Induction of the MHAM CM Honors Society officers with its inductee-guest speaker, Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez…
Seven newly-elected officers of the MHAM Honors Society (MHAHso) for the academic year 2017-2018 officially took the oath of office with no less than the former Department Of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary, Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez during the 110th birth anniversary of the founder at the MHAM AVRs 2-5 last August 13, 2017 in the morning.
Led by Athena Mae Ibon as this year’s President, Daniel John Bokingo, Carol Tobes, Faidha Macalabo, Maria Katrina Ozaraga, Karlyle Pilones and Pean Banday finally swore to oath as officers among the recipients of Don Matias H. Aznar Scholarship (DMAS), MHAM College of Medicine Scholarship (MHAMS), Return of Service Scholarship (RSS) and MHAM Alumni Scholarship (MAS) grants.
Former DOLE Undersecretary, Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez, with the MHAHso officers…
Gracing the event as the testimomial speaker on the occasion of the 110th founding anniversary this year, Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez was also the inductee of the aforementioned officers of the Honors Society during the testimonial program.
With the testimomial speaker and inductee, Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez…
“Rooted from the determination inspired by Don Matias Matias Hipolito Aznar II, was appointed by the President as Undersecretary of Labor and was sent to Malaysia, Kuwait and Taiwan to take care of our OFWs and somehow I have touched their lives from being household service holders to office workers because I was inspired by the late founder”, said Atty. Jimenez in his testimonial speech.
Appointed as the Undersecretary of DOLE from 2002 to 2005, this servant leader who is passionately in love in writing with an exceptional gift of sense of humor was a former working student of SWU way back when the MHAM founder was still alive. Had it not been of Don Matias Hipolito Aznar II, the life of Atty. JBJ as he is fondly called would have been different as he aforementioned in an interview.
“Just after World War II where most of you were not yet born and when the Filipino nation was still attempting to recover from the four years of bombings, arrests, killings, rapes of our women, burning of our homes and shattering all our properties into ashes, there were two young pharmacists who entered into a lifetime partnership. Together they founded in the summer of 1946, the Southwestern Colleges, and today we should be very thankful to Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra because after she has gotten her share she could have retired and lived in Hawaii but the youngest daughter of Don Matias Hipolito Aznar II is also a visionary because the legacy is passed to the daughter”, he added.
Honoring the Founder: (L-R) Associate Dean for Basic Sciences, Dr. Allan Librando; College Dean, Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto; successor- educator and MHAM CM Chairman of the Board & President, Mrs. Elma Aznar Sierra; former DOLE Undersecretary and guest speaker, Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez; VP for Academics, Dr. Arlene Diaz; and School Registrar, Dr. Luditha Pe during the Testimonial Program
Looking back across the years, Atty. JBJ also finished with colorful academic background for having been graduated as Magna Cum Laude and Class Valedictorian from the University of Visayas Law School. With a rating of 84.93, he then passed the Bar Examinations. Having been blessed with academic scholarship grants in the academe, he was also a full academic scholar of Masters in Public Administration at the University of the Philippines-Cebu. Among the Class of 1966 of Southwestern University, he was one of the top 3 and Most Outstanding Student Leader. Being an inductee of the MHAM student-scholars who also dream to become the best version of themselves in the field of their choice is very relatable to him who was once a dreamer. Today, Atty. JBJ is not just a dedicated lawyer but a grateful servant leader who continue to inspire and transform others lives rooted from the inspiration he owed from the late founder. In expressing his gratitude to the Aznar family, he donated books to MHAM which are now part of the students’ medical journey.
MHAM CM Honors Society Officers: Athena Mae Ibon, Daniel John Bokingo, Carol Tobes, Faidha Macalabo, Maria Katrina Ozaraga, Karlyle Pilones and Pean Banday
After having been elected and inducted from their respective positions, the scholar-officers are bound to support the vision, programs and projects aside from abiding the laws and regulations of the society.
Trying to bring forth her goal to facilitate other students by allotting hours with them as study-buddies and fostering selfless service to others, MHAHso President-elect, Athena Mae Loquellano Ibon once again expressed her burning desire with unyielding leadership to achieve both morally-grounded and globally competent individuals through a fully structured organization.
A journey by heart with globally competent doctors-to-be
According to this junior-scholar who was fostered as a fruit of nurturing from being cradled by the institution who gave her the privilege to enjoy the DMAS grant since she was still in first year, the birth of MHAM Honors Society aims to produce globally competent physicians grounded with morality and integrity. Envisioned that these scholars may someday reach the pinnacle so as to bring forth the pride and glory that belongs to MHAM who cradled them from the very start, Ibon also envisioned that this newly molded body of individuals will mediate and will facilitate the emergence of globally competent yet morally grounded physicians.
With the testimonial speaker, Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez; MHAM CM School Registrar and Honors Society Chairperson, Dr. Luditha Pe; and Honors Society President, Athena Mae Ibon…
“Medicine is an intricate field garnished with idiosyncrasies and delight that is only inherent and comprehensible by those who are in it. Bringing forth your toes towards the grounds of medicine, is not an overnight stance. In many ways or another, some students are brought about by purpose or in my case, by fate and privilege. I believe that there are three important aspects that comprise of a great physician. First, is the art of nurturing bound in selflessness and sincerity in service without anything in return. A good physician knows how to compromise personal interests, but never his morals. Here in MHAM, our administrators inculcate the value of honesty, respect and integrity as we promote the building of moral conscience. Second, is the attitude. Craftsmanship is well demonstrated and developed through vigorous training. I believe that each one has the potential to excel in a certain field along with the preponderance to be humble and to be willing enough to undergo series of enhancements as our superiors pass on their time tested knowledge. Last, is to have the unyielding desire to gain and acquire knowledge without excuses”, said Ibon.
As MHAM offers scholarship grants to deserving students upon the recommendation of the Committee on Scholarship, the College Dean and with the approval of the Board of Trustees, this year’s scholarship grantees will start their tutorial services by weekend this week. “I could say that we, MHAM scholars have been blessed to be cradled by MHAM CM to pursue this endeavor towards being full pledged physicians. I always believe that becoming a full pledged physician is not just about intellect, but is banked on having the firmness of mind and spirit in having an unyielding courage in traversing the everyday hardships. I am looking at these scholars to serve as an inspiration to young aspirants and at the same time, be a helping hand to those students who need further academic assistance. I would also like to reiterate that this field is not about competition, but determination and most of all, selflessness. It is basically about forgetting about ourselves for the good of others. As scholars, we aim to strive to give back to MHAM that has served as our cradle”, concluded the MHAHso President.
WEAREMHAM scholars
To date, the Committee on Scholarship is still opening its door for possible benefactors of the scholarship programs under the direction of the MHAM CM School Registrar and Honors Society Chairperson, Dr. Luditha Pe. Bearing the tagline, WEAREMHAM, these scholars are called to embody the real essence of being MHAM mavens of the field with a heart. (Ana Liza Abao)