Honoring the dreamer and founder of the MATIAS H. AZNAR MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, INC. (MHAM CM, INC.)
The Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine, Inc. (MHAM CM, INC.) celebrated its 110th birth anniversary of the founder- Don Matias Hipolito Chavez Aznar II at the Redemptorist Plaza campus last August 13, 2017 from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon.
Started with a Holy Mass, the annual ceremony in honor of the dreamer and founder of MHAM CM Inc. also commenced the most-awaited moment by the students- the MHAM Days celebration.
Earnestly attended by the Management, Faculty, Non-teaching Staff, General Services and Student Body, the founding anniversary marked the 110th year significant contribution of the late founder of his unparalleled legacy in building the temple of learning, known to the general public today as MHAM.
Gracing the momentous celebration was no other than the successor-educator and the youngest daughter of the late founder- Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra who led the floral offering in honor of her beloved father.
Father to daughter legacy: A floral offering led by the successor-educator and the youngest daughter of the late founder, Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra
In her opening remarks, the MHAM CM VP for Academics Dr. Arlene Diaz, highlighted the importance and significance of the 110th birth anniversary of the founder- Don Matias Hipolito Chavez Aznar II.
“I am sure that if Don Matias H. Aznar is still alive today, he will be proud to know that his mission, vision, values and goals are being continued by his daughter and successor, Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra, our President. Without her unwavering support we would never be here today. MHAM has undergone times of deep troubles and uncertainties but due to the support of our beloved President and because we have each other, we stand united and uphold our commission to the vision of Don Matias H. Aznar. Let us not forget that MHAM is not just a place but MHAM is a place characterized by a sense of promise, a sense of pride, a sense of purpose, and a sense of commitment and that I believe is what makes MHAM today”, said the VP Academics with a sense of pride bearing the tagline WEAREMHAM.
With MHAM CM VP for Academics, Dr. Arlene M. Diaz in her opening remarks
In honoring the founder in his most sublime way, former Department Of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary, Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez couldn’t contain his gratitude to the Aznar family for what he has become today. Gracing the event as the guest speaker, this public servant was a former working student of Southwestern University way back when Don Matias H. Aznar II was still alive. Had it not been of the late founder who became the instrument of his present success and achievement, Atty. Jimenez would have not reach his dreams more than he could ask for.
With Dr. Ma. Socorro G. Manaloto during the introduction of the guest speaker
As he was formally introduced by the Colege Dean, Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto, Atty. Josephus Jimenez had his basic education at Southwestern University and also finished Bachelor of Arts in English Major in English Political Science in the same university in 1969. He graduated from the University of the Visayas Law School as magna cum laude and class valedictorian. He also acquired his Masteral degree in Public Administration at the University of the Philippines-Cebu and awarded as the Most Outstanding Student Leader of CAS, Cebu City. In 2002 to 2005, he was appointed as the DOLE Undersecretary.
Honoring the founder with the guest honor, Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez…
In his testimonial speech, Atty. Jimenez shared his experiences in life particularly on how he was able to finish his studies through the benevolent help of the late founder. In 1962, he was accepted by the late founder as a school janitor until he became a working scholar.
Honoring the late founder: Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez during the floral offering
“Don Matias Hipolito Chavez Aznar II was a man of vision, a man of action, a man of perseverance, determination and strong will. I studied his life and Matias Hipolito Aznar means MHA where M stands for ‘modest beginnings’; H stands for ‘honest hardwork’; and A stands for ‘achievements, accomplishments and attainment of goals’. Somehow I believe that the story of Matias Hipolito Chavez Aznar II is also the story of Southwestern University and perhaps it was also the story of my life”, said this SWU alumnus.
With the former DOLE Undersecretary, Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez in his testimonial speech…
Gifted with a very pleasing sense of humor with his gift of person, Atty. Jimenez also looked back his college days memories with a sense of pride rooted from the challenges and humble beginnings. Jokingly aside, he recalled that the Merlo Building in SWU before became a witness when he had fallen in love for the very first time. The Merlo Building was erected in honor of the late founder’s seventh child, Merlo Aznar I who was hit by a shrapnel and died during the second World War. “I love the buildings in Southwestern. I love Merlo Building, why? Doon ako unang umibig at doon ako unang nasawi”, jested the guest speaker which was followed with a resounding laughter.
In addition, he also stated that women nowadays are better than men, referring to Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra who continued the legacy of his father instead of life’s luxuries. “The youngest daughter of Don Matias is also a visionary. Among the ten children, the legacy is passed to the daughter and not to the sons. Thank you Ma’am Elma that you have chosen me to come here today because you have given me the opportunity to express my gratitude to your family. If Don Matias is listening right now, he is very happy that with all grudges and broken dreams, there is a daughter who has the will and determination to continue his legacy”, concluded the guest speaker who fought back his tears during the testimonial speech.
