By John Jayson Dalona

Mission Accomplished: Griffin delegates at the 13th APMC Regional Assembly held at University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City last March 1-2, 2025, have just landed a huge victory, raising their banner high as they reached for new heights bringing home an achievement that fills us all with pride. Their achievements highlight their dedication and their collective strength towards illuminating innovations in healthcare. Delegates for Healthcare Innovation and Interscholastic Medical Debate will be advancing to the Nationals that will be held this May.

Demonstrating academic excellence while fostering connections, medical students from Central Philippine University – College of Medicine (CPU-COM) earned multiple awards at the 13th Association of Philippine Medical Colleges – Student Network (APMC-SN) Visayas Regional Assembly and Academic Competitions. The event, themed “Bulan 2025: Illuminating the Future of Medicine Through Phases of Change,” was held on March 1-2, 2025, at the University of St. La Salle – College of Medicine and SMX Convention, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

APMC-SN Visayas comprises 16 medical schools across three regions. Each year, the regional assembly and academic competitions bring together medical students to foster camaraderie, exchange knowledge, and collaborate in navigating the evolving landscape of medicine and healthcare.

This year, CPU-COM representatives showcased remarkable progress in healthcare innovation and critical discussions on significant medical issues. The Healthcare Innovations Competition (HCI) team—composed of John Jayson Dalona, Danessa Simoy, Mike Angelo Dolinog, and Bryle Louies Pioquinto—emerged as champions with their project “AGDA Safe Space,” which enhances healthcare through simple yet innovative solutions.

Likewise, the Interscholastic Medical Debate team—represented by Ivy Marie Pilatan, Ashley Marie Bargas, and Kaila Adelaide Reyes—exemplified the strength of women in medicine as they argued their way to the championship title. Pilatan was also recognized as one of the top five overall best speakers.

Additionally, Ruby Anne Espino, former Senior APMC-SN Representative for CPU-COM, received the Bronze Award for Leaders of Tomorrow in Representatives.

CPU-COM also sent representatives to compete in the Clinico-Pathologic Case Conference, Medical Quiz Bee, and Medical Student Research Competition (Basic Science Category).

The winners will advance to the APMC-SN National Convention, set to take place in May 2025.