Mariano Marcos
State University

CVM holds first white coat ceremony, third pinning rites

By Mark Stephen Ballog, 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳

Four years after its establishment in 2022, the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) honored its pioneer cohort during the inaugural White Coat Ceremony and held its 3rd Pinning Ceremony for its third-year students on July 30 at the Teatro Ilocandia.

The dual ceremony signifies the students' shift from theoretical knowledge to practical application, putting their years' worth of classroom experience to work in real-world simulations. 

With the theme "WISER in White: Upholding Wisdom, Integrity, Service, Empathy, and Responsibility as Future Veterinary Professionals," the white coat ceremony celebrated the academic and professional transition of Batch Katala, composed of 14 DVM clinicians as they formally entered the clinical phase of their degree program.

Dr. Monaliz Nagrampa, chairperson of the Department of Basic Sciences, noted that the White Coat Ceremony marks a pivotal transition as students move from classroom instruction to applying their skills in real-world clinical settings. She further encouraged the pioneer batch to embrace every clinical experience with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

University President Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., in his message, recounted the college's founding and challenged the pioneers to achieve a 100% passing rate in the 2028 Veterinary Licensure Examination, aiming to cement MMSU’s status as a top-tier veterinary institution.

The ceremony's guest speaker, Dr. Ramonito Baltazar, city veterinarian of Batac, further inspired the clinicians by reminding the students that veterinary medicine is not only a profession but also a lifelong commitment to serving communities through animal health, food safety, disease prevention, and public service.

Named after the "Katala", a critically endangered Philippine red-vented cockatoo native to our islands, the batch represents resilient survivors. They serve as a hope not only for the animals they will heal but also for the college they have helped build from the ground up.

Meanwhile, the twenty-four 3rd-year DVM students of Batch Tandikan formally entered the professional phase of their veterinary education during the program’s Third Pinning Ceremony. With the theme "Pinned with a Purpose, Inspired to Succeed”, the annual event symbolized the students' transition from pre-veterinary studies to veterinary medicine proper.

In his welcome remarks, College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Melvin A. Bagot expressed his gratitude to the parents for entrusting the education of their children to MMSU. Addressing the students, he reminded them of the commitment they made when they chose veterinary medicine as their profession.

"You promised to pursue excellence, serve with integrity, and always place the welfare of animals, people, and society at the heart of your profession," Dr. Bagot said, urging the students to remain steadfast in these ideals as they advance in their academic and professional journey.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal emphasized in his message the profound significance of the ceremonial pin. "A pin is small, but what it represents is not small—it is big; it is great. It symbolizes the trust you are earning every day through knowledge, judgment, and compassion," Dr. Cajigal said. 

He further highlighted the indispensable role of veterinarians in society, noting that the profession extends beyond animal healthcare to promoting public health, food security, agricultural development, and community well-being.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Donna Mae Rosario, Provincial Veterinarian of Ilocos Sur and an alumnus of Benguet State University, encouraged the students to remain anchored in their purpose as they continue their journey toward becoming Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.

Named after the Palawan Peacock-pheasant, Batch Tandikan symbolizes the students' commitment to the interconnectedness of animal welfare, human health, and the environment.