By Mikee Natinga Norico
CPU administrators, faculty members, staff, and graduates of the College of Medical Laboratory Science pose for a commemorative group photo following the 4th Commencement Exercises held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
On June 5, 2026, the College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS) of Central Philippine University (CPU) held its 4th Commencement Exercises at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, honoring graduates as they formally concluded their academic journey and prepared to enter the healthcare profession.
The ceremony opened with a processional, followed by the invocation led by second-year BSMLS student Mr. Jones Francis A. D. Jesus and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem conducted by fourth-year BSMLS student Danielah Elaine S. Callar.
In his welcome remarks, University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the rigorous demands of their program, including classroom instruction, laboratory practicums, and hospital internships. He also recognized the faculty members, mentors, staff, and parents whose unwavering guidance and support contributed to the graduates’ success. Encouraging the new graduates to bring honor to Central Philippine University, he reminded them to always give glory to God and concluded his message with the biblical passages Isaiah 41:10 and Proverbs 3:5–6 as words of encouragement.
Delivering the commencement address, Dr. Ma. Iris V. Salazar, Chairman of the Department of Pathology at the West Visayas State University College of Medicine and Chairman of the Department of Pathology at Asia Pacific Medical Center Inc., reflected on the graduates’ journey through sleepless nights, rigorous training, and clinical internships. She emphasized that these experiences had prepared them to uphold the responsibility of safeguarding human lives. Quoting Marie Curie, she encouraged the graduates to seek understanding over fear and reminded them that every laboratory sample represents a person whose life depends on their accuracy and integrity.
Dr. Ma. Iris V. Salazar, Chairman of the Department of Pathology at the West Visayas State University College of Medicine and Chairman of the Department of Pathology at Asia Pacific Medical Center Inc., delivers the commencement address during the College of Medical Laboratory Science’s 4th Commencement Exercises, encouraging graduates to uphold excellence, integrity, compassion, and lifelong learning in the practice of their profession.
“Always remember that you are treating human lives, not just samples. Every tube, every slide, and every tissue block represents a person. Behind every critical value you call is a physician who has to deliver news that changes lives. Never stop learning. Be a perpetual student. The machines will change, the tests will change, and artificial intelligence will enter our laboratories, but the need for competent, compassionate, and ethical medical technologists will never change,” she emphasized.
Dr. Salazar also emphasized the importance of protecting both their professional license and personal well-being, fostering supportive relationships with colleagues, and serving with excellence, integrity, and compassion. She reminded the graduates that although they had chosen a profession that may not always be in the spotlight, their work forms the foundation of quality patient care.
“Find your people in the laboratory—those who will become your family, support you, and remind you why you chose this profession. Class of 2026, you did not choose the glamorous path; you chose the foundational one,” she added.
The presentation of graduates was led by University Registrar Ms. Charissa June G. Deocampo, followed by the conferral of graduates led by University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy.
Representing the graduating class, Class Valedictorian and Magna Cum Laude Carl Rodolph B. Banzale reflected on his unexpected journey to becoming a Medical Laboratory Science graduate. He shared that although the program was not his first choice and he once aspired to become an electrical engineer, pursuing BSMLS ultimately helped him rediscover his childhood dream of becoming a doctor. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the professors, clinical instructors, mentors, friends, and everyone who supported the graduates throughout their academic journey. Addressing his fellow graduates, Banzale encouraged them to embrace uncertainty, carry with them the lessons of perseverance, patience, and resilience, trust the process, work hard, and remain humble as they begin the next chapter of their lives. He reminded them that unexpected paths often lead to the greatest growth.
“Looking back, I have realized that not everything goes according to our plans. Sometimes, the path we never expected becomes the one that helps us grow the most. As we begin the next chapter of our lives, I hope we continue to trust the process, work hard, and stay humble. There will always be uncertainty, but there will also always be opportunities waiting for us. So, keep showing up, keep growing, and keep believing. If it is meant to be, it will be. And when it is, you will be ready for it,” he said.
The ceremony also featured a special tribute video showcasing the graduating class’s academic journey, followed by the prayer of dedication led by Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Enterprises; the Alumni Pledge administered by Dr. Anita Umali-Illenberger, President of the CPU Alumni Association, Inc.; the singing of the CPU Alma Mater Song; and the benediction delivered by Rev. Karel Grace D. Victoria, Associate Pastor for Christian Education.
The CMLS 4th Commencement Exercises marked the culmination of years of academic preparation and professional training, sending forth a new generation of Centralian medical laboratory science graduates committed to excellence, integrity, and compassionate service in the healthcare profession.