371 MMSU CHS students confirmed as clinical graduates

By Ian Paul Villanueva
The Mariano Marcos State University - College of Health Sciences (CHS) confirmed 371 clinical graduates of its three undergraduate programs in a ceremony held on June 5 at the MMSU Teatro Ilocandia.
The CHS Class of 2026 is composed of 208 candidates from the BS in Nursing, 94 from the BS in Pharmacy, and 69 from the BS in Physical Therapy programs.
Serving as the guest of honor and speaker was Mr. Paul Marvin Quizon, Regulatory Execution Hub Lead for Australia, New Zealand, and Korea at Pfizer Inc. Philippines. In his message, he challenged the graduates to prioritize integrity over accolades in their future practice of their professions.
"Society will look to you not only for knowledge and skills, but integrity, empathy, and leadership in these most difficult times," Mr. Quizon said. "Titles and awards will be forgotten, but what a person you are and what you do for others will always be remembered. Let excellence guide you, let humility shape you, and let service define your career."
He further emphasized the critical responsibility the students now bear, reminding them that "we do not want shortcuts in healthcare, because lives of patients are at stake if we cut corners."
MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., officially confirmed the graduates. In his address, he reminded the graduates to value work ethic above mere intellect.
“As you move forward to the next chapter of your lives, remember that success does not always require extraordinary talent or an exceptionally high IQ. All you need is consistency that is built on discipline and perseverance,” Dr. Manzano stated.
Concluding the clinical graduation was CHS batch 2026 valedictorian Ms. Rachel Anne Valera, who reflected on the rigor of their academic journey as students. “Now that we are on top of the mountain... may we use the view not just to admire ourselves but to see the world that is waiting for us to serve,” she said.
The clinical graduation of the CHS graduates paves the way for the Academic Excellence Awards, which will recognize the university’s honor graduates on June 8 and the Commencement Exercises on June 11.