The University of Northern Philippines College of Medicine marked a significant milestone with its 25th Commencement Exercises held on July 18, 2025, celebrating the achievements of 171 graduates who have successfully completed their Doctor of Medicine degrees.
The solemn yet inspiring ceremony took place at the UNP Gymnasium where Dr. Raymond Espinosa, Assistant Medical Director for Staff Development of Lorma Medical Center, a distinguished physician, served as the Commencement Speaker. In his commencement address, Dr. Espinosa emphasized the crucial role of compassion and integrity in the medical profession. He urged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of ethical practice and lifelong learning in their future careers as frontliners and leaders in healthcare.
On July 17, 2025, a Clinical Graduation and White Coat Ceremony was held, a traditional rite of passage for the college’s new clinical clerks and interns. Dr. Vincent Rasalan, General Surgery, UNP Batch Alumnus 2005, and a respected physician and health systems advocate, was the guest speaker for the occasion. He highlighted the significance of the white coat as a symbol of trust, accountability, and the beginning of a more hands-on journey in medical training. In his speech, Dr. Rasalan reminded the students of the sacred responsibility that comes with clinical practice.
The College of Medicine, home to 81 dedicated faculty members, continues to be a beacon of academic excellence and medical innovation in Northern Luzon. The two-day celebration served not only as a culmination of years of rigorous study and training but also as a reaffirmation of the college’s mission to produce competent, compassionate, and community-oriented physicians.
UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, along with College of Medicine Dean Dr. Pablo Quedado, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and their families, lauding their perseverance and resilience, especially in the face of recent global health challenges.
The event included the traditional recitation of the Physician’s Pledge, symbolizing the graduates’ commitment to the values and responsibilities of the medical profession.
As the 171 new doctors embark on their next chapter, the university community celebrates not only their personal achievements but also their future contributions to public health and nation-building.
Article by Johnny Allagadan, Jr., Documented by Joel Fabillaran and Mark Paul Siazon.
