The College of Medicine successfully held its 26th Commencement Exercises on January 9, 2026, at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) Auditorium, highlighting a momentous milestone for the Batch of 2025–2026. Anchored on the theme “Physicians Without Borders: Facing the Challenges of Globalization on the Modern Health Care System,” the ceremony was marked by joy and pride as eleven graduates were formally recognized for completing their medical education, poised to take the next crucial steps toward becoming fully fledged physicians committed to service in an increasingly interconnected global health landscape.
Dr. Julie Ann Gumangan, MD, FPOGS, an alumna of the University’s Class of 2008, returned to her alma mater after fifteen years to serve as the commencement speaker. In her address, Dr. Gumangan delivered a compelling reminder that effective medical practice goes beyond clinical expertise, emphasizing that patients require not only accurate diagnoses but also to be heard, understood, served, and genuinely cared for. She underscored the need for future physicians to balance rapid technological advancements with compassion, noting that while the modern health care system continues to integrate sophisticated machines and innovations, it must remain firmly grounded in humanity, empathy, and patient-centered care.
Dr. Gumangan further highlighted the essence of unity and service, reminding that distinctions in nationality, place of origin, beliefs, culture, circumstances, and even language should never become barriers to meaningful service. She emphasized that amid these differences, there exists a common and higher purpose that transcends all boundaries. According to her, what ultimately binds individuals—especially those in the medical profession—is a shared commitment and unwavering love for humanity, which must guide their actions wherever they may serve.
Dr. Pablo Quedado, Dean of the College of Medicine formally presented the candidates for graduation. During this solemn academic rite, the graduating class was formally endorsed to the University Board of Regents, signifying their fulfillment of all academic and professional requirements for the degree. The ceremony reached its highlight as Dr. Erwin Cadorna, University President, officially conferred the degrees, symbolizing the graduates’ successful completion of the rigorous medical program and their formal induction into the noble and demanding profession of medicine.
The program culminated in the hooding and capping ceremony, which formally marked the graduates’ transition into the medical profession. The rite was introduced by Dr. Rolando Navarro, who explained the profound symbolism behind the academic hoods and caps bestowed upon the graduates. Adorned in academic regalia of green, blue, and gold—distinctly highlighting the College of Medicine’s signature green—Dr. Navarro emphasized that the attire represents more than the completion of a degree. He stressed that academic dress serves as a timeless emblem linking the graduates to a global brotherhood of scholars and academics, bound by shared traditions, responsibilities, and a commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and service.
The ceremony reached one of its most anticipated highlights with the distribution of diplomas, a moment eagerly awaited by the graduates. The formal presentation was led by University President Dr. Cadorna, with the assistance of key university officials, namely Dr. Navarro; Hon. Nestor Pajaro, Alumni Regent; Hon. Aldrin Jaramilla, Faculty Regent; Hon. Jake Axel Tacadena, Student Regent; Dr. Luz Relon, Drirector for Instruction and Faculty Development; Dr. Quedado, and Ms. Laarnie Roque representing the University Registrar. One by one, the graduates received their diplomas, marking the culmination of years of academic rigor, perseverance, and commitment to the pursuit of excellence.
Following the conferment of degrees, the newly minted physicians were formally welcomed into the professional community through their induction into the alumni associations. Dr. Antonio Uclusin led the induction of the graduates into the Medicine Alumni Association, marking their entry into a lifelong network of medical professionals committed to service and excellence. This was followed by their induction into the University of Northern Philippines Federated Alumni Association, officiated by Hon. Pajaro, signifying their continued connection to the University and their role as its ambassadors in their respective fields and communities.
