boils

Hepatoprotective effect of Vitex negundo against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver

damage.

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Recent Use:

Lagundi has been proven to be an effective analgesic and antitussive (prepared as a

pleasant tasting cough syrup) and has been considered as a replacement for

dextromethorphan in the public health system.

New Application:

Studies have shown benefit through reduction of coughing and relaxation of the

bronchial smooth muscles. Being promoted by the Department of Health (DOH) for

cough and asthma. One of a few herbs recently registered with the Bureau of Foods

and Drugs (BFAD) as medicines.

Studies:

• Anti-Venom: Snake venom neutralization by Indian medicinal plants (Vitex negundo

and Emblica officinalis) root extracts: A methanolic extract study of VN showed it

possesses potent snake venom neutralizing capacity and suggests further investigation.

• Anti-Inflammatory: Vitex negundo Linn (VN) leaf extract as an adjuvant therapy to

standard anti-inflammatory drugs: VN significantly potentiated antiinflammatory activity

of phenylbutazone and ibuprofen in albino rats.

• Anti-Inflammatory Activity: Anti-inflammatory Activity and Mechanism of Action of

Vitex negundo Linn: Study suggests VN possess anti-inflammatory activity against

acute and sub-acute inflammation probably due to prostaglandin inhibition and

reduction of oxidative stress.

• Antibacterial: Essential oil composition and antibacterial studies of Vitex negundo

linn. extracts: : Study showed the essential oils and extracts to have antibacterial

activity. Ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts showed prominent antibacterial activity

against all tested strains.

• Antifungal: New antifungal flavonoid glycoside from Vitex negundo: Study found a

new isolated flavone glycoside and a known compound to have significant antifungal

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activity against Tricophyton mentagrophytes and Cryptococcus neoformans. (2) Ethanol

extract of fruit seeds showed significant activity against Fusarium solani and moderate

response against Microsporum canis with no effect against C albicans.

• Larvicidal: Differential larvicidal efficacy of four species of Vitex against Culex

quinquefasciatus larvae: The methanolic extracts of all Vitex species showed varying

levels of larvicidal activity.

• Anthelmintic: Study of ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera and Vitex negundo on

anthelmintic activity against Indian earthworm Pheritima posthuma showed both to have

dose dependent activity, with Moringa oleifera showing more activity.

Preparation How to make lagundi syrup:

• clean fresh lagundi leaves and chop.

• In 4 glasses of water, boil 4 tablespoons of minced lagundi leaves for 50 minutes.

• Strain the liquid extract and add 1 part honey to 4 parts extracts.

• Boil in an earthen pot or enamel-lined saucepan for 15 minutes until the desired

viscosity is attained.

• Pour the syrup in clear amber colour bottles.

It is one of the ten herbal medicines endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health as

an effective herbal medicine with proven therapeutic value. Studies have shown that

Lagundi can prevent the body’s production of leukotrienes, which are released during

an asthma attack.

Even in Japan, lagundi is becoming recognized as an effective herbal medicine,

especially since researches have shown that it contains properties that make it an

expectorant and it has been reported to function as a tonic as well. More than that, most

of the parts of the lagundi plant have medicinal value

Common names: Dangla (Ilokano); five-leaved chaste tree, horseshoe vitex

Indication: Leaves and flowering tops decoction, syrup, tablets and capsules for

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coughs, colds, fever and asthma.

Found in: in humid places or along watercourses, in waste places and mixed open

forest.

Parts used: Leaves and flowering tops

Special precautions: Make sure to have the five-leaved varieties, as there are

other varieties of lagundi.

Preparation:

Asthma, Cough & Fever

- Decoction (Boil raw fruits or leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes) Dysentery,

Colds & Pain – Decoction ( Boil a handful of leaves & flowers in water to produce a

glass, three times a day)

Skin diseases (dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, eczema)

- Wash & clean the skin/wound with the decoction

Headache

Crush leaves may be applied on the forehead

Rheumatism, sprain, contusions, insect bites

-Pound the leaves and apply on affected area

The growing acceptance of medicinal plants these days can be attributed to the

disappointment of modern man in most synthetic miracle drugs that have caused

unexpected and sometimes terrifying side effects. It is reported that the incidence of

complications in drug therapy in the U.S. is about 10% and that approximately 5% of

patients admitted to the hospitals suffer not from diseases but from serious drug

reactions.

