
The newly-inducted physicians from different medical institutions during the Oath Taking Ceremonies led by Board of Medicine Chairman, Dr. Clarita C. Maaño (center)
This year, the MHAM CM hosted the Oath Taking ceremonies for the March 2017 Physician Licensure Examination jubilant passers from ten medical institutions in the country at the Salon de España, Casino Español, Cebu City last May 11, 2017 in the afternoon.
Given by the Professional Regulation Commission Regional Office (PRC VII) through the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine, the Oath Taking highlighted the lone topnotcher in the region, no other than MHAM alumna-achiever, Maude Sang-an Tabigue, MD, who placed the 4th spot.

March 2017 PLE 4th placer, Dr. Maude Sang-an Tabigue led the processional rite during the Oath Taking Ceremonies of New Physicians

MHAM CM newly-appointed College Dean, Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto
In her opening remarks, the newly-appointed MHAM CM College Dean, Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto, acknowledged the presence of all invited guests, deans, faculty members, parents and families. To the new physicians, congratulations to all of you but definitely this is not the last because this will be the new beginning of the new chapter as part of your career”, said Dr. Manaloto.
Among the 813 passers from 1,317 examinees nationwide, a total of eighty-seven successful examinees from the Cebu Institute of Medicine, Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine, SWU Phinma School of Medicine, Vicente Gullas Memorial College of Medicine, Mindanao State University, Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical School, Silliman University, University of Santo Tomas, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and MHAM CM took the oath as new physicians in the country.
Out of fifty-four passers, MHAM alone has fifty-three inductees who were present.

The New Physicians from 10 medical schools
This year’s most distinguished guest as the keynote speaker is no other than the Chairman of the Philippine Board of Medicine, Dr. Clarita Corazon C. Maaňo. An examiner in the Philippine Board of Medicine and in the Philippine Regulatory Commission since 2012, her responsibilities as a faculty of UP College of Medicine where she graduated and as a consultant of Philippine General Hospital have endowed her to conduct and facilitate various integrated workshops with sublime contributions, prior to her service in the PRC.
In addition, she is honed over the years by attending international and local conventions and gatherings in the field of Dermatology with commendable academic and research outputs and administrative accomplishments both here and abroad. “Medicine is a tough job. You are build to be strong and healthy, a 5-star physician. Would you like to be teacher? Who educates patients, colleagues, and people for medical care? Or would you like to be an administrator or a doctor-manager who will render the medical care? Or a researcher who is equipped with medical protocols, researches, innovations and ways to do better approaches to management? Or a community worker? Or a doctor in the barrio who moves closer to the people? Which part of the star you are going to be? When and where are you going? Are you following your dream?”, asked Dr. Maaño before the new physicians during her keynote address.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Clarita Corazon C. Maaňo
Joined by the respective deans from different medical institutions in Cebu City, the event was also graced by PRBM member Dr. Maria Graciela Gonzaga and PRC VII PRO, Mr. Armond M. Englis who also gave his inspirational message. “As an officer of the Professional Regulation Commission, I wish you to fulfill your duties to your local profession of course to our country, and to our fellow citizens for making yourselves available to the needy who could barely afford medical services and with steadfast and enthusiasm, willing to serve the community and to the interest our people above self”, said Englis.

PRC VII PRO, Mr. Armond M. Englis…

Interview with the PRC examiner and Board of Medicine Chairman, Clarita C. Maaño, MD
In an exclusive interview with Dr. Maaño, she also shared that being a full-pledged doctor is not just about clinical duties but a dedicated service to humanity.
“Today’s ceremony is a culmination of that several years of hard work and as I said earlier that it is not just about competence but you also have to have patience to doctor-patient relationship and interrelationship with the team and colleagues. Medicine is not just treating patients but a devotion and a service and you have to be a 5-star physician which includes being a teacher, an administrator, a researcher, a social mobilizer or a MD in the barrios”, said the keynote speaker who, like most of her former classmates, stayed to serve in the Philippines since they graduated in 1974.
Moreover, the much-awaited “Oath of the Physician” was led by the keynote speaker herself, Dr. Maaño and in unison, the new physicians further solemnly swore that at all times and places they will adhere closely to the ethical and professional rules generally accepted by the Medical Profession in the country. Furthermore, as stated in the oath, they will faithfully discharge to the best of their abilities the duties and obligations as registered and licensed physicians.

