A new generation of future physicians took a significant step toward medical practice as the University of Northern Philippines College of Medicine honored Batch 2026: Agsalukag during its 26th Clinical Graduation on June 15 at the UNP Gymnasium.
The ceremony celebrated a defining milestone in the journey of future physicians as they completed the final phase of their clinical training and prepared for postgraduate internship and eventual medical practice.
In his message, UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna commended the graduates for their perseverance and dedication throughout the demands of medical education. He stressed the vital role of physicians in advancing public health and urged the graduates to uphold the values of service, compassion and excellence in their future practice.
Delivering the inspirational message, Dr. Carie Rapisura-Cabinian, Adult Nephrologist at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center and a distinguished alumna of the UNP College of Medicine Batch 2005, challenged the graduates to carry the banner of PRIDE—Passion, Resilience, Integrity, Discipline, and Empathy—as they embark on their medical careers. Drawing from years of service in the healthcare field, she emphasized that these values are essential not only in overcoming the demands of the profession but also in providing compassionate and ethical care to every patient they serve.
Emphasizing the importance of the values embodied in PRIDE, Dr. Rapisura-Cabinian noted that Passion inspires continuous growth and service, Resilience strengthens physicians in the face of adversity, Integrity guides ethical decision-making, Discipline ensures consistent excellence, and Empathy nurtures meaningful connections with patients. She urged the graduates to remember that beyond the science and technology of medicine lies a profound commitment to human dignity, compassion, and healing.
A highlight of the program was the awarding of Certificates of Completion of Clerkship, formally recognizing the graduates’ successful completion of clinical training.
The College of Medicine likewise recognized outstanding graduates through academic distinctions, including Best in Oral Revalida and Best in Written Revalida and special awards in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Ear, Nose, Throat – Head and Neck Surgery, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Community and Family Medicine, and Psychiatry.
Also present during the ceremony were Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Mr. Albert Tejero, Vice President for Finance and Administration; Engr. Nestor Pajaro, President of the Federated Alumni Association; Dr. Dominetta Gonzalo, Assistant Dean of the College of Medicine; and the faculty and staff of the College of Medicine, who joined the graduates and their families in celebrating the occasion.
The 26th Clinical Graduation reflects the College of Medicine’s enduring commitment in producing competent, compassionate, and socially responsive physicians equipped to address the nation’s evolving healthcare needs.
As Batch 2026 “Agsalukag” embarks on the next chapter of its journey, its members carry forward the knowledge, values, and legacy of the University of Northern Philippines in service to their communities and the nation.