The growing concern over the harmful side-effects of some drugs if improperly taken,

have encouraged people to go back to the use of medicinal plants especially in primary

health care. As an example, it is now acknowledged that the use of antibiotics for viral

infections not only prolongs, but also worsens viral infection.

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While before it was considered that a possible secondary infection can be prevented by

prophylaxis treatment with antibiotics, this is now considered an obsolete mode of

treatment.

While studies indicate that most viral infections are self-limiting, and there is no drugs

yet that can scientifically prevent colds or reduce their effect, many people still spend a

lot on over-the-counter remedies for cough and colds exposing themselves to the risk of

harmful effects.

Fever is now considered not as an illness itself, but as a protective mechanism of the

body that also serves as a warning symptom of an infection that needs to be properly

treated.

“Lagundi” is effective in lowering fever of viral origin and for coughs and colds. When

you have flu, colds, measles, chicken pox, or mumps, all you have to do is to take one

stem of this plant and boil it in water. Lagundi is safe and effective as any of the

pharmaceutical antipyretic in the market today.

Studies have shown that Lagundi is just as effective as the popular cough syrups in the

drug market. Clinical trials have also indicated that it is effective for bronchial asthma. It

has anti-histamine and bronchial relaxing as well as mild anti-microbial effects. As early

as 1963, it has been discovered that Lagundi has anti-cancer activity since it can control

tumor growth in-vitro and in-vivo clinical studies.

Today, there is a growing worldwide interest in medicinal plants and traditional methods

of healing. It is mainly because the result of research studies has tremendously

influenced a growing reversal of traditional perceptions. It is now the consensus thinking

that both the traditional methods of healing including the use of medicinal plants and the

modern medicines work well, and their integration leads to better treatment. In China

and other countries in Asia, the use of herbs or medicinal plants is common.

12

Lagundi is a fast growing tree and one stem contains at least 5 leaves. It can be planted

anywhere even in the wild since this plant is not a sensitive one. Its leaves can be

harvested 3 months after planting and can be used for aromatic bath or sponge bathing

for wounds and rheumatism. You can also apply the pounded leaves in your forehead

for relief of headaches and fever.

Research Paradigm1. What is the perceive

effectiveness of

laboratory prepared

Lagundi?

2. What is the perceive

effectiveness of

naturally prepared

lagundi?

3. What is the

difference in the

perceive

effectiveness of

laboratory prepared

and naturally

prepared Lagundi?

PROCESS:

*conduct survey and interview

OUTPUT:

*to determine which is much effective, Laboratory prepared or Naturally prepared Lagundi against cough.

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Theoretical framework

The theoretical framework for this paper is based on the survey that we conduct, we begin by developing a model of how individuals choose their cough medicine for example we ask them a couple of questions which is more effective, the laboratory prepared or naturally prepared lagundi; and the result was they prefer laboratory prepared than naturally prepared lagundi and also we had educated them that the natural prepared lagundi is more effective and cheaper than the laboratory prepared lagundi..

Formal definition

Term Genus DiffentiaAdjuvant therapy Treatment Given in addition to the

primary, main or initial treatment

Analgesic Medicine Helps alleviate painAntibiotic Medicine Fights bacterial infectionsAnthelmintic Medicine Helps expel worms from the

bodyAntihistamine Medicine Use to counter act

production of allergic reactions

Aspirin Medicine Relieve pain, reduce fever and inflammation

Asthma Respiratory disease Inflammatory disease of the airways

Bronchitis Respiratory disease Inflammation of the airways leading to the lungs

Cough Act Making sudden noise from expelling air from the lungs

Dyspepsia Disease Disturbed digestionExpectorant Medicine Helps Excrete sputum in

the airwayFerbifuge Medicine Relieves feverHerbal medicine Medicine Made from various plants to

prevent or treat diseasesHepatoprotective Medicine Any drug that prevents

damage to the liverLarvicidal Chemical Used for killing larvaePharyngitis Disease Inflammation of the pharynxPhenylbutazone Medicine Used for treatment of