The new physicians with the event guests…
As the only topnotcher among Cebu City medical schools and in Central Visayas, Dr. Tabigue was honored once again and awarded with a certificate of distinction during the momentous event. Escorted by her beloved parents together with the newly-appointed VP Academics, she expressed her gratitude in her response representing the new physicians.

MHAM topnotcher: Maude Sang-an Tabigue, MD
“When I think about how I became a doctor, I can’t help but be amazed by God’s grace. Becoming one, was neither a childhood dream nor a parent’s frustrated dream. I also don’t come from a family of doctors. Well, one day in college, it just occurred to me that I could become someone who can make a positive difference in somebody’s life, including mine. But, to make the long story very short, on that day, I just decided to become the very person I myself needed. Doctors are God’s instruments of healing. To the sick, we are the bearers of hope. And I want to be able to give that same thing I was given back then. One of the reasons I remained hopeful was because I had met a good doctor”, said Dr. Tabigue.
In an emotional speech before her fellow inductees, families and guests, this MHAM product expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all the people who have been part of her academic journey. To my dear Alma Mater, MHAM-CM, just when I was about to resign the idea of going to medical school, you responded my inquiry with a full scholarship offer. You opened the doors for me that day. I couldn’t have gotten into school right away if not for your generosity. I will forever be grateful. When the time comes, in my own ways, I will pay it forward”, said Dr. Tabigue in a teary-eyed moment.

(L-R) MHAM CM newly-appointed VP Academics, Dr. Arlene Diaz; Board of Medicine member, Dr. Maria Graciela Gonzaga; Chairman of the Board of Medicine and Keynote Speaker, Dr. Clarita Maaňo; March 2017 PLE 4th placer, Dr. Maude Tabigue; Mrs. Nicefora Tabigue and Mr. Vicente Tabigue
In a joint-interview with MHAM CM new physician-alumni; Dr. Sharma Janoo, Dr. Psychee Beringuel and Dr. Lance Aldwin Adlaon, they felt so blessed that their sacrifices, hard work and dedication in pursuing their dreams have been paid off at last, and they dedicate their fulfilling moment to all the people who have been part of their medical journey.

With MHAM CM new physician-alumni, Dr. Sharma Janoo, Dr. Psychee Beringuel and Dr. Lance Aldwin Adlaon in an interview
“This moment is very overwhelming that after the many years of studies here we are at last, beaming with pride, not just because we are MHAM graduates but because we are here with our beloved parents and families as we take the oath as full-pledged physicians”, said these MHAM graduates with elated smiles.

MHAM CM newly-appointed VP Academics, Dr. Arlene M. Diaz during the presentation of MHAM CM new physicians
A plaque of appreciation was given to Clarita C. Maaňo by Cebu Institute of Medicine College Dean, Dr. Thelma La Rosa-Fernandez and MHAM CM newly-appointed VP Academics, Dr. Arlene M. Diaz who also introduced the keynote speaker.

With CIM Dean, Dr. Thelma La Rosa-Fernandez, ; Chairman of the Board of Medicine, Dr. Clarita Maaño; and MHAM CM newly-appointed VP Academics, Dr. Arlene M. Diaz

With MHAM topnotcher-alumna: February 2015 PLE 1st placer, Dr. Venil Lovely E. Bolambao
Also present during the event was the February 2015 PLE 1st placer, Dr. Venil Lovely Bolambao whose cousin took the oath as well, as a MHAM graduate.
“Two years ago I saw myself on the same momentous event but today I am here because of my cousin as our support to her. We are very happy as a family for having another doctor”, said Dr. Bolambao who belong to a family of physicians.
MHAM CM Associate Dean, Dr. Allan Librando also expressed his special acknowledgement to all the parents of the new physicians during the significant event of their lives.
“You chose this profession, this lifestyle, because you believe something. There’s no such thing as perfection and remember that life is not a race. Remember, your time is limited so don’t waste time living on someone else life. Now, since your Father God has chose you as his servant and He has anointed you with his oil of kindness and healing, be strong and loyal to your God and Savior to serve humanity”, said Dr. Librando in his closing remarks.

MHAM CM Associate Dean, Dr. Allan Librando…
Hosted by MHAM faculty Dr. Chamberlain Agtuca, the MHAM CM chorale known as MHARMONY proved once again their singing prowess as they took the center stage during the Oath Taking ceremonies. (Ana Liza Abao)

When music touches the soul with, MHARMONY…

MHARMONY at its best…