11/08/2025
[๐๐๐๐๐] ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ก๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ฒ
In a moment filled with pride, purpose, and profound symbolism, the Sambisig Class of 2026 of the University of Southeastern Philippines School of Medicine formally donned their white coats and received their pins during the much-anticipated White Coat and Pinning Ceremony held on June 19, 2025, at the Herminigildo C. Baloyo, M.D. Hall, Tagum City Cultural Center.
The ceremony marked a pivotal transition for third-year medical students as they step from pre-clinical education into the challenging world of clinical practice, a journey that demands not only knowledge but also integrity, empathy, and service. With families, mentors, and peers bearing witness, each student embraced the white coat as a symbol of their readiness to take on greater responsibility in the lives of patients and communities.
Delivering the keynote address was USeP President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., who left the audience with a powerful reminder of the studentsโ purpose and potential: โWe need healers. We need leaders. We need you.โ This call to action emphasized that beyond being future doctors, these students are being shaped into compassionate leaders who will serve in both the hospital and society. Representing Dr. Bryan O. Dalid, Medical Center Chief II of Davao Regional Medical Center, was Dr. Rodel M. Flores, Chief of Clinics. Also in attendance were several esteemed academic leaders who offered words of encouragement and institutional support. Dr. Jeneifer C. Nueva, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Shirley C. Villanueva, Chancellor of USeP Tagum-Mabini Campus, emphasized the administrationโs enduring support for medical education. Dr. Victoria P. Guillano, Dean of the School of Medicine, opened the ceremony with heartfelt remarks and later led the Oath to Humanistic Care, during which students pledged to uphold compassion, ethics, and excellence in
clinical service.
A particularly insightful segment of the ceremony was delivered by Dr. Pat Rowena Namnama-Tejero Gahol, Clinical Clerkship Program Coordinator, who gave a comprehensive Introduction to the Clerkship Program. Her guidance offered both direction and inspiration to the Sambisig Class as they prepare to enter the wards and communities.
The program featured a reflective audiovisual presentation entitled โBatch Sambisig: Road to Clerkshipโ, capturing the spirit and struggles of the class throughout their journey. Dr. Marites L. Domingo, Coordinator of the Department of Gross Anatomy and Legal Medicine, presented the overview and rationale of the ceremony, grounding the tradition of the white coat in its historical and moral significance. The formal presentation of clerks was led by Dr. Charisse Elden G. Atup and Dr. Ferguz Bogdan R. Alastra, followed by the pinning and donning of white coats by the USeP SoM faculty.
High-achieving students from Levels I to III were also recognized for their academic excellence. The class president delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude on behalf of the class, thanking families, mentors, and the School of Medicine community for their
unwavering support.
The event was brought to a close by Dr. Glenn A. Pono, Clinical Sciences Division Head, who left the students with words of wisdom. He emphasized that the white coat is more than attire, it is a symbol of humility, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care.
As the ceremony concluded with the exit of colors and a group photo opportunity, the energy in the room was a mixture of joy, reflection, and resolve. The Sambisig Class of 2026 now moves forward carrying not only white coats and golden pins but also the weight and honor of the calling they have chosen to answer.