The Palawan State University School of Medicine (SOM) marked its 1st Foundation Anniversary and Medicine Week with a vibrant celebration under the theme “PSU Medicine is aweSOMe: Aspire, Perspire, Inspire.” The event was a showcase of the university’s commitment to excellence in medical education and its dedication to producing compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals.
The program kicked off with a warm welcome address delivered by Dr. Maila N. Lucero, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Officer-in-Charge of the Office of University President (OIC-OUP), and representative of the university president. Dr. Lucero highlighted the significance of the theme and emphasized the importance of aspiring to greatness, persevering through challenges, and inspiring others.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Faye Erika R. Querijero-Labrador, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), representing Hon. V. Dennis M. Socrates, Governor of Palawan. Dr. Querijero-Labrador praised the SOM for its contributions to the healthcare community and encouraged the students to continue to strive for excellence in their studies.
Dr. Helen S. Sigua, Dean of the School of Medicine, took the stage to share the remarkable achievements and accomplishments of the SOM throughout the year. She highlighted the school’s academic excellence, research initiatives, and community engagement programs. Since its inception, the SOM has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding its student body and faculty to meet the increasing demand for quality medical education in the region. The pioneering batch, Antigo 2027, comprised of 15 aspiring doctors known as “Doktor Para Sa Bayan” scholars, laid the foundation for the school’s success. These dedicated individuals, all MSRS scholars, exemplified the SOM’s commitment to producing compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals. Building upon the achievements of the first batch, the SOM has welcomed the second batch, class of 2028, which consists of 50 students. This substantial increase in enrollment reflects the growing recognition of the SOM’s reputation for excellence in medical education. To support the expanded student body, the school has invested in a team of 17 full-time faculty members and mentors. These individuals possess exceptional qualifications and are dedicated to providing students with a world-class learning experience. The SOM’s commitment to quality is evident in its ongoing efforts to align its curriculum and standards with international and local benchmarks. By calibrating its programs to meet these rigorous requirements, the SOM ensures that its graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the medical field. In addition to academic excellence, the SOM is actively engaged in extension works, contributing to the health and well-being of the community. These initiatives involve outreach programs, medical missions, and community health education initiatives, demonstrating the school’s commitment to social responsibility. To further enhance the learning environment, the SOM has prioritized the procurement of more learning resources. This includes state-of-the-art equipment, updated textbooks, and access to online databases. By investing in these resources, the SOM aims to provide students with the tools they need to succeed in their studies.
An intermission number performed by the pioneering batch of SOM students added a touch of joy and excitement to the celebration. Their performance showcased their talent and dedication, reflecting the positive impact of the SOM’s medical education.
Engr. Jerico Padrones, Director of the Integrated Planning, Quality Assurance, and Internal Audit Office (IPQAIAO), delivered the closing remarks. He summarized the key highlights of the celebration and reaffirmed the SOM’s commitment to the theme “PSU Medicine is aweSOMe.” He also expressed his anticipation for the continued growth and success of the school.
The Foundation Anniversary and Medicine Week celebration kick-off program was a resounding success, reflecting the SOM’s dedication to producing outstanding healthcare professionals and its commitment to the theme “PSU Medicine is aweSOMe.” The event served as a reminder of the school’s positive impact on the community and its unwavering pursuit of excellence.
