Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU lauds 22 new physicians, celebrates COM’s perfect passing rate

By Myrrha Prima Rosa Muli

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) held a testimonial ceremony on November 12 to honor its 22 new physicians after the College of Medicine (COM) delivered a 100% passing rate in the October 2026 Physicians Licensure Examination, surpassing the national passing rate of 93.66%.

The ceremony celebrated the achievement while underscoring the responsibility that comes with entering the medical profession, particularly the duty to serve patients with competence, compassion, and integrity.

In his message, University President Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr. challenged the new physicians to always accompany medical expertise with empathy, especially in caring for the poor, the vulnerable, and underserved communities.

“Do not merely live with the title of being a board passer. Strive, every single day, to be a good-hearted and deeply compassionate doctor,” he said.

Keynote speaker Hon. Mary Chrislyn Abadlila, M.D., Mayor of the Municipality of Banna, likewise emphasized that earning a medical license only marks the beginning of a physician’s responsibility to the public.

“Today, you have earned your license to practice medicine. Tomorrow and for the rest of your lives, you must earn the trust of the people who place their lives on your hands. That is where the real journey begins,” she said.

Congratulