Text by Jennifer F. Manongdo

Photo by Dr. Cesar A. Perez, Jr.

Guest of Honor, Senator Risa Hontiveros, addresses the graduates during Vidad: the 115th UP College of Medicine Commencement Exercises.

The University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) celebrated “Vidad,” its 115th commencement exercises at the UP Diliman University Theater on August 4, 2024. 

The ceremony honored 175 graduates of Doctor of Medicine and 42 graduates and candidates for the MD, PhD in Molecular Medicine, Masters in Science in Biochemistry, Physiology, Clinical Audiology, Pharmacology, Epidemiology, Medical Anthropology, Pharmacology, Health Informatics, and Health Sciences. The ceremony also recognized 100 students who graduated cum laude, and nine who earned magna cum laude honors.

Guest speaker and Senator Risa Hontiveros encouraged graduates to exemplify outstanding community service and serve the underserved areas in the country. 

“Kaunti na lang ang nagboboluntaryong doktor sa mga baryo. Kaya bilang mga Iskolar ng Bayan, I encourage you to serve the marginalized, unserved, and hard-to-reach communities in poor municipalities. Sana ay handa kayong tumugon sa tawag ng tungkulin. Lagi ninyong tandaan na sa bawat pasyenteng ginagamot ninyo, may mahal sila sa buhay na naghihintay at nagtitiwala sa inyo,” Hontiveros told the graduates. 

Hontiveros also encouraged the graduates to explore mental health subspecialties, highlighting the significant shortage of mental health practitioners in the country.

“I urge you to explore going into the mental, neurological, developmental subspecialties. Mental health is just as crucial as physical health, yet it often does not receive the attention it deserves. Tulungan ninyo kaming basagin ang stigma at bigyan ng pag-asa ang mga tahimik na nagdurusa,” she said. 

Dean Charlotte Chiong of the College of Medicine reminded the graduates to keep up with advancements in education while staying grounded in the realities of society. In addition, she urged the graduates to take on faculty positions and leadership roles in the newly established medical schools across the country.

University of the Philippines President Angelo A. Jimenez reminded the students to work in solidarity and contribute to overcoming the nation’s challenges in healthcare and social justice.

“Our nation faces many challenges, including healthcare disparities and social injustice. Remember, you are not alone in this fight; you are part of a larger community dedicated to addressing these issues. By working together in unity and solidarity, we can make a meaningful impact and foster a healthier and more equitable society,” Jimenez said. “Embrace this journey with the same vigor, passion, and compassion that brought you to this point, and set sail toward your future with confidence and dedication.”