Pride and triumph filled the UNP Gymnasium on May 18 as 110 newly registered physicians from the University of Northern Philippines–College of Medicine (UNP-CMed) gathered for a testimonial program honoring their success in the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination. The event celebrated not only their hard-earned achievement but also the dedication, perseverance, and years of rigorous training that paved their path toward joining the medical profession.
Led by the administration, faculty, and staff of CMed, the testimonial program became a celebration honoring the newly registered physicians, who were joined by their families and loved ones in commemorating the milestone marked by years of sacrifice, perseverance, and academic excellence.
The event formally opened with a welcome address from Dr. Dominetta Gonzalo, Assistant Dean of the College of Medicine, who extended her warmest congratulations to the newly licensed physicians and their families. In her message, Dr. Gonzalo expressed the college’s pride in the remarkable achievement of the recent passers and conveyed optimism for the bright future that awaits them in the medical profession. “We wish you all the best for the years ahead,” she remarked, inspiring the new doctors to pursue their calling with excellence, compassion, and unwavering dedication as they embark on a new chapter of service to the community and the nation.
In his message, Dr. Pablo Quedado, Dean of CMed, lauded the newly registered physicians for bringing honor and distinction to the institution through their remarkable achievement in the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination. Emphasizing the significance of their success, he reminded the passers that their triumph now forms part of the enduring legacy of CMed and the University, a milestone that will forever be etched in the history of the college. Filled with pride and admiration, Dr. Quedado formally presented the new physicians, drawing applause from faculty members, families, and loved ones gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion.
UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna delivered a message of support and commendation stressing the vital role of physicians beyond the walls of hospitals and clinics. Addressing the newly registered doctors, he emphasized that the country’s growing challenges in healthcare demand not only medical expertise but also transformative leadership. “Our nation doesn’t just need doctors… our nation needs leaders,” he declared, urging the passers to become catalysts of change in shaping the future of both the medical profession and the broader healthcare industry. His message resonated as a call for the new physicians to serve not only as healers but also as advocates, innovators, and leaders committed to advance public health and national development.
In a fitting tribute to their remarkable achievement Dr. Quedado and Dr. Cadorna, joined by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro and Vice President for Finance and Administration Mr. Albert Tejero, personally distributed tokens of appreciation to the newly registered physicians. The gesture symbolized the university’s pride and gratitude for the passers’ hard-earned success, recognizing not only their academic excellence but also their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the noble calling of medicine.
Standing tall among the attendees was Dr. Angela Arma, 10th Place in in the March 2026 PLE and the first ever PLE topnotcher produced by UNP-CMed. In her speech, she said, “Everything—the good, the bad, and the painful, has worked together to bring us to this moment,” recalling the hardships that even made her and her fellows be motivated to go forth of their chosen career. Aside from Dr. Arma, Dr. Kristel Joy Macni and Dr. Princess Mae Mendiola gave their testimonial statements recalling, just like Dr. Arma’s, the challenges they went through just to get where they are today.
The program was immediately followed by the Career Orientation Pathway, where the newly licensed physicians gained valuable insights and guidance from distinguished medical experts from the University and the province. Through a series of lectures and discussions, the speakers introduced the wide range of medical fields and specializations the passers may pursue, inspiring them to further elevate their careers and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector.
The event concluded on a note of optimism and pride, with fervent hopes that the newly registered physicians would carry beyond the halls of the university not only the values and principles instilled by the institution, but also the profound mission of becoming true healers of the nation—professionals committed to compassion, excellence, and transformative service in the healthcare sector.
Article and Photo by Nestor Quilop III
