29/05/2026
โThe white coat carries honor, but it also requires you to carry certain responsibilities. It asks you to uphold integrity even when no one is watching. Remain compassionate even when you are tired.โ
These powerful words from University of Southeastern Philippines President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales Jr. echoed throughout the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center as the USeP School of Medicine formally concluded its 3rd White Coat Ceremony for Batch Sigay on May 28, 2026 ,a defining milestone that signalled the studentsโ transition from classroom learning to clinical training.
The ceremony gathered University officials and proud families in celebration of the future physicians of Batch Sigay. Present during the event were USeP President Dr. Gabales, USeP Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jeneifer C. Nueva, USeP TagumโMabini Campus (TMC) Chancellor Dr. Shirley S. Villanueva, Dean of School of Medicine Dr. Victoria P. Guillano, TMC Administrative Services Head Ms. Sharmie S. Cuarte, faculty and staff of the School of Medicine, and the parents and loved ones of the medical students.
In her welcome message, Dean Guillano reminded the students that the white coat symbolizes more than academic achievement. โAs you wear your white coat today, always remember that it stands for more than academics and training; it represents responsibility, trust, compassion, and service. From this point on, patients will start looking at you not just as students, but as a part of the healthcare team of the hospital,โ she emphasized.
Delivering his message of inspiration, President Gabales challenged the students to remain grounded in purpose and humanity as they continue their medical journey. He reminded them that medicine demands not only intellect, but also endurance, humility, and compassion in moments of uncertainty and sacrifice. He urged the future doctors to remember the dreams that brought them into medicine, the sacrifices of their families, and the communities that will one day depend on their competence and character.
Representing Davao Regional Medical Center Medical Center Chief II Dr. Bryan O. Dalid, Dr. Rosa Beatriz S. Diaz underscored the deeper meaning behind the donning of the white coat and pinning ceremony. She stressed that the symbols they received represent trust, accountability, and readiness to stand closer to the lives of patients who will someday rely on their medical judgment and compassionate care.
Meanwhile, VPAA Nueva expressed pride in the students as they reached a milestone in their medical education. She highlighted that the ceremony reflects the studentsโ readiness to apply the theories and principles they learned in the classroom to actual clinical settings.
Chancellor Villanueva likewise encouraged Batch Sigay to embrace the demands of the profession with courage and empathy. She emphasized that the journey toward becoming physicians is never easy, but every challenge they have overcome has prepared them for the responsibility of bringing healing, comfort, and hope to future patients.
The program also highlighted the presentation of the USeP School of Medicine Clerkship Program by Assistant Clinical Clerkship Program Coordinator Dr. Maryrose B. Rendon, who introduced the assigned medical clerk groups. Chair of the Department of Gross Anatomy and Legal Medicine Dr. Marites L. Domingo provided an overview and rationale for the pinning and white coat ceremony, emphasizing its significance in shaping the professional identity of future physicians.
One of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony was the formal pinning and donning of white coats, symbolizing the studentsโ transition into the clinical phase of their medical education. Following this, Dr. Andrea Isabel T. Contreras, the Head of Research, led the Oath of Humanistic Care, during which Batch Sigay pledged to uphold ethical, compassionate, and patient-centered medical practices. The ceremony also recognized the top-performing students from Levels I-III for the Academic Year 2025โ2026, celebrating their academic excellence and dedication.
Representing Batch Sigay, Class President Mr. Louise Steven R. Entorum delivered a heartfelt response, expressing gratitude to the faculty, families, and mentors who have guided them throughout their journey. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Love Joy M. Ferraren, who reminded the students to carry not only knowledge and skills but also empathy and humility as they progress in their medical training.
In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 4: Quality Education, the White Coat Ceremony reaffirmed USePโs commitment to producing competent, ethical, and compassionate healthcare professionals capable of addressing the evolving health needs of communities.
More than just a ceremonial tradition, the White Coat Ceremony served as a solemn reminder that medicine is both a privilege and a lifelong commitment to humanity. As Batch Sigay steps into the next chapter of its journey, it carries not only the honor of the white coat but also the responsibility to heal with integrity, serve with compassion, and lead with unwavering purpose in the pursuit of better healthcare for all.
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