By Nestle G. Taala

Rev. Dr. Melvin M. Mangana, the Administrator of Capiz Emmanuel Hospital challenged the College of Medicine graduating class to become sterling doctors.

Central Philippine University College of Medicine held Baccalaureate Service for the graduating class of Doctor of Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy on June 23 at the University Church.

The University Church Administrator, Perla A. Suyo, delivered her words of welcome as the graduating students joined the whole congregation in the worship service. Thereafter, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President, also gave his own welcome message. He reminded everyone to always find hope in God’s faithfulness as the graduating students leave the institution.

This year’s baccalaureate speaker was Rev. Melvin M. Mangana, the Administrator of Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, a corporation member of CPU and Iloilo Mission Hospital and a member of the Board of Trustees of Filamer Christian University and of the Convention of the Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc.

In his message, Rev. Mangana spoke about the “four essential components of a sterling doctor” associating Christ’s ministry and life as He came to the world not to save the “righteous” but the sinners. Rev. Mangana added that hence, it is not the healthy who needs a doctor, but the sick. A health professional comes to those who are in need, makes a reliable diagnosis, provides a cure, and he is paid the bill. “In the dynamics of your profession as health professionals, be there for a person who needs you, like Jesus. He was there to a person who needs Him, for it is paradoxical to say that people will stay healthy,” he told the batch.

Ramon S. Guelos, Jr. then testified for God’s faithfulness in the course of his journey as a medical student. After which, Rev. Dr. Nathaniel M. Fabula commissioned and prayed for the graduates as well as closed the worship service in prayer.

The event was also graced with the presence of Dr. Henry D. Gonzales, Dean of the CPU College of Medicine, faculty and staff of the college, parents of the graduating students, guests, and visitors.