The Caduceus

04/02/2025

"Fruit for the Flies: Poetry of Fonzy Yepis"
By: Jose Mathew M. Roble

"My poetry is like a photograph—not of my physical body, but of my soul at a particular moment in time."

For Fonzy Yepis, poetry isn’t just words on a page—it’s a form of preservation. Much like capturing a fleeting moment through the lens of a camera, his verses freeze fragments of his soul, raw and unfiltered, in time. A second-year medical student at Cebu Institute of Medicine, Fonzy navigates the demanding world of physician training with an ever-present muse: poetry. On a chilly December night, he spoke with The Caduceus about his passion for poetry:

What is poetry to you?
"It’s like photography. When you take a photo of something, you can preserve what that thing was to you in that moment in time forever. My poetry is like a photograph. Not of my physical body, but of my soul, at a particular moment in time. With how difficult physician training can be, I hope I never lose my passion for poetry."

What made you get into poetry?
"I loved to read. After all these years of reading, I wanted to actually contribute to the world of literature—to make poetry like Robert Frost, though I don’t think I’ll ever reach that level. But my main influence would have to be Seamus Heaney. He writes in a relatable, down-to-earth, yet still incredible manner. My favorite work of his would be Mid-Term Break—simple at first glance, but profoundly tragic upon deeper reflection."

What moved you to write Fruit for the Flies?
"It’s the culmination of all my work so far. I started working on it when I was sixteen. Before that, I wasn’t really into writing, but I had a senior high school teacher who encouraged and inspired me. And now, I’ve found the time to compile everything with the intent to publish. Then I heard about The Caduceus and thought, why not?"

Why is it called Fruit for the Flies?
“We associate fruit with something good, something fertile—a positive thing. But with my work, I wanted to express something that was supposed to be good but somehow could no longer be that good. We all have the quality of being good in us. Like freshly picked fruit, it can be beautiful, but eventually, it will rot. Everyone wants something when it’s fresh, but when it’s rotten, only the flies will come to value it, right? To find beauty in what many deem ugly—that’s what I wanted to explore."

Why do you still write poetry?
"It makes me happy. Medical school is stressful, and this is my form of stress relief. It’s not a chore; it’s something I deeply love and cherish. It’s like eating to me. No matter how busy we are, we find a way to eat, right? It’s sustenance to me."

How would you describe yourself?
"I’m a normal guy, an average student, just trying to live."

About the Author
Fonzy Redoble Yepis is a second-year medical student at Cebu Institute of Medicine. When he’s not immersed in his studies, he writes poetry, and illustrates, as both a creative outlet and a form of reflection. He also collects antiques of various kinds, including first edition books and film cameras. The selected works featured here are from his poetry collection, Fruit for the Flies. He drew the accompanying illustrations.

Credits:
Edited by: Jose Mathew M. Roble
Poetry Curation by: Louie S. Singco, Neil Soriano, Maria Jose Almodiel, and Jose Mathew M. Roble
Watermark by: Greg Hernand B. Pesca III

29/01/2025

"The Queen’s Ball: A Night of Regency Grandeur"
By: Maria Jose Almodiel
Photography by: Christian Manto

Under the dazzling glow of chandeliers and amidst the melodies of classical music, the medical students of Cebu Institute of Medicine stepped into a world of Regency-era grandeur. The 21st century faded gracefully into the shadows as corsets, waistcoats, and flowing gowns reigned supreme. The grand hall shimmered with the presence of dashing gentlemen and elegant gentlewomen, each embodying the poise and refinement of Regency society. For tonight, they are not the usual disheveled caffeine-driven medical students but elegant socialites that show delicate charm and gentle refinement.

Dear readers, it is my greatest pleasure to welcome you all to the start of the season. What a night it was! If you were unable to attend, fret not, for, much like Lady Whistledown, I leave no detail untold.

The soirée began at six o’clock sharp on the seventh day of December in the grand setting of The Tent of Mandani Bay. The doors opened to reveal a parade of the most illustrious figures of the season, their entrances marked by gasps of admiration. The early birds set the tone for the evening, including the ever-punctual Ramon Miguel L. Yap and Victor Sherwin C. Yongco (PRECISE), alongside Regina Louelle Masacupan and Jeffrey U. Tuazon (Vitria).

