Davao Doctors Advised to Learn From Failures, Live In The Real World

Davao Doctors College’s 37^th Commencement Exercises was far from mediocre. Held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier in the afternoon of April 4, 2014, the air was filled with glee and excitement as the 287 graduates with their parents marched on the aisle. The ceremony was opened by DDC President and CEO, Mr. Miguel D. Soledad, MBM, MPA by inspiring the graduates to be a good leader, having empathy for others and how failure isn’t something that awful. “Sometimes you can learn from your failures than your successes.”

Dr. Maria Leah F. Villano, Vice president for Academic Affairs introduced the commencement speaker, Hon. Jan Rey Gabina, a councilor of Panabo City, who stood in the place of Congressman Antonio F. Lagdameo, Jr. Nonetheless, Hon. Lagdameo’s message to the graduates was one for the books. He talked of how the generation today is surrounded by technology and how easy it is for everyone to get caught up in it. He advised graduates saying, “Live in the real world, not in the virtual world.”

College Dean for Medical Entrepreneurship, Ms. Mary Ann Concepcion C. Pia and Mr. Joshua P. Sero, the College Dean of Allied Health Sciences presented the candidates for graduation, who were conferred their degrees by the DDC Pres. Miguel D. Soledad. The imposition of hoods followed; a scene so overwhelming to see. Parents and guardians placed the hoods on the graduates with so much joy and pride.

Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus, Dr. Honorio S. Hilario with Pres. Soledad, assisted by Dr. Maria Leah F. Villano, and Ms. Camila L. Likit, gave out the diplomas. The distribution of institutional awards and academic excellence awards followed. The Magna Cum Laude award was given to Elaine Jane L. Bioc, BS in Radiologic Technology who was also awarded the Outstanding Radiologic Technology Graduate Award and Sen. Manny Villar Academic Excellence Award.

The Cum Laude Awardees were:

1. Airan Kerby T. Sta. Rita- BS Hospitality Management & Outstanding Hospitality Management Graduate

2. Kevin Ace N. Artil- BS in Radiologic Technology

3. Rugane R. Francisco, Jr.- BS Radiologic Technology

4. Jomari M. Campana- BS Radiologic Technology

5. Charmaine J. Domingo- BS Radiologic Technology

6. Koji Jose D. Shibazaki- BS Radiologic Technology

7. Justin Poll Benedict C. Manalang- BS Physical Therapy

The Outstanding Graduate Awardees include:

1. Hazel Faye A. Lucero- BS Psychology

2. Almotayri L. Ibrahim- BS Nursing

3. Derek Dale A. Bayquen- BS Physical Therapy

The Institutional Awardees received each a plaque from DDC and a medallion from the DDCAA President Ralph Augustus Manaois, RRT. The awardees were:

1. Estifanny A. Macaraeg, RRT- 4^th place in the June 2013 Radtech Licensure Exams

2. Renille June B. Damaso, RRT- 6^th place in the June 2013 Radtech Licensure Exams

3. Marion Lee T. Aranjuez- 10^th place in the June 2013 Radtech Licensure Exams

4. Glenda A. Sumale- 2^nd place in the November 2013 Radtech Licensure Exams

5. Jeffrey Roy A. Lopez, RN, MAN- 8^th place in the September 2013 Licensure Exams for teachers, Secondary Level

Ms. Sarah May S. Ko, BSHM graduate was also given her business permit for being the Champion of the Business Plan Competition 2014. She also received a seed money of P100,000.00 for her business, Desserts by Sarah.

The Radiologic Technology Department through Mr. Joshua P. Sero were also given recognition for attaining a 100% Passing Rate in the June 2013 Radiologic Technology Licensure Exams. Another plaque of recognition was given to the Nursing Department for being granted LEVEL IV- the highest accreditation status in the country by the PACUCOA.