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arthritis, bursitis and goutPhrophylaxis Act Taken to prevent diseasesPrednisone Medicine Relieve rheumatic and

allergic conditions and to treat leukemia

Rheumatism Disease Inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue

Tonic Medicine Restores or increase body tone

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Chapter III

Research Methodology

Research Design

To undertake a scientific study, all the components should fit together in a meaningful

whole. To achieve this goal, the researcher needs to draw up a design, the strategy for

conducting the study or the plan to obtain answers to the research questions. Burns and

Grove (2001:223) describe the research design as a “blueprint for conducting a study

that maximises control over factors” that could interfere with the validity of the findings.

It spells out the strategy the researcher plans to adopt to develop information that is

accurate and interpretable. The research design guides the researcher in planning and

implementing the study to achieve the intended goal. The control provided by the design

increases the probability that the study results are accurate reflections of the real

situations.

A descriptive survey was selected because it provides an accurate portrayal or account

of the characteristics, for example behaviour, opinion, beliefs, and knowledge of a

particular individual, situation or group. This design was chosen to meet the objectives

of the study, namely to determine the knowledge and views of patients and family

members with regards to the difference of laboratory and naturally prepared Lagundi in

treating cough.

Respondents

The respondents of the study include the patients of Far Eastern University- Dr. Nicanor

Reyes Medical Foundation who are suffering from cough.

Locale of the Study

The study was conducted at Far Eastern University- Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical

Foundation. The hospital caters for the different health needs of people. The majority of

the clients are middle-class to upper class Filipinos.

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Instrumentation

Semantic differential is a type of a rating scale designed to measure the connotative

meaning of objects, events, and concepts. The connotations are used to derive the

attitude towards the given object, event or concept. Osgood's semantic differential was

designed to measure the connotative meaning of concepts. The respondent is asked to

choose where his or her position lies, on a scale between two bipolar adjectives (for

example: "Adequate-Inadequate", "Good-Evil" or "Valuable-Worthless"). Semantic

differentials can be used to describe not only persons, but also the connotative meaning

of abstract concepts—a capacity used extensively in affect control theory. The Semantic

Differential (SD) measures people's reactions to stimulus words and concepts in terms

of ratings on bipolar scales defined with contrasting adjectives at each end. An example

of an SD scale is:

Usually, the position marked 0 is labelled "neutral," the 1 positions are labelled "slightly,"

the 2 positions "quite," and the 3 positions "extremely." A scale like this one measures

directionality of a reaction (e.g., good versus bad) and also intensity (slight through

extreme). Typically, a person is presented with some concept of interest, e.g., Red

China, and asked to rate it on a number of such scales. Ratings are combined in

various ways to describe and analyze the person's feelings.

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The Study Population and Sample

According to Burns and Grove (1993:779), a population is defined as all elements

(individuals, objects and events) that meet the sample criteria for inclusion in a study.

The study population consisted of all adult cough-suffering patients who utilise the Far

Eastern University- Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation.

A purposive sample of 20 subjects was selected from the institution. Mouton (1996:132)

defines a sample as elements selected with the intention of finding out something about

the total population from which they are taken. A purposive sample consists of subjects

included in the study because they happen to meet the study’s specific requirements,

which consists of patients suffering from cough. The sample size of 20 patients were the

total of subjects who were willing to participate in the research and who met the

sampling criteria during the two weeks period of data collection.

Procedure

On the third week of February, year 2013. 20 sheets was given away to 20 respondents

who are willing to participate. These respondents are patients of Far Eastern University-

Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation who are suffering cough and consider Lagundi

as an alternative medication. Two researchers distributed the survey instruments. It was

estimated that it would take the subjects approximately ten minutes to complete

answering the survey instrument.

