Text by Cherry Madrideo
Photo by Joseph Bautista
Chancellor Michael Tee and PGH Director Gerardo Legaspi present awards and certificates to the UP-PGH graduating residents and fellow trainees.
The University of the Philippines—Philippine General Hospital held its annual graduation ceremonies for its residents and fellow trainees, titled “SINAG: The University of the Philippines—Philippine General Hospital Specialty Training Graduation” on Dec. 11, 2024, at the Fleur-de-Lis Auditorium, St. Paul University.
Dr. Gideon Lasco, an alumnus of the College of Medicine, medical anthropologist, and book author, was the keynote speaker. He urged the graduates to resist three things: comparison, inertia, and hopelessness. He wished for them to avoid comparing themselves with others, as it undermines confidence and disregards an individual’s unique journey. He encouraged them to embrace change, seek continuous hope, and pursue new experiences. He inspired them that despite the daunting local and global challenges they faced, it is important to maintain hope and determination. Finally, he appealed for everyone to continue contributing to our nation with courage, hope, and compassion for all.
College of Medicine Dean Charlotte Chiong stressed that being a physician requires empathy and compassion—qualities nurtured at the PGH. She encouraged them to embody PGH’s values of kindness, address societal issues such as accessibility and equity of healthcare, and advocate for better support systems such as PhilHealth.
Chancellor Michael Tee emphasized that the graduates can positively impact their communities and regions by offering essential and specialized medical care to address healthcare disparities in underserved areas. He also reminded them of their potential to be future leaders in health systems, urging them to continue their education and contribute to advancing their institutions and communities.
UP-PGH Director Gerardo Legaspi, in his closing remarks, commended the graduating class for helping rebuild PGH from the impact of COVID-19 and encouraged them to bridge the gap between our country of the haves and the have-nots. He urged them to continue the pursuit of service and to give back to the nation and reminded them that they will be measured not by how much they have given to those who already have a lot but to those who have so few.
Dr. Rodney Dofitas delivered the program’s welcome address, Dr. Emmanuel Joseph Magnaye presented the Response from the Graduates, Dr. Ziara Carmeli Tan made the introduction of the officers of the UP-PGH Physicians’ Association, and Dr. Leopoldo Abad III led the oath-taking of the graduates to the UP-PGH Alumni Association.
The UP Medicine Choir sang the Philippine national anthem, the PGH Hymn, and the UP Naming Mahal. Dr. Anthony Cordero served as the graduation host.
The UP-PGH is the leading medical training institution in the Philippines, producing hundreds of medical specialists every year in its capacity as the country’s National University Hospital. Its mission is to deliver globally competitive, cost-effective, compassionate, and accessible health care to Filipinos.𓑔
