A total of 32 medical scholars were conferred their Doctor of Medicine degrees during the Second Commencement Exercises of the Cebu Normal University–Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine (CNU–VSMMC COM) on Friday at a hotel in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.
Among the 32 graduates of Batch Syncytium, two earned academic distinctions and graduated cum laude: Dr. Pompeyo Davnar II Almagro and Dr. Christine Jane Tabasa.
SHARED TRIUMPH
In her speech, Batch Valedictorian Dr. Christine Jane Tabasa reflected on her journey to becoming a physician, sharing how the CNU–VSMMC College of Medicine enabled her to pursue her dream despite significant financial challenges.
“When I first applied to medical school, my parents had no income due to the pandemic,” she recalled.
“We had to rely on my sister’s income as a BPO worker to sustain our entire household,” she added.
Dr. Tabasa attributed her achievement not only to her own efforts but also to the unwavering support of her family and community.
“This success belongs to every parent, every sibling, and every member of the community who believed that investing in future physicians was worthwhile,” she said.
She also encouraged her fellow graduates to remain grounded in the purpose that led them to medicine.
“May we never forget why we came here in the first place. May we carry forward the sacrifices of those who believed in us, the lessons of those who taught us, and the hopes of the communities we have promised to serve,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Dr. Pompeyo Davnar II Almagro called on leaders and policymakers to continue supporting medical education and expanding opportunities for aspiring physicians.
“Continue investing in medical education, support aspiring medical doctors, and expand opportunities for students from underserved communities,” he said.
“Funding medical education does not simply change individual lives. It strengthens communities, improves healthcare systems, and builds a healthier nation,” he added.
SERVE WITH EXCELLENCE AND HUMILITY
Serving as commencement speaker, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro challenged the graduates to remain faithful to the calling that brought them to the medical profession.
In her inspirational message, she reminded the new doctors of the vital role healthcare professionals play during times of crisis, citing Cebu’s experiences with pandemics, natural disasters, and other public health challenges.
“We have faced pandemics, natural disasters, public health challenges, and growing demands on our healthcare system,” she said.
“Through it all, we have seen doctors not only heal illnesses but also provide hope, comfort, and strength.”
Gov. Baricuatro also underscored the importance of combining professional excellence with humility and compassion.
“Never underestimate the power of your compassionate presence. Because while medicine is science, I truly believe healing will always be deeply human,” she said.
Commending the graduates as beneficiaries of the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act and products of the CNU–VSMMC partnership, she emphasized that the future of healthcare depends on individuals committed to service.
“Healthcare is only as strong as the people who choose to serve,” she said.
“Looking at all of you, I see the future of healthcare in Cebu and beyond. I see future doctors who will save lives. But more importantly, I see men and women who have chosen a profession built on compassion.”
PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEPS
The graduates are set to undergo a 12-month postgraduate internship before taking the Physician Licensure Examination, bringing them one step closer to joining the country’s medical workforce.
Congratulations to the graduates of Batch Syncytium and the future physicians who continue the mission of serving the Filipino people through compassionate and excellent healthcare.
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