Led by the Chairman of the Board and President, Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra, a plaque of appreciation was presented to Atty. Jimenez in recognition of his invaluable services rendered as guest speaker during the 110th year anniversary of the man who had a great part of his life’s achievement.
Honoring the testimonial speaker: (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
Meanwhile, as the only medical school in Cebu City who has a lot of scholarship grantees, the dean’s listers and scholarship awardees for the academic year 2017-2018 were honored and awarded with certificates of recognition during the event. Government scholars were also recognized as well as the other scholarship grantees including the Don Matias Aznar Scholarship (DMAS) and the MHAM Alumni Scholarship (MAS).
(TOP) MHAM CM scholars and dean’s listers for the academic year 2017-2018 (BELOW) MHAM CM Honor Society Induction of Officers for the academic year 2017-2018
Moreover, to revive the history of the founder starting from his birth on August 13, 1907 and how he turned actual conditions to realities to provide quality education with quality educators in the field of medicine, a video presentation was highlighted during the celebration. As recalled, while assessing the ravages and devastation of World War II, the enterprising Matias envisioned to put up an institution of learning to assist students especially those who cannot be accommodated in public schools and those who could not afford to go to Manila to pursue college education due to financial constraints. With his unrelenting vigor, today, MHAM stands still amidst challenges and trying times and has rebuilt itself into excellence through the relentless commitment of her youngest daughter- Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra.
MHAM yesterday, today and forever…
The legacy lives on: With Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra
In her speech, the MHAM CM Chairman of the Board and President, Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra, expressed her deep gratitude to all the people who have celebrated the annual occasion in honor of her father.
“First of all let me convey my deep gratitude to our invited testimonial guest speaker, Atty. Josephus Jimenez, for spending your valuable time for us, for sharing your jokes with us which is the light of this program and your priceless thoughts and experiences and most of all, for being the inspiration to us and to our students. Thank you for the books that you have donated to MHAM. It is always my joy and pride to seek people who were once part of this school that my father has founded and who became accomplished professionals. Their achievements became my inspiration to preserve the legacy of my father and transform it in a globally and technologically competitive and service-oriented educational institution”, said Mrs. Sierra.
Keeping the founder’s legacy: Successor-educator, MRS. ELMA AZNAR-SIERRA
In addition, Mrs. Sierra also congratulated all the academic scholars for their superb scholastic performance and for their supreme conviction to academic excellence, exemplifying the founder’s character of excellence. She is also grateful to all donors, partners and collaborators who continuously supported the school’s community projects. To complete, this sole owner also expressed her gratitude to her precious MHAM family especially the management, staff and students for the steadfast support in keeping the founder’s vision. Above all, she is always grateful to God who gave her the opportunity to preserve the legacy of her father and to continue his mission in shaping the future of the young generation who desires to become mavens of the field.
Interview with the guest speaker, Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez…
In an interview with Atty. Jimenez, he expressed his undying gratitude to the Aznar family especially to the successor-daughter of the late founder whom he honored throughout his life. “I feel very privileged and honored because I am not even a doctor but a lawyer and was given the opportunity to express my gratitude to the institution and to the Aznar family especially to our President and Chair, Madame Elma Aznar-Sierra. My life could have been different had it not been for the experiences that I have as a working student, a school janitor in Southwestern University”, said Atty. Jimenez.
Honoring the founder: The MHAM CM departmental heads and faculty-doctors with the Chairman of the Board and President Mrs. Elma Aznar-Sierra & testimonial speaker Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez
The 110th birth anniversary marks the invaluable contribution and profound commitment of the founder, who, as a tireless worker, founded and established a school of medicine, formerly Southwestern University, to MATIAS H. AZNAR MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, INC. as amended by law. There were then ten departmental colleges when he passed away on one fatal day on May 18, 1958 while watching swimming classes at the Southwestern Colleges swimming pool in Talisay City. Today, as every MHAMian looks forward to its completion, the Matias H. Aznar II Memorial School of Medicine Building in Banawa, Cebu City in honor of the late founder, will truly become an igniting glimpse of yesterday, today and forever.
Honoring the Founder: The MHAM CM faculty-doctors and non-teaching personnel
Hosted by Dr. Chamberlain Agtuca, the founding anniversary also commenced the 3-day celebration including the Sportsfest and the coveted Search for Mr. & Ms. MHAM 2017. The Literary Contests including the quiz bee, extemporaneous speaking tilt, MHAM henyo, board games and pinoy games immediately followed in the afternoon as part of the MHAM Days celebrations. (Ana Liza Abao)