Twenty-two medical scholars were the pioneer batch of “Doktor Para sa Bayan” graduates produced by Cebu Normal University-Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine (CNU-VSMMC COM).

 

They were conferred with a medical degree in today’s first-ever Investiture and Commencement Exercises at a hotel in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

 

Of the 22 graduates, one earned the Latin honor of cum laude for achieving an academic distinction. On the other hand, seven others were recipients of special awards.

 

Leading the distinguished Batch Primacordis, which means the first heart of the college, was Marc Jebrick Ilustrisimo, CNU-VSMMC COM’s first and sole cum laude and a recipient of several academic awards.

 

In his speech, Illustrisimo honored the officials and people who rallied behind the Republic Act 11509 or the Doktor Para Sa Bayan Act, and the consortium between CNU and VSMMC for the establishment of the College of Medicine and for making their dreams alive.

 

“…I will always be proud to carry the name CNU-VSMMC. Not because of recognition, but because it proved one thing: public medical education works.”

 

“CNU-VSMMC was not just a school, it was a promise. That no matter your background, you deserve a fair shot at becoming a doctor,” he said.

 

He also recognized that the chance to pursue medicine did not come for free as “it was paid for by the taxes of jeepney drivers, kasambahays, teachers, OFWs, and by the hundred million Filipino taxpayers.”

 

This, he urged the graduates and the students to “serve with both skill and soul” and to “give back time.”

 

The graduates are set to take the Physician Licensure Examinations in October.

 

The graduation rites was graced by Dr. Gerardo Aquino, Jr., VSMMC chief of hospital; University Professor and former CNU President Dr. Filomena Dayagbil, who was instrumental in the establishment of CNU-VSMMC COM during her term; CNU-VSMMC COM Dean Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto and her faculty members; and the university administrative officials.

 

During the Baccalaureate Mass, Rev. Bong Borgueta, in his homily, urged the aspiring doctors to “learn to serve with love and joy.”

“Go and make your dreams happen. Go and be the best doctors,” he told the future “Doctors Para sa Bayan”.

 

Part of the celebration was the blessing of diplomas, plaques and certificates.

 

Congratulations, graduates!