The Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine (MHAM CM Inc.), formerly Southwestern University-Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine, Inc. has been finally renamed as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted and approved the school’s application to change its name last July 13, 2017.
Having been acquired a distinct and separate juridical personality as a corporate being with its own governing body which is upheld and advanced by the founder’s successor and youngest daughter, Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra who is the current Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President, today, the MHAM CM as a family is in great delight that finally it has its own juridical identity as amended by law.
WEAREMHAM: Welcome to MATIAS H. AZNAR MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, INC.
According to the MHAM CM Board of Trustees and Corporate Treasurer, Dr. Carlito Astillero, the SEC approval marks the end of the confusing distinction between MHAM and SWU Phinma since the former had separated from SWU.
Interview with MHAM alumnus and 1968 Board of Physicians 9th placer, Dr. Carlito L. Astillero…
“Our identification is more or less similar with the identification of SWU especially on our records and correspondences which are confusing as it happened many times. As per advised by the Court and CHED in an amicus curiae, MHAM on its part strived to apply to change its name to be renamed Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine, Inc. by laws. Finally, we have now a distinctive identification of our school and our students”, said Dr. Astillero in an interview.
This MHAM alumnus-topnotcher also reiterated that with the distinction that MHAM has achieved, the issues of international documents among foreign students will now be resolved from confusion.
With the 2017 OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL IN THE CITY OF CEBU AWARDEE: MHAM Board of Trustees and Corporate Treasurer Carlito L. Astillero, FPSMID, FASCP, PAFP
“If the idea of Mrs. Sierra will continue and as long as our faculty members are intact I think we will become one of the leading institutions”, he added.
Looking back across the years, the SWU-College of Medicine was formally organized during the first semester of the school year 1947-1948. Full government recognition of the SWU-College of Medicine was granted in 1952. From then onwards, it grew in size and stature.
Southwestern University-Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine, Inc. old building
However, after thirteen years of its existence, the Medical Act of 1965 was enacted into law which provided that “All medical colleges in the Philippines shall be made into a foundation”. Implementation of the Act has converted the SWU-College of Medicine into a non-stock, non-profit institution.
With its conversion and in recognition of its founder, the SWU-College of Medicine has been renamed Southwestern University-Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine, Inc., a foundation by identity which has a separate Constitution and By-laws of its own.
The MHAM campus at the Redemptorist Plaza
In just four years from its separation from the main SWU campus, MHAM is now preparing in its intent to offer three (3) degree programs namely; BS in Medical Technology, BS in Biology and BS in Environmental Science Major in Disaster Management which will be offered by the academic year 2018-2019.
Two months ago, some of the MHAM CM non-teaching staff conducted separate surveys among three high school institutions in Cebu as part of the required course outline for pre-medical courses which will take effect by the next school year.
The MHAM team at the Cebu City National Science High School
The K-12 senior high school students from Cebu City National Science High School, Mactan National High School and Mandaue City Science High School were the correspondents of the said surveys.
The MHAM team at the Mactan National High School
With the three courses that MHAM will soon to open, the school survey also helps the potential med school students to become doctors in the future and if medical school is their holy grail.
At present, there are 1,145 diversed students who are aspiring to become dedicated physicians here and abroad composing of 298 freshmen; 365 sophomores; 305 juniors; and 177 seniors respectively.
The MHAM team at the Mandaue City Science High School
Following the three-year contract from the Redemptorist Plaza since it has been operational, the new ten-storey building in honor of the late founder, Matias Hipolito Chavez Aznar II in Banawa, Cebu City shall be the permanent home and dwelling of all medical students and MHAM employees by next year.
With the College Dean, Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto and the Chairman of Surgery Department, Dr. Dale Pasco…
Trained in the highest scientific and ethical standards of medical education, today, MHAM offers the medical program leading to a degree of Doctor whose graduates are in its continuous pursuit of professional advancement and learning and responsive to the current health needs of the global community. (Ana Liza Abao)