CSU College of Medicine - Medical Student Council

28/08/2026

ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀᴅᴅᴇꜱᴛ ᴀɪɴ’ᴛ ɪɴ ʟᴀ, ᴛʜᴇʏ’ʀᴇ ɪɴ ᴄꜱᴜ-ᴄᴏᴍ…ᴡᴇᴀʀɪɴɢ ᴄꜱᴜ-ᴄᴏᴍ ᴍᴇʀᴄʜ! ❤️‍🔥

The long wait is over! The first batch of 𝗖𝗦𝗨-𝗖𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 are now officially here and available for pre-order. You may reference the attached photos for the design and details.

You can now secure yours by scanning the 𝗤𝗥 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀 below.

🧾𝙋𝙖𝙮𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨: via Gcash or (bank) QR
🚨𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 for the 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 will 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 tomorrow, 𝘼𝙪𝙜𝙪𝙨𝙩 29, 2026 𝙖𝙩 8:00 𝙋𝙈.

𝙃𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, the order form will 𝙧𝙚-𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙟𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨—stay tuned and don't miss out!

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳? 𝘐-𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬-𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰 𝘯𝘢 𝘺𝘢𝘯! 👉 🛒

27/08/2026

“𝑾𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒘𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.”

These were the opening words of 𝗗𝗿. 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗚𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲, Dean of the College of Medicine, as she delivered her welcome remarks during the 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 2026–2027, organized by the 𝗖𝗦𝗨-𝗖𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 (𝗠𝗦𝗖).

“𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲,” she emphasized, reminding everyone that medicine is not a one-person responsibility, but a joint one. She urged students to take every learning opportunity while uplifting and supporting one another along the way.

The MSC, led by 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼, presented a comprehensive look back at the events and financial reports of the previous academic year, while rolling out action plans for the current year ahead—including 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀, 𝗔𝗣𝗠𝗖, and upcoming 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗦𝗖 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲. Aligning with Dr. Gorospe’s call to support one another, the council encouraged full participation in all college activities to show what the CSU-COM medical students are capable of.

Additionally, the 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗿. 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮 presented other important reminders and provided clarifications regarding the upcoming academic schedules.

Wrapping up the assembly, 𝗠𝗦𝗖 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗴 delivered the closing remarks emphasizing the importance of open communication, reminding students that the office and council are always approachable and ready to help.

✍🏻 Chezka Camille Pingol
📷 Ma Angelica Pascua

23/08/2026

𝘼 𝘿𝘼𝙔 𝙊𝙁 𝙉𝙀𝙒 𝘽𝙀𝙂𝙄𝙉𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂𝙎 | 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙃𝙈𝘼𝙉 𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙉𝙏𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

It’s been almost a month since the start of the new academic year, and while the preliminary examinations are fast approaching, let’s take a look back at how the newest batch of aspiring doctors were welcomed in our community.

Last 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 27, 2026, the 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 - 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 (𝗖𝗦𝗨 - 𝗖𝗢𝗠) conducted its annual 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 for Academic Year 2026-2027 at the 𝗖𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿, where they were provided with a thorough introduction to their medical education journey through our beloved Doctors and Professors led by our College Dean, Dr. Rodina Gorospe.

Later in that rainy afternoon, the Medical Student Council (MSC) officers facilitated the 𝗖𝗢𝗠 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿, guiding the first years through the Rizal and Main buildings, and Library to ensure that they are well-acquainted with the campus and the facilities that will serve as their second home.

To 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻, we warmly welcome you to our CSU-COM family! Keep the fire of passion burning in your hearts as you embark on your journey towards becoming 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘺 future physicians, just like your name. May this serve as a reminder of the purpose and dedication that brought you to these halls.

Caption: Chezka Camille Pingol

23/08/2026

📣𝒀𝒐𝒐𝒉𝒐𝒐! 𝑫𝒊𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏!👀🫵

The 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 - 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 is excited to hold its very first 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝘆 for the 𝗔.𝗬. 2026 - 2027 on 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 24, 2026, from 8:30 𝗔𝗠 𝘁𝗼 10:00 𝗔𝗠 at the 𝗖𝗦𝗨-𝗖𝗢𝗠 𝗔𝗺𝗽𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿. Attendance is required for all YL1 to YL3 medical students.