18

Bibliography

http://gourmet.com.ph/index.php/blog/articles/105-lagundi-tea-for-stronger-lungs-and-liver

http://medicalhealthguide.com/articles/lagundi.htm

http://neocroixlabs.info/neocase2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68%3Aherbal-rub-with-5-natural-wonder-herbs-extract&catid=30%3Aproducts&Itemid=55&limitstart=1

http://rnspeak.com/community-health-nursing/philippines-herbal-medicine-plants-approved-by-doh/

http://www.stumblerz.com/5-amazing-uses-of-lagundi-that-considers-it-as-a-miracle-medicinal-plant/

www.DOH.com.ph

www.medicalhealthguide.com

www.pinoymed.com

www.wisegeeks.com

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Researcher’s Profile

Name: Ken Rodlyne G. Monoy

Ken Rodlyne G. Monoy was born on November 30, 1993. He is 19 years old currently taking up the course Respiratory Therapy at the Far Eastern University- Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation. He graduated at Pasig Catholic College. He is a hardworking and studious person. He loves reading fictional horror books. He is proficient on using technology specifically computers. He is fond on using Filipino-English language or “taglish”. He hopes one day to become one of the great doctors of the Philippines.

Francisco Legaspi Memorial School- SY 2001-2006

Pasig Catholic College- SY 2006-2010

Far Eastern University- Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation- SY 2010-ongoing

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Name: Arnel D. Arada Jr.

Arnel D. Arada Jr. is a student of Far Eastern University Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation and currently a 1st. year Irregular Respiratory Therapist. He is the leader of the group. He is a studious person and responsible guy. He is a weight lifter but never loses weight even with vigorous training. He loves to study and watch movies. He is currently living in Marian bldg. dormitory. He loves to play computer games and also basketball as his favourite sport. He dreams to Respiratory Therapy cause he wants to help his parents in the future and repay them for their hard work.

Child Jesus of Prague School – SY 2001-2006

Child Jesus of Prague School – SY 2006-2010

FEU-NRMF – SY 2010- on going

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Name: Calman Jan M. Asprer

Calman Jan M. Asprer is currently studying at the Far Eastern University. He graduated at School of Saint Anthony and received a loyalty award when he graduated. He is a guy who knows how to balance his studies yet still enjoys him and spends time with his friends, families and loved ones. He loves to watch movies, read books and loves help the people around him.

School Of Saint Anthony- SY 2001-2006

School Of Saint Anthony- SY 2006-2010

Far Eastern University- Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation- SY 2010-ongoing

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Name: Reginald Paul R. Serrano

Reginald Paul R. Serrano was born on January 5, 1994. He is 19 years old and currently studying at Far Eastern University- Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation. He was the eldest child of three siblings. He lives in Greenview Executive Village, West Fairview, Quezon city. He graduated at Mater Carmeli School of Novaliches, batch 2010.He loves to watch movies and play computer games. He also likes to read educational books to learn new things and to make himself better. He is a healthy guy, exercises regularly. He is a hardworking person and will reach for his dreams. He hopes to finish this Respiratory Therapy course to make his parents feel proud of him.

Mater Carmeli School of Novaliches 2005-2006

Mater Carmeli School of Novaliches 2007-2010

FEU-NRMF – SY 2010 - on going

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Name: Ralph J. Acosta

Ralph J. Acosta was born on May 21, 1992. He is 20 years old and currently studying at Far Eastern University-Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation. He was the youngest child of five siblings. He lives in Palmera homes Quezon City, Brgy Sta.monica. He graduated at St.Joseph school of Fairview, batch 2009. He likes to read dictionary to enhance his vocabulary also he is a very athletic guy. He is a very loving person and a harworker. He hopes to finish his doctorate to make his parents proud.

St. Joseph School of Fairview - SY 2004-2005

St. Joseph School of Fairview –SY 2008-2009

FEU-NRMF – SY 2009- on going

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