The guests mingled, admired one another’s elegant attire, and commemorated the occasion with lively photo sessions. Circles of friends exchanged compliments over the intricate details of their attires, while others posed for portraits that, in the Regency tradition, would have rivaled the finest paintings of the age.

This year’s Students’ Night was organized by Batch Calvaria, whose efforts transformed the evening into a masterpiece. Batch president Judi Odi shares, “Students’ Night was truly the major obstacle we had to overcome this year. Even before classes began, we were already holding meetings to ensure every detail was meticulously planned. As the night progressed, it was rewarding to see all our hard work come to life.”

The choice of theme—Regency-era elegance inspired by Bridgerton—, was a spark of ingenuity, providing an avenue for students to dress in their finest while enjoying classical renditions of modern songs. "We wanted something formal and timeless for our last Students’ Night, especially knowing this is our last in CIM," said Odi. Behind the grandeur was an amazing effort to fund the event, with bake sales, raffles, and sponsorships paving the way to success.

The ballroom was abuzz as each year level showed off their cotillion dance. With a flourish of violins and the elegant sweep of floor-length gowns, the ladies and gentlemen took to the floor in a display of precision and grace. The Astrologia impressed with their youthful enthusiasm, while the Vitria and Kheiro exhibited cultivated poise. But it was the third-years of Batch Calvaria who stole the show with their refined elegance, earning them the title of Best Court Dance.

The ballroom came alive not only with the cotillion but also with stunning performances from TORCH, AMSA-SOMA, and AMSP. The air buzzed with excitement as the occasional raffle punctuated the festivities, offering fun surprises to lucky attendees.

As the night drew to a close, the much-anticipated announcements were made. The title of Most Eligible Bachelor went to the ever-charming William Anthony T. Diu (Vitria), while the coveted honor of Diamond of the Season was awarded to the radiant Therese Erlyn Napuli (PRECISE).

The Queen herself, Dr. Serah Saphira Allera, bestowed her Queen’s Choice with an air of regal authority.
Beyond the splendor, the evening also upheld the values of the CIM community.

In partnership with Missionaries of the Poor, the students demonstrated their commitment to service through their charitable efforts, representing the ideal of the “Physician with a Heart.” Even amidst the revelry, their dedication to compassion and generosity shone brightly.

As the final notes of the evening played, the students of CIM gathered for their batch photos. “It was a relief to see everything come together," shared Odi. "This night was a testament to the strength and teamwork of our batch."

And so, dear readers, the Queen’s Ball came to an end, leaving behind memories as rich and timeless as the Regency era itself. Until the next grand affair, I remain your ever-watchful observer.

Credits:
Edited by: Jose Mathew M. Roble
Watermark by: Greg Hernand B. Pesca III

17/01/2025

It is a privilege to share the stories and advocacies of the CIM community through our organization.

We are looking forward to continued partnerships with excellent departments such as the Cebu Institute of Medicine Library! 💫

🌟 A Heartfelt Thank You to 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚𝙪𝙨! 🌟

The CIM Library Department extends our sincere gratitude to 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚𝙪𝙨 for sharing copies of the 𝘿𝘼𝙂𝙄𝙏𝘼𝘽 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎𝙇𝙀𝙏𝙏𝙀𝙍. We are honored to receive this wonderful publication.

Your generosity in providing these copies enriches our library's collection and helps inspire future generations of learners. We look forward to sharing this insightful newsletter with our community!

14/01/2025

“DAGITAB NEWSLETTER OUT NOW: CIM’s first student newsletter from The Caduceus”
Illustration by: Anne Therese Jumao-as

The Caduceus proudly presents CIM’s first-ever student newsletter! ✨

This milestone marks a new chapter in sharing the stories, art, and advocacies of our vibrant student body.

💡 Where to grab your copy?
📍 Claim from your batch’s student representatives
📍 Find extras in the library or on The Caduceus Spirit Wall

🔍 Each issue features key excerpts from articles and QR codes to unlock the full stories!

