By Cyrus A. Natividad

The graduates of the College of Medicine batch 2022.

The 16th Commencement Exercises of the College of Medicine was held on July 27, 2022 at the University Church.

The ceremony started with the Entrance of Colors and a processional of the graduating students of 2021-2022 with their parents. The Invocation was led by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor for Outreach, University Church, and the singing of the National Anthem followed.
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles acknowledged the Chairperson of the CPU Board of Trustees, Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, and the CPU Corporation. He also congratulated the graduates and thanked the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for permitting CPU to have a limited face- to- face interaction. In his message, Dr. Robles reminded the graduates that “It is the Lord that shields us from harm, and heals us from sickness. And as we live out Scientia et Fides, we trust that the vaccines against Covid-19 work.”

Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, Chairperson, CPU Board of Trustees and Administrator, Iloilo Mission Hospital, congratulated the graduates. He acknowledged that “After more than two years with significant events gone through without being recognized, and given attention to, we are here today to celebrate a milestone, coming up to the expectation of making your dream come true to become a Doctor.” He encouraged the graduates to soar high and carry the torch of CPU.

CPU Faculty and Overall Clinical Clerkship Coordinator, Dr. Charity T. Catamora introduced the Guest Speaker Dr. Japhet G. De Leon, M.D. (Most Outstanding Physician of the Year Awardee of the Philippine Medical Association 2022). Dr. De Leon shared her own journey as a young graduate, hoping to become a Doctor 39 years ago. She majored in Child and Adolescence Psychiatry.

A song entitled ‘Miracles’ was rendered by 3rd year CPU Medical Student, Joshua Jireh V. Francia. It was followed by the reading of the Class Commitments by Rey M. Mollenido, Faculty, Section of Psychiatry. Certificates of Recognition were given to Top Class Performers.
Dr. Robles conferred upon the graduates their degrees as Doctor of Medicine. He was assisted by Mrs. Emerald Joy E. Perucho, Assistant Registrar.

The donning of the hoods on the graduates by their parents followed. The certificates were received by the graduates with their parents. Class Valedictorian Axl Rose A. Sarrosa delivered the response on behalf of the graduates. Class salutatorian Karll Denzel T. Lao led the graduates in the Physician’s prayer.

Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church, made the charge to the graduates and prayer of dedication. The Pledge of the Alumni was administered by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Vice President, CPU Alumni Association.

A short video presentation prepared by the graduates was played before the singing of the Alma Mater Song. A benediction by Rev. Sian followed. The exit of colors was followed by the Recessional.

Charity T. Trestiza-Catamora, M.D. was the Master of Ceremonies.