Text by Dr. Cesar Perez, Jr.
Photo courtesy of UPCM

For Journalist Alfonso Tomas “Atom” Araullo, being a ‘good doctor’ is more than just attending to the needs of patients in hospitals. It is a profound call for altruism. A commitment that rises above personal ambitions. 

In his commencement address to the 169 new graduates of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine on Aug. 5, 2025, at UP Diliman University Theater, the multi-awarded TV documentary host urged the new physicians to broaden their perspective about medicine and have a deeper appreciation for their patients’ lives and struggles. He recalled meeting UPCM graduate and Dr. Lionel Peters who was then serving the remote island of Agutaya in Northern Palawan as part of the Doctor to the Barrios government program in 2018.

“Napagusapan namin kung gaano kahirap yung sitwasyon ng mga residente sa isla. Ang pinakamalapit kasing ospital sa kanila, dalawa hanggang tatlong oras pa ang layo sakay ng banka, sa Cuyo. Kung kailangan naman nila ng espesyalista, pupunta pa sila ng Puerto Prinsesa, o di naman kaya, dito sa Maynila,” he said. 

“Kwento ni Doc Lionel sa akin, talagang nagsusumamo na siya minsan sa mga pasyente na magpunta na ng ospital kapag grabe na ang kanilang kalagayan. Inaabutan pa nga sila ng konting tulong para lang makumbinse. Sasamahan pa raw niya yung pasyente sa pantalan, halos bantayan na nga hanggang makalarga,” Araullo added. 

Still, some residents choose not to seek medical treatment. “Takot sila sa gastos, karamihan mga magsasaka at mangingisda lamang…Marami ang namamatay sa mga sakit na pwede naman sanang gamutin,” Araullo pointed out. 

Beyond these stories, there are also quiet tales of sacrifice. Stories that can only be witnessed when one chooses to serve and care for the needs of the sick in far-flung areas.  

“Walang kakulangan ng pagmamalasakit at kabutihang loob sa ating mga komunidad, lalo na mula sa mga kababayan nating walang-wala,” the media personality said. “May mahalagang aral akong natutuhan sa mga karanasang ito: kapag palyado ang sistema, ang malasakit at pag-aaruga ng pamilya at komunidad ang nagiging sandigan ng mga masakit para magpagaling, o kahit man lang mabawasan ang kirot o takot na nararamdaman.”

In pursuing their dreams of success, Araullo reminded the new doctors to demonstrate selfless service, justice, and compassion.

“Being a good doctor is already an extraordinary thing. But if you also choose to confront the larger realities that shape your patient’s lives: poverty, inequality, injustice—then you become something even more powerful. A force for transformation,” he noted. 

With the theme”Tanaw”, the new physicians were presented by Dean Charlotte Chiong and Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Director Gerardo Legaspi to UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee. Additionally, more than 14 graduates of Masters and PhD programs of UPCM were also honored during the event.

There were 2 Magna Cum Laude and 92 Cum Laude graduates in the class of 2025. Among the graduates, more than half signified their intention to apply for residency at the PGH, Dr. Legaspi noted. The rest are contemplating on applying to the Doctor to the Barrios program of the Department of Health.

Dr. Adrian Jeremiah Bornilla delivered a message on behalf of Class 2025 and Class President Dr. Arlyn Jave Adlawon delivered a message of gratitude during the ceremony.#

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