Don’t miss out—be part of history!
Like & follow us on IG and FB: .cim
Let’s celebrate the voices that inspire CIM! ✨

04/12/2024

“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲: 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬”
By: Eloine Red Gudelosao
Photography: Eloine Red Gudelosao and Anthony Luis B. Chua

The journey to becoming a doctor is a meticulous process, one that unfolds in distinct phases — each building upon the last. Every academic year brings new challenges, responsibilities, and skills designed to build a well-rounded physician. To understand this journey, we spoke to the coordinators of different year levels to gain insight into how their unique approaches lay the foundation for students’ growth into healthcare professionals.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓

The most notable characteristic of medical education in the Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM) is its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum, which strongly fosters independent learning. Dr. Gwendolyn Pepito, PBL-1 Coordinator, describes the first year as an “integration of the basic sciences”. It employs horizontal integration of the different core subjects into each unit. She emphasizes the importance of building the foundation of medical education with the basic sciences, saying: “Without the basic knowledge of the normal physiology and structure of the body, you cannot determine what’s happening with the illness of the patient. Laying out the foundation [is] not just for the academics, but also how they [students] manage their different tasks and roles in life — in both the academe and in their individual personal growth [...] They’ll not just be doing the profession, but they have other roles in life”.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓

The second year of Medicine in the Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM), officially called Integrated Clinical Science I, is more commonly referred to as PBL-2. This year is considered by Dr. Mitzi Marie M. Chua — Chair for the Department of Microbiology and Pathology, and Integrated Clinical Science I Coordinator — as the “formative year”. It is during this level of education that students are first exposed to actual patient care. Dr. Chua emphasizes how each of the four basic subjects in ICS I — Medicine 1, Microbiology and Parasitology, and Pharmacology — converge into the application of pathology. Additionally, she goes on correlating emotional intelligence (EQ) to soft skills, such as empathy and professionalism, saying: “These concepts are also closely related to being an independent, self-directed learner, which is a strong background of PBL”.

𝑭𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒚𝒆

Dr. Irelan Amores-Evasco, Coordinator of PBL-3 and of Junior Clerkship for Obstetrics & Gynecology (OBGYN), highlights a unique feature of CIM education: Junior Clerks. At this level of education, students are actually exposed to what Senior Clerks are already doing — from identifying the problem to developing the treatment plan and prognosis and everything in between — except Junior Clerks still have discussions and lectures. This method of education is unique to CIM. “You develop your clinical eye, [which] takes a lot of time [and] patient exposure. Having that early exposure is a distinct advantage compared to other med schools,” Dr. Amores-Evasco says. This integration ensures that students are not only competent in ideal clinical settings, but are also adaptable in resource-challenged environments. Dr. Amores-Evasco explains that when you go to the provinces and barrios in the Philippines – a third world country — you don’t have the ideal set up. “You rely on your clinical eye and what you learn. If you have the basics, that would take care of most of the treatment for the patient”.

𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆

As of the Academic Year 2024–2025, CIM has joined the leagues of other prestigious Philippine educational institutions by implementing an accelerated six-year path for Medicine. Dr. Michael James Busa imparted “The Parable of the Town Beyond the Riverbend” to the pioneering batch for the PRECISE program at the start of the school year, which inculcates his vision as the program Coordinator — “You tell them the greater picture — the forest, rather than the trees — then maybe they will say, ‘Okay, I will take care of the community more, be more conscious of the community, rather than just [the] individual’.” Dr. Busa goes on to emphasize the significance of the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Law on the curriculum: “The mindset now is that, not only will they finish medicine [as medicine] in treating patients, but they are mindful of [the] universal healthcare, wherein it’s cheaper to keep the community healthy, rather than to treat a sick community[...] Universal healthcare is to provide healthcare for everybody.”

