Robed in pride and poised to answer the call of the medical profession, graduates of the University of Northern Philippines College of Medicine (UNP-CMED) marched into the UNP Gymnasium on June 16, 2026 for the College’s 26th Commencement Exercises.
Anchored on the theme “Shaping Competent Future Physicians with Integrity, Compassion, and Social Accountability,” the ceremony conferred the Doctor of Medicine degree upon 77 graduates of the UNP College of Medicine Batch 2025–2026, recognizing their years of rigorous training and their readiness to serve communities with excellence, empathy, and a deep sense of professional responsibility.
The commencement exercises began with a solemn procession of graduates, proudly accompanied by their parents, the College of Medicine faculty, and University officials. The ceremony proceeded with the hooding and capping rites, a cherished milestone that signified the culmination of years of rigorous medical training and the graduates’ readiness to serve the community as future physicians.
Dean Dr. Pablo Quedado formally presented the candidates for graduation, after which Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, endorsed them for the conferment of their degrees. University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna then affirmed their candidacy, officially recognizing their achievement and entry into the medical profession.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Unity Cortez, Medical Center Chief II of the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, inspired the graduates with a message that stressed the profound responsibility and noble calling of the medical profession. Emphasizing the vital intersection of faith, service, and medicine, she reminded the new physicians that their role extends beyond clinical expertise, describing them as “an extension of God’s healing hands” in bringing hope, comfort, and healing to those in need.
Dr. Cortez further challenged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and humanity as they embark on their medical careers. “The world doesn’t just need doctors by numbers; the world needs doctors with integrity, compassion, and accountability in every decision,” she said. Her words resonated as a powerful call for the graduates to become not only competent healthcare providers but also ethical and socially responsible physicians dedicated to serve communities with excellence, empathy, and unwavering commitment.
Batch 2025–2026 Gold Awardee Princess Nikka Gadaza delivered the valedictory message, reflecting on the graduates’ transformative journey through medical school. In a heartfelt address, she paid tribute to the sacrifices, perseverance, and unwavering commitment that carried the class through years of rigorous training and challenges. Gadaza highlighted the defining moments of their medical education—from long hours in classrooms and hospital wards to the invaluable lessons learned from patients, mentors, and peers—while expressing gratitude to families, faculty members, and supporters who stood by them throughout their journey. Her valediction celebrated not only the graduates’ academic achievements but also their shared growth into compassionate, competent, and socially accountable future physicians.
The ceremony took on a more heartfelt tone as graduates and guests watched a special video presentation featuring messages from the faculty of the College of Medicine, offering words of encouragement, pride, and guidance to the new physicians. The emotional tribute was followed by a moving rendition of Sarangola by Ben&Ben, performed as the graduates’ unity hymn, symbolizing their shared journey, aspirations, and enduring bond as a class. Reaffirming their commitment to their alma mater, the graduates then took the Pledge of Loyalty to the University led by Juliene Malerna Cedaña. This was followed by the Alumni Oath, administered by Hon. Nestor Panaro, President of the UNP Federated Alumni Association.
Article by Nestor Quilop III. Photo by Mark Paul Siazon
