By Mikee Natinga Norico

CPU College of Medicine graduating Class of 2025, together with Dr. Henry D. Gonzales, Dean of the College of Medicine; commencement speaker Dr. Jasper Ruby Vijar, Co-founder and Programs Director of Team Dugong Bughaw, Inc.; university key stakeholders; faculty and staff, pose for a group photo after the successful 19th Commencement Exercises held at Rose Memorial Auditorium.

On July 16, 2025, Central Philippine University’s College of Medicine (CPU-COM) held its Baccalaureate Service and 19th Commencement Exercises at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, marking a significant milestone in the lives of the graduating Class of 2025. The day was filled with solemn reflection, heartfelt thanksgiving, and joyful celebration as graduates, families, faculty, and guests gathered to honor years of dedication, resilience, and faith.

The day began with the College of Medicine Baccalaureate Service at 8:00 AM, where Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the President, welcomed the attendees with an uplifting message of celebration and reflection, describing the milestone as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. “For the lives of our graduating students, we can truly say that God has been good and faithful,” she said.

One of the most moving moments came from graduate Raifalene S. Velez, who shared her testimony of overcoming financial hardship, illness, and doubt through unwavering faith and divine providence. Her story resonated with many, especially her batchmates who faced similar pressures and sacrifices throughout their medical journey.

The CPU College of Medicine graduating Class of 2025, together with Dr. Henry D. Gonzales, Dean of the College of Medicine; guest preacher Rev. Manuel L. de la Fuente, Executive Director of Development Ministries of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc.; university key stakeholders; faculty; and staff, pose for a group photo during the Baccalaureate Service held at Rose Memorial Auditorium.

“The three-year journey in med school was a rollercoaster—not just for me, but for our entire batch. We adjusted countless times, especially as we shifted between online and face-to-face classes. We were bombarded with exams, yet we never missed the chance to have fun—even within the four walls of our classroom. As I reflect on everything—from those five-peso baon walks to midnight breakdowns, orbital flare-ups, and the relentless grind of clerkship—one thing is clear: God was always weaving a story of grace. He turned tears into triumph and doubt into resilience. Like a melody rising from chaos, His faithfulness shaped my life,” she said.

Dr. Henry D. Gonzales, Dean of the College of Medicine, introduced the guest preacher, Rev. Manuel L. de la Fuente, Executive Director of Development Ministries of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc. Rev. de la Fuente’s message, drawn from Isaiah 60 and 2 Timothy 1, called on the graduates to rise as instruments of healing and hope. Through personal stories of struggle and spiritual growth, he challenged the soon-to-be doctors to embrace their mission not just as professionals but as “reflectors of God’s light in a darkened world.”

From left to right: Dr. Henry D. Gonzales, Dean of the College of Medicine, presents the plaque of appreciation to Dr. Jasper Ruby Vijar, Co-founder and Programs Director of Team Dugong Bughaw, Inc., for serving as commencement speaker, together with Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs, during the 19th Commencement Exercises held at Rose Memorial Auditorium.

“Sometimes, we try to change others—but change begins with us. When people see that we live with integrity, compassion, and Christ-centeredness, they are drawn to the light in us. Tonight, when you go home—whether to celebrate or to rest—do me a favor. Look up at the sky. See how dark it is. Let that darkness remind you of the world’s many needs. Poverty. Hunger. Injustice. Suffering. God’s light is more than enough. The question is: Are you willing to be a reflector of His light? You, dear graduates, are the space bodies—called to reflect His light in the medical field, in this broken world. I recently accepted the role of Executive Director of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches Development Ministries. It’s a daunting task—but I accepted it because I believe in the power of dreaming. Dream with me. Let us be a cloud of witnesses—willing to sacrifice, to give, to reflect, and to serve. For in our sacrifices, we give life—just as Jesus gave His,” Rev. de la Fuente said.

The service concluded with the commissioning and prayer for the graduates, led by Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, followed by his closing benediction.

The 19th Commencement Exercises were held in the afternoon. The ceremony began with the entrance of colors, followed by the invocation led by Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church and the singing of the National Anthem. Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs, delivered the welcome remarks, acknowledging the tireless commitment of the Class of 2025, the guidance of their mentors, and the enduring support of their families.

“To the graduating class: this milestone marks the culmination of four years of intensive study and your relentless pursuit of the dream of becoming physicians. These have been four years of rigorous training and sleepless nights, perhaps lightened by small moments of joy shared with friends, family, and loved ones. As we take part in this momentous graduation ceremony, may we all be united in spirit as we celebrate the fruit of exemplary Christian education for life—true to the mission of Central Philippine University—in the lives of the graduating Class of 2025,” Dr. Romarate said.

Dr. Henry D. Gonzales then introduced the commencement speaker, Dr. Jasper Ruby Vijar, Co-founder and Programs Director of Team Dugong Bughaw, Inc. In a dynamic and heartfelt address, Dr. Vijar reflected on his own journey from student to public health advocate.

“You don’t have to be perfect—just be present, passionate, and people-centered,” he said, reminding graduates that real impact stems from kindness, leadership, and service.

“In the healthcare system, we work together. There is no such thing as a ‘better doctor,’ only a better and healthier patient. Being a doctor in the Philippines today is a privilege. We must always check our privilege and reflect on why and for whom we do this work. We are part of a generation where doctors are no longer confined to hospitals and clinics. We can be change-makers, global movers, scientists, innovators, transformational leaders, and policymakers shaping the future of health. We are more than our stethoscopes and white coats,” he added.

Dr. Diadem Pearl S. Equiña, Associate Dean, presented the academic and special awards to deserving graduates, followed by the presentation of candidates for graduation by Dr. Henry D. Gonzales, Dean of the College of Medicine.

The conferral of graduates and investiture of hoods followed, led by Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs, assisted by Dr. Henry D. Gonzales and Charissa June G. Deocampo, University Registrar.

Class Valedictorian Ellen Grace S. Valdespina delivered a heartfelt response on behalf of the graduates, reflecting on their shared journey and the responsibility that comes with their new title. Class Salutatorian Nyll A. Alfaro then led the Physicians’ Prayer, symbolizing the class’s collective commitment to healing and humility.

In a moment that bridged past and present, BGen. Ezra James P. Enriquez, Ret., Vice President of the CPU Alumni Association, Inc., led the Alumni Pledge, welcoming the new graduates into the larger CPU alumni community.

The program concluded with a Prayer for the Graduates and benediction by Rev. Dr. Sian, followed by the ceremonial exit of colors by the CPU ROTC Cadets.

As the CPU College of Medicine Class of 2025 steps into the world, they carry more than knowledge—they carry purpose, faith, and a heart for service. The university community sends them forth, confident that they will not only succeed in the medical field but also become healers of both body and soul—for God and country.