𝑨 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎’𝒔 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚

As a proud graduate of the PBL curriculum, Dr. Jose Joshua Borrreros now stands at the helm as a PRECISE faculty member, shaping the next generation of doctors. Reflecting on their time as a student, Dr. Borreros emphasizes the impact of the curriculum in being a self-directed learner and becoming resilient: “There will really be a time when you will be on your own and you have to solve your problems by yourself, you do your critical thinking by yourself [...]There will be a lot of failures, mishaps, or maybe difficulties along the way. How do we cope up with these failures and difficulties in school? This also translates for you to become a good clinician in the future — that despite all the difficulties, all the schedules, and hardships, you will still look at the silver lining of everything.”
Dr. Borreros goes on to share his thoughts on the newly implemented PRECISE program, stating: “With the advent of the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Law, it’s not just how we readjust how our healthcare system is delivered, but, of course, how we train our health workforce, which is our doctors, that will ultimately root on how medical education is constructed or how it is designed.” He later goes on to say that, in the PRECISE program curriculum, public health subjects are incorporated to show the students a glimpse of our healthcare system, how it can be improved upon, as well as provide an avenue for them to mature and think about the reality

𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏

Medicine is not just a science; it’s an art — an art that CIM weaves into its curriculum at each level of education. CIM remains steadfast in its mission to produce not just competent physicians, but compassionate healers in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. From nurturing curiosity and critical thinking to instilling clinical expertise and genuine empathy, each year of education brings students closer to becoming the kind of doctor our community needs. It is this balance of competence and compassion that defines the legacy of CIM and its graduates.

Credits:
Interviewers: Eloine Red Gudelosao and Rey T. Arcenas
Edited by: Sophia Maria Aguedda T. Enage and Maria Jose Almodiel
Watermark by: Greg Hernand B. Pesca III

30/11/2024

“Heart and Science: CIM’s Mission to Mold Compassionate Physicians for Cebu”
By: Nathaly R. Atabay
Photography by: Anthony Luis B. Chua

"At CIM, we don’t just train doctors; we mold 'Physicians with a Heart' who understand the intricate balance of medical science and genuine care," says Dr. Christina Gravador, Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) at the Cebu Institute of Medicine. This guiding philosophy underpins CIM’s approach to medical education, as the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) dedicates itself to nurturing not only clinical proficiency but also the compassion and empathy essential to community-centered healthcare.

DFCM’s unique curriculum is built around what Dr. Gravador describes as “the biopsychosocial approach in patient-centered and family-focused care,” fostering a holistic understanding of healthcare’s role within patients' lives and communities. By going beyond standard medical training and instilling empathy for the social determinants of health, CIM students are prepared to serve the Cebuano community with a profound sense of purpose.

Building “Physicians with a Heart”

With a commitment to preparing students who embody CIM’s vision of a “Physician with a Heart,” DFCM immerses students in practical training from the outset. “Our students actively engage in community health projects, public health initiatives, and programs like Clinico-Sociological Conferences,” Dr. Gravador explains. These activities enrich students with real-world understanding of healthcare, fostering skills in family care, preventive health, and the ability to address community-specific health challenges.

The Transformative Community Medicine Rotation

One of the most impactful aspects of CIM’s training is the two-month community medicine rotation for senior clerks. This period represents a culmination of their education, integrating years of foundational knowledge into a hands-on community setting. During this time, students work on public health projects, assess community health needs, and learn the invaluable lesson of empathy.

Their rotation concludes with a family case presentation at the Clinico-Sociological Conference, where they apply holistic approaches and primary healthcare principles to explore health and wellness within a community context. “It’s during this rotation,” Dr. Gravador says, “that students understand the importance of addressing social determinants and advocating for better access to healthcare services.” This immersive experience profoundly shapes students' ability to serve as compassionate community healthcare providers, preparing them to make a real difference in the Cebuano community.

Compassion and Community Exposure

For CIM, balancing academic excellence with compassionate care is essential. Community exposure is woven into the training process, where students encounter patients from various socioeconomic backgrounds and learn to navigate the social complexities that affect health outcomes. “Our clerks visit families, collaborate with local leaders, and engage government officials in health program discussions,” Dr. Gravador shares. This level of engagement teaches future physicians the value of interdisciplinary teamwork and advocacy, ensuring they emerge from CIM not only as capable clinicians but also as empathetic leaders dedicated to the well-being of their communities.

Molding Cebu’s Future Physicians

As CIM’s Department of Family and Community Medicine continues to evolve, its commitment to shaping doctors who are both skilled and kind-hearted remains steadfast. With an emphasis on partnerships, adaptability to healthcare’s changing landscape, and a strong culture of mentorship, CIM graduates are prepared to meet the complex challenges of modern healthcare with both expertise and compassion. As Dr. Gravador passionately states, CIM is more than just a medical school—it’s a place where doctors with heart are born, ready to make a meaningful impact on Cebu’s future.

