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By Mikee Natinga Norico

The MLS The CMLS Class of 2025, alongside their faculty, shares a proud moment in a group photo after a heartfelt culminating ceremony celebrating excellence and professional growth.

The CPU College of Medical Laboratory Science held its 3rd Internship Culminating Activity on June 3, 2025, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium to honor the hard work and achievements of the interns, and to recognize their efforts, progress, and the skills they have developed that boosted their confidence and sense of accomplishment as they take one step closer to their professional careers. Themed “Arete in Action: Completing the Path of Excellence,” the event gathered students, faculty, clinical partners, and guests in a heartfelt celebration of dedication, growth, and professional purpose.

The ceremony began with an opening prayer led by Ms. Adrelle Fenn S. Castroverde, RMT, followed by the singing of the National Anthem conducted by Mr. Benjamin Jash L. Brana.

Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the lasting value of both knowledge and attitude in the medical technology profession.

With words of wisdom and encouragement, Dr. Rael A. Dullano uplifts the MLS Class of 2025 during the 3rd Internship Culminating Activity.

“In your professional world, knowledge alone will not be enough to guarantee success. You will meet people who will hinder your progress and others who will challenge you to rise. My point is, attitude is just as important as knowledge. The right attitude will help you collaborate effectively with your peers and contribute meaningfully to your organizations. That’s why you need to arm yourself with the right attitude,” he stated. “The world is already full of misery—go out and be the medicine that brings healing to society.”

Dean Dr. Ma. Corazon P. Porras formally introduced the event’s guest speaker, CPU alumnus Dr. Rael A. Dullano, FPCP, DPAAI, FPSRI, who reminisced about his humble beginnings and journey through CPU, inspiring the interns with personal anecdotes. “Arete is not just a concept. It’s a responsibility,” he said, reminding the batch that excellence comes not only from skill but also from character.

“Behind every diagnosis, there’s you. Behind every life saved, there’s a lab professional ensuring that data is clear, correct, and on time. To the batch of 2025, this is a big step but definitely not the last. More challenges will come, but I know you’re ready to walk forward with both skills and character. Let your work speak not just for excellence but for heart,” he added.

Following his message, Dean Dr. Ma. Corazon P. Porras presented a plaque of appreciation to Dr. Rael A. Dullano in recognition of his contribution to the event. Tokens of appreciation were also awarded to the affiliated training laboratories—Iloilo Mission Hospital (IMH), Medicus Medical Center (MMC), Red Cross – Iloilo Chapter (PRC), and Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC)—in gratitude for their guidance and support throughout the internship period.

A special musical interlude was performed by Ms. Sacil Jaromay and Mr. Charles Lemery, followed by words of appreciation from representatives of the partner hospitals, who shared their admiration for the interns’ professionalism, dedication, and growth during their time in the field.

Best Intern of Class 2025, Joelle Andrea Nuñez (center, wearing white), receives her certificate and medals from CMLS Dean Dr. Ma. Corazon P. Porras and faculty members during the 3rd Internship Culminating Activity.

The highlight of the ceremony was the series of recognitions celebrating the dedication, excellence, and perseverance of the graduating interns. Certificates were awarded to the MLS Interns Organization Officers for the academic year 2024–2025, as well as to the Most Punctual Interns. Selected interns from Iloilo Mission Hospital (IMH) and Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) received medals and certificates, and were recognized as Best Interns in their respective specialized sections, including Bacteriology, Blood Bank, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Microscopy, Hematology, Histopathology, Parasitology, and Serology. Most Outstanding Interns were also honored from Medicus Medical Center (MMC) and the Red Cross – Iloilo Chapter. Joelle Andrea Nuñez received the prestigious Best Intern of Class 2025 award, while the Top 10 performers in the Comprehensive Examination were recognized as the “Exemplars of Arete,” reflecting the core theme of the event.

Representing the Class of 2025, Ms. Jhermein Joy B. Juarez delivered an emotional message as the Voice of the Interns. “We are not just entering a profession,” she said. “We are stepping into a life of purpose.”

She expressed gratitude to the training institutions and acknowledged the strength it took for her batchmates to overcome each challenge on their internship journey.

The program concluded with a video presentation titled “A Tribute to the Journey,” followed by the batch song “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. Mr. Nicole Joie S. Matutina, RMT, gave the closing remarks, and the ceremony ended with the singing of the Alma Mater Song and a thanksgiving prayer by Mrs. Shayne Marie B. Flores, RMT.

The culminating activity served not only as a rite of passage but also as a powerful affirmation of the ideals that CPU instills in its students—excellence, integrity, compassion, and commitment. With heads held high and hearts ready to serve, the MLS Class of 2025 now embarks on a professional journey shaped by both science and soul.