📌𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦:

𝐈. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐈𝐈. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐈𝐈𝐈. 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬
𝐈𝐕. 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭
𝐕. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬
𝐕𝐈. 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀.𝐘. 2026-2027
𝐕𝐈𝐈. 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦
𝐕𝐈𝐈𝐈. 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
𝐈𝐗. 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬

We look forward to seeing you there Nuangs!✨

Caption: Chezka Camille Pingol
Pub: Eric Buguina

31/05/2026

𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

After three years of hard work, sleepless nights, and unwavering perseverance in medical school, Batch Talaghay is now set to embark on one of the most challenging and transformative phases of medical education — clerkship.

In preparation for this significant milestone, the CSU College of Medicine recently conducted a Clerks’ Orientation aimed at equipping incoming clerks with practical advice, inspiring insights, and valuable reminders as they step into the clinical field.

The orientation gathered esteemed doctors and mentors who generously shared lessons drawn from their own experiences in medicine and hospital training.

Dr. Rodina Gorospe, Dean of the College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of resilience, respect, and humility, reminding students to “learn something every day.” She also encouraged the future clerks to treat every patient and co-worker with compassion and dignity by seeing Christ in every person they encounter.

Meanwhile, Dr. Angelica Taloma encouraged the incoming clerks to remember the “three T’s” — remain teachable, value teamwork, and trust the process despite the inevitable hardships ahead.

Dr. Jordan Callueng highlighted the significance of professionalism and compassion, reminding students not to mistake confidence for arrogance, avoid acting superior, and always remain sensitive to the needs of both patients and colleagues.

For Dr. Paulo Franco Imbong, curiosity and courage are essential qualities in becoming competent physicians. “Don’t be shy to ask questions,” he shared, adding that “a calm sea never made a skilled sailor,” while reminding students that patients remain their greatest teachers.

Dr. Ian Albert Sangeles introduced the word “INJECT,” which stands for Integrity, Never stop learning, Judgment, Empathy, Commitment, and Thankfulness. He emphasized the importance of developing sound clinical judgment while continuously striving to grow in the practice of medicine.

Dr. Kresimir Nadal encouraged students to build rapport with patients and healthcare teams, remain kind, stay focused, and seize every opportunity to learn throughout clerkship.

Dr. Ana Flor Somera reminded the incoming clerks of the importance of understanding hierarchy while continuously practicing humility throughout their training.

Lastly, Dr. Pablo Afidchao reminisced about how quickly time passes and encouraged the students to seize every opportunity to learn while always remembering the “whys” behind their journey in medicine.

As Batch Talaghay prepares to enter the hospital wards and face the realities of patient care, the orientation served not only as a guide but also as a celebration of how far the students have come.

Talaghay stands for resilience — the ability to keep one’s head held high and rise amidst struggles, hardships, and uncertainties.

As Batch Talaghay embarks on its clerkship journey, may this spirit of resilience continue to inspire each member to persevere with courage, compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication in serving patients and communities.

May they carry forward the lessons shared by their mentors as they take one step closer toward becoming competent, compassionate, and service-driven physicians.

✍🏻 Diane Joy Lising
📷 John Vincent Pattung

25/05/2026

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵

Demonstrating service beyond the classroom, the 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝟮 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗹𝗶 held at the Amulung RHU and Amulung Sub-Office in Annafatan, Amulung.

Led by Dean Dra. Rodina Gorospe, the CSU-College of Medicine played a vital role in the conduct of the community medical outreach alongside healthcare professionals from RHU Amulung under the leadership of Dra. Ohba Shiela Suyu and the SK Federation headed by SK Federation President Ma. Czarina Mae Mora. The activity catered to young participants from the western barangays of the municipality, with more than 300 boys joining the program together with their parents and guardians.

