By Mikee Natinga Norico

CPU administrators, faculty, staff, and graduates of the College of Medicine pose for a commemorative group photo following the Investiture of Hoods and Commencement Exercises held on June 26, 2026, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

On June 26, 2026, the Central Philippine University (CPU) College of Medicine conducted its Investiture of Hoods and 20th Commencement Exercises at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, celebrating the academic success and professional transition of the graduating Class of 2026.

The event commenced with the entrance of colors, followed by the academic procession, invocation, and singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

In his welcome remarks, University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the rigorous demands of medical education, acknowledging their years of academic preparation, hospital training, and personal sacrifices. He reminded the graduates that becoming physicians is both a privilege and a responsibility, encouraging them to embody the University’s Christian values as they begin serving their communities. He also expressed gratitude to the graduates’ parents, mentors, and loved ones for their unwavering support and concluded by citing Proverbs 3:5–6, urging the new physicians to trust in the Lord as they embark on their professional journeys.

Delivering the commencement address was Ma. Salve Napud Pechayco, MD, DFM, Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Miagao, Iloilo, and a member of the CPU College of Medicine Pioneer Batch of 2007. She congratulated the graduates on overcoming the challenges of medical school and reminded them that graduation marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of service. Drawing lessons from Moana and Franz Kafka’s Before the Law, she emphasized that success is shaped by courage, decisive action, perseverance, and faith rather than fear or hesitation. She encouraged the graduates to seize opportunities, pursue their calling with determination, and keep God at the center of their lives.

University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivers his welcome remarks during the College of Medicine 20th Commencement Exercises at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

“To our dear graduates, our future doctors, I wish you success in your journey in the medical profession. I hope and pray that you will fulfill your destinies and achieve greatness in life. Lastly and most importantly, never forget to put God at the center of your life. Have faith in the Lord and trust His will. Always seek His guidance, for above all, He is the greatest healer of all time—the One who gave us life, who knows our destinies, and who grants us the freedom to choose. With His guidance, we will always walk the right path and never go astray,” she said.

A musical performance by Rusieljs G. Lunasco followed, after which the presentation of awards was led by Diadem Pearl S. Equiña, M.D., Associate Dean of the College of Medicine.

The presentation of graduates was led by Dr. Henry D. Gonzales, Dean of the College of Medicine. This was followed by the conferral of graduates and the investiture of hoods, led by University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, assisted by Dr. Henry D. Gonzales and University Registrar Charissa June G. Deocampo.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Class Valedictorian Angenette Nicole L. Lizada reflected on the graduates’ journey, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic and evolved through years of demanding academic work and clinical clerkship. She emphasized that medicine is more than academic excellence, describing it as a calling grounded in compassion, empathy, and service. Lizada expressed gratitude to God, faculty members, consultants, hospital staff, families, friends, and loved ones whose support sustained the graduates throughout their medical education. She also acknowledged the lessons learned from patients, honored the memory of departed loved ones and classmates, and affirmed the graduates’ commitment to becoming compassionate physicians and advocates for a more equitable healthcare system.

The ceremony continued with the Physicians’ Prayer led by Class Salutatorian Rica Dawn D. Belaguas, followed by the Prayer for the Graduates led by Pastor Justine P. Mije, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry of the University Church. Dr. Anita U. Illenberger, President of the CPU Alumni Association, Inc., administered the Alumni Pledge before the graduates joined in singing the University’s Alma Mater.

The College of Medicine’s 20th Commencement Exercises celebrated not only academic achievement but also the commissioning of a new generation of physicians, reaffirming the University’s commitment to producing competent, compassionate, and service-driven medical professionals.