Credits:
Edited by: Neil Soriano, Louie S. Singco, Maria Jose Almodiel
Watermark by: Greg Hernand B. Pesca III

23/11/2024

"Kheiro’s Hand of Victory at CIM Intramurals 2024"
By: Maria Jose Almodiel
Photography by: Patricia Busa

The CIM Intramurals 2024 came to an exciting close on October 26 at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, marking the end of two thrilling days filled with fierce competition, teamwork, and camaraderie.

The closing ceremony began with the awarding of medals and trophies, as players proudly stepped forward to claim their well-earned recognition. Cheers and applause echoed as the winning teams—Kheiro, Vitria, Calvaria, and Astroglia—were celebrated for their exceptional performances in various events.

Kheiro triumphed as overall champions, securing 1st place after a remarkable comeback from last year’s 2nd place finish. Their combination of skill, strategy, and determination was undeniable, and the pride on their faces as they lifted the trophy marked the pinnacle of their journey.

Vitria, finishing in 2nd place, gave Kheiro a tough challenge with their fierce and focused performance. Their energy and unwavering determination earned them recognition and pride as they stepped up to the podium.

Calvaria, the defending champions, took 3rd place this year. Though they didn’t secure back-to-back victories, their solid performance and sportsmanship earned them respect. Their graceful play throughout the event showcased their commitment and left a lasting impression on all.

Astroglia, the youngest team, didn’t place in the top three but captured hearts with their vibrant energy and creative chants. Their joy and enthusiasm made them fan favorites, and they left everyone excited for what’s to come next year.

The closing ceremony was more than just about awards; it was a celebration of friendship, sportsmanship, and unforgettable memories. For the students, it offered a much-needed break from the pressures of medical school, allowing them to relax, have fun, and bond with their peers.

With the event behind them, the CIM community eagerly awaits next year’s intramurals, already buzzing with excitement for what’s to come in 2025.

Credits:
Edited and Published by: Maria Jose Almodiel
Watermark by: Greg Hernand B. Pesca III

23/11/2024

“Kheiro Dominates to Grab Gold in Women’s Basketball 3x3 Championship!”
By: Maria Jose Almodiel
Photography by: Anthony Luis B. Chua

In a thrilling showdown at the 2024 CIM Intramurals, Kheiro claimed the Women’s Basketball Championship with a dominant 15-4 victory over Vitria. The intense final game, held last October 25 at the Sacred Heart School Basketball Court, left fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The tension at the court was electric as these two formidable teams, each hungry for victory, pushed the limits of intensity and athleticism in a showdown to remember.

With just six minutes left, Vitria broke the ice, with player Carla Banks scoring a point and setting the stage for an intense back-and-forth. Kheiro swiftly retaliated, tying the game and turning up the pressure on an already charged court. Spectators sensed they were witnessing a classic—two titans locked in a struggle where every play, every pass, and every point counted.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Kheiro scored four consecutive points, creating a gap that Vitria struggled to close. Team captain, Myreq Legaspino, and Kaye Ladesma continued the team Kheiro’s offensive streak, adding point after point as the clock ticked down.

Despite the setback, Vitria never lost their fighting spirit. Player Nicole Anne Flores gave her all on the court but suffered an unfortunate injury in the second half. With one player down and no immediate substitute available, the team was on the verge of conceding. However, in a stroke of luck, they were able to find a substitute from another team. Vitria fought on, Team captain Nelle Allison Tan led her team to push through to the very end of the game.

Kheiro’s unstoppable momentum carried them to the finish line. The game closed with a final score of 15-4, sealing Kheiro’s place as champions. Vitria’s spirit and determination were undeniable, but Kheiro’s explosive finale left no doubt.