Faculty members and Medical students from CSU-College of Medicine actively assisted in patient assessment, procedures, and post-operative care in collaboration with licensed physicians led by Dra. Jennifer Feliciano and nurses headed by Ma’am Amy Catolico. The activity was also implemented in partnership with the College of Industrial Technology and the College of Nursing. Participants were also provided with health education focusing on proper self-care and recovery after the procedure to ensure safe healing.

In line with this activity, a health promotion advocacy was also initiated focusing on the needs and wellbeing of adolescent health.

The initiative reflected the continuing commitment of CSU-College of Medicine and its partner institutions in bringing compassionate, accessible, and community-centered healthcare services closer to the people while strengthening the value of service among future healthcare professionals.

19/05/2026

The Cagayan State University College of Medicine would like to extend its utmost congratulations and appreciation to one of its dedicated professors, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿, on being conferred as a Fellow of the Philippine College of Physicians.

We are honored to have you as part of the College. Your commitment to lifelong education, academic excellence, and professional growth continues to inspire both colleagues and students alike.

The College proudly celebrates this milestone with you and wishes you continued success in all your future endeavors. 🩺👨‍⚕️

07/05/2026

Some acts of kindness speak louder than any bill ever could. When Dr. Lasam waived his professional fee, he did more than lighten a burden—he lived out the very heart of the Hippocratic oath: to serve with compassion, honor, and mercy. In one quiet gesture, he became a quiet reminder that healing is not only found in medicine, but in grace.

And his gesture stands as a humble testament to in servitio humanitatis — in the service of humanity.

A Legacy of Compassion: Beyond the Call of Duty

In medicine, success is often measured by cures and recoveries. But sometimes, the deepest healing comes through quiet acts of mercy and the willingness of a doctor to ease the burden of a grieving family.

Today, we honor Dr. Jesus Teodoro B. Lasam, a proud alumnus of CSU-Carig College of Medicine (Batch 2014).

**CONTEXT:

While settling a final hospital bill of ₱141,145.18 for a beloved mother who died on May 1, 2026, her son found something unexpected. Under her oncologist, Dr. Lasam's professional fees, the charge was only ₱1.00.

When asked if it was a mistake, the staff simply smiled. Dr. Lasam had waived his fees, turning a heavy financial moment into a gesture of grace.

For years, Dr. Lasam was more than a doctor; he was a steady presence in times of trouble. He brought peace amidst uncertainty and walked with the family through their darkest hours, demonstrating that medicine is as much about compassion as it is about science.

"The greatest healing is often found not in curing disease, but in the quiet mercy of those who carry a family’s burden as their own."

To Dr. Lasam, thank you for embodying the true spirit of a Cagayan State University healer. You are a reminder that even in the face of loss, there is light. Your alma mater stands proud of the physician and the man you have become.

30/04/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿: 𝗔 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Beyond the stories we often celebrate lies a quieter kind of journey, one marked by hardship, relentless sacrifice, and moments of doubt. It is not always seen, nor easily understood.

Yet it is in these unseen moments where growth takes root, where hearts are refined, and where true inspiration begins.

The CSU College of Medicine proudly honored its newest set of physicians who successfully passed the Physician Licensure Examination through a heartfelt testimonial dinner, a night dedicated not only to achievement but to the stories behind it.

Dr. Rodina Gorospe, Dean of the College of Medicine opened the program with a heartfelt reflection, sharing that two of her long-held aspirations have finally come to fruition. First, to see CSU recognized as a top-performing school, achieved in October 2025, and second, to witness the college produce its own set of topnotchers.

After years of dedication, perseverance, and quiet determination, the college has now made history. For the first time, CSU celebrates its pioneer topnotchers, with Dr. Alexis Tamblique ranking 2nd and Dr. Ericson Lloren Luyun placing 5th in the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination. This achievement marks a defining moment for the institution.

Gorospe then posed a challenge to the community.
“𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞. 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐝𝐞. 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞,” she urged.

