The Social Hall of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) last July 24 had been filled with crimson regalia for the Baccalaureate of the graduation of the pioneering batch of the College of Medicine symbolizing a promise fulfilled, a beautiful hope for the future, and an accountability for the advancement for primary health care. The university sends off its 46 graduates through religious service as they embark and face new challenges towards their path of becoming doctors for the people.
In her heartfelt address, University President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena known for her steady leadership, deep compassion, and quiet strength thanked the faculty of medicine, the staff, and everyone who worked hard behind the scenes to make the graduation possible. She reminded the graduates that this moment wasn’t theirs alone, but a shared victory of a community that continues to believe in education, service, and hope.
The interfaith service was led by Rev. Fr. Aldrin M. Castilliones, Director of Claret School of Zamboanga; Sheik Ali Imran Al-Raschid Arsad, Educator and Translator from the UP Institute of Islamic Studies; and Pastor Daryl Jane B. Barrios, Senior Pastor of the Sea Gentiles for Christ Ministries.
Fr. Castilliones has emphasized to look at the past, future, and present. He acknowledged that the study of medicine is not easy because it is filled with challenges, trials, and difficulties at a point of giving up. Moreover, according to him there may have a lot of things that made them pause and reevaluate themselves if they would continue with the course or journey. He said, “We look back with gratitude because the things that happened, happened for a particular purpose or reason.”
“We look at the future with hopefulness because lives will be entrusted in your capacity to heal not only physically but on the totality of the person who is sick,” he said. He added that if they come to a point of discouragement or dismay, they should go back to their past and ask themselves why they wanted to become a doctor.
Most importantly, he also mentioned, “If you want to be accountable and reliable be in touched with the present.” He advised the graduates that the present is a gift, and not being in touched with it is being selfish. He highlighted that a wrong diagnosis can be rooted from not being in the present.
Sheik Arsad strengthened the idea that in Islam, we are all children of Adam. According to him, “In Islam, we do not subscribe to the human evolution theory where we are believed that we originated from apes. Instead we believe that we are all children of Adam.” As children of Adam, we are all vicegerent on earth. “None of you truly believers in Allah until he loves for his brother, he loves for himself,” he added.
The principle that is being conversed in this is empathy. Sheik Arsad asked the graduates, “As future doctors of this country, as first batch of doctors from WMSU, how will this concept of empathy change you for the better future?” He continued on saying that may the principle of empathy be with them for the advancement of our primary health care in the country.
Pstr. Barrios quoted the Bible in Joshua 6:7 where the City of Jericho where conquered even when it was hard to conquer. “Was it easy to conquer? No. But did they? Yes. Was it easy for WMSU to have the College of Medicine? No. But here we are,” she proudly said.
She strengthened her statement with 3 reassuring truths from Isaiah 43:5-21 which said, “God did it before, God is doing something new, and God will make a way in the wilderness.”
As the crimson robes shimmered under the social hall’s light, they did not just represent a rite of passage but a living symbol of courage, community, and calling. (Atty. MA Tamon- PAO)