Credits:
Edited and Published by: Maria Jose Almodiel
Watermark by: Greg Hernand B. Pesca III

23/11/2024

"Calvaria Clutches Parlor Games After Intense Matches"
By: Rey T. Arcenas
Photography By: Greg Hernand B. Pesca III, Louie Singco, and Anthony Luis B. Chua

The parlor game athletes of the Cebu Institute of Medicine from the four nations assembled on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Sacred Heart School - Jesuit (Old Campus) for an incredible display of coordination and teamwork. In just four events—Chase the Dragon, Chinese Garter, Human Caterpillar, and Hook the Ring—our parlor game players won the hearts of the audience as they cheered enthusiastically for their respective batches.

While the Human Caterpillar and Hook the Ring events brought on some much needed laughter toward the end of the first day of intramurals, it was the Chase the Dragon and Chinese Garter events that truly stole the show. The aggressive plays from Astroglia during Chase the Dragon surprised everyone including the rest of the teams, as opponents were swiftly and methodically eliminated.

Tensions heightened even more so with Chinese Garter as the elastic band was raised higher and higher. All players from every batch went all out– injuries were sustained, substitutions were made, as the team mothers rallied to save their group—until only Vitria and Calvaria remained. The garter only went higher up, and the crowd grew louder when Vitria batch President William Anthony Diu unveiled an impressive series of cartwheels to continue the fight against Calvaria. However, the ease by which the Calvaria’s members seemed to clear the garter caused the competition to run longer than expected, with William’s cartwheels perfectly keeping pace. Eventually, the event ended in a tie between the Vitria and Calvaria and parlor games disbanded until the afternoon.

The Human Caterpillar and Hook the Ring events showcased the dominance of Calvaria with teamwork and communication as they placed first in both events. Kheiro placed second with Human Caterpillar and Vitria placed second with Hook the Ring.

In the final tally, Calvaria placed first in the Parlor Games event with Vitria coming in second, and Kheiro and Astroglia tied for third.

Credits:
Edited and Published by: Kate Gaylil Galvan
Watermark by: Greg Hernand B. Pesca III

15/11/2024

"A Ritual of Respect: The Cadaver Blessing"
By: Eloine Red Gudelosao
Photography by: William Anthony Diu

In a quiet moment of reverence, the Anatomy Department Faculty of the Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM) came together with the first-year and PRECISE APMed students on October 31, 2024. Gathered in the Anatomy Laboratory, they paid tribute to the individuals whose remains serve as invaluable resources for medical education, honoring their silent contributions to the pursuit of knowledge and healing.

"We must afford the same respect toward the dead as we do the living," said Ms. Pau Derilo, a first-year student. "Every opportunity to interact with an actual human cadaver is a blessing and one of the best ways to prepare for becoming a competent physician in the future."

Another first-year student, Ms. Niña Maria P. Berame described the occasion as eye-opening and humbling, “It made me realize that the human body is so intricate and complex, and that I am privileged to be able to study it and learn more than just science from the cadavers.”

The first-year president, Mr. William Anthony T. Diu, went on to say, “To quote Father Ric Pitogo, ‘…we blessed the cadavers — or remains of the beloved dead — to honor them and to honor the almighty God for allowing us to understand His creations through people.’ We honor them by acknowledging that before they were vessels for learning, they were humans who roamed and lived on this Earth before us and are not devoid of thought and purpose. This blessing ceremony, I believe, has deepened our respect for the cadavers we utilize and has allowed my batchmates to value everything that we do during Anatomy Lab. Through this profound understanding, I feel that the students will incorporate a sense of integrity, respect, and responsibility in the conduct of their respective dissections, recognizing the privilege they possess in learning anatomy through physical, tangible human specimens.”

As Fr. Pitogo finished blessing the cadavers and imparted his final message, a sense of peace and gratitude filled the air. This solemn ceremony underscored the significance of honoring human life, even in its death. It served as a powerful reminder of the privilege and responsibility inherent in medical education, encouraging students to approach their studies with humility, respect, and deep appreciation for the lives that continue to teach them. Through this ceremony, they were reminded not only of the delicate balance between life and death but also of the enduring impact each life has in advancing the knowledge and compassion of future healers.

Credits:

Edited by: Neil Soriano, Louie S. Singco, Martina Christine F. Realino, and Kate Gaylil Galvan
Photography by: William Anthony T. Diu
Photo Curation by: Sophia Maria Aguedda T. Enage
Watermark by: Greg Hernand B. Pesca III