While much of the spotlight often shines on the students, the evening also gave space to the stories behind them. These are the stories of parents, families, and loved ones whose quiet sacrifices and unwavering support made this journey possible. It served as a reminder that the making of a doctor is never a solitary pursuit, but a shared triumph.

Professors also took the stage to share their own stories of dedication, mentorship, and belief in their students. They are the very individuals who helped shape and guide these future physicians every step of the way.

Dr. Ian Albert Sangeles reminded the new doctors of the responsibility they now carry.

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Pablo Afidchao offered words of resilience and purpose.
“𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡. 𝐃𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐛 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝.”

Closing the night, Dr. Jordan Callueng left the new physicians with a powerful reflection on the butterfly effect and Turing patterns. He emphasized that 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐫-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬. The doctors they become will be defined not by a single moment, but by the small, meaningful choices they make every day.

𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙙 𝙖𝙨𝙠, 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙖 𝙙𝙤𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧?

It takes sleepless nights, silent battles, and sacrifices that few will ever see. It takes people who believe in you when you begin to doubt yourself. It takes choosing to move forward, again and again, even when the path feels uncertain.

Because becoming a doctor is not just about passing an exam, it is about becoming someone others can trust with their lives.

✍️ Diane Joy Lising
📷 Victoria Kate Garcillan | Diane Joy Lising

30/04/2026

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗲𝘀, 𝗨𝗻𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗽

There’s no such thing as impossible when grit and perseverance prevail over adversity. Dr. Ericson Lloren Luyun is a living testament to that truth, showing that while poverty is a real and crushing barrier for many, it does not have to be the end of one's story. Rising above his circumstances, he showed the nation that even the most daunting hardships cannot stop someone from chasing their dreams, especially securing a Top 5 spot in the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination, a truly coveted and prestigious feat.

As the son of a farmer and a vendor, he grew up in a household where resources were scarce and every small gain required effort. At an early age, he learned to be resourceful, finding ways to contribute and keep up whether through small ventures or sharpening practical skills that helped him stand out among his peers. He understood early on that while he couldn’t choose his circumstances, he could choose how hard he worked within them.

Life was not easy, but it never became an excuse. As a student, even the simple act of going to school demanded resilience. Worn-out shoes and long walks under unpredictable weather were part of his daily routine, yet he pressed on without complaint. Instead of dwelling on hardship, he focused on moving forward, guided by a quiet determination to succeed and to ease the burden on his family rather than add to it.

“Despite the hardships, I never resented our situation. I remember walking to high school in shoes riddled with holes, lining them with plastic to keep the rain out. When the plastic inevitably failed and my feet soaked through, I simply kept walking. There was no room for complaint, only room for progress. I was driven by a singular, quiet vow: to excel in my studies and avoid trouble so that I would never become a "pabigat"—a burden—to a family that was already giving me their everything."

What his parents lacked in wealth, they more than made up for in what truly mattered—the freedom to dream and the unwavering support to chase those dreams even in the face of hardship, a gift that rooted him deeply in gratitude.

“My parents gave us the greatest gift possible: the freedom to dream and the unwavering support to pursue those dreams despite the weight of poverty. This milestone is a product of that upbringing. My success is less a result of genetics and more a testament to the sheer hard work and the "grit" required to endure years of preparation."

Despite this feat, Dr. Luyun has never forgotten the roots that shaped who he is today and pushed him beyond his limits—Cagayan State University – College of Medicine. These experiences continue to ground his purpose to become a physician who serves the underserved, in honor of his alma mater. His journey underscores that success is never achieved alone; the people behind the scenes matter just as much as individual effort. In the end, it is his deep sense of gratitude and humility that helped carry him to the top.

Years later, that same quiet determination would carry him to one of the country’s most prestigious milestones. His story is not just one of success, but of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring belief that where you begin does not define where you can go. More than a personal victory, his journey now stands as a beacon of hope for countless students who dare to dream beyond their circumstances. In every step he took despite hardship, he carved a path not only for himself, but for others who will one day follow.

✍️ Christine Lisette Sagun
📷 Victoria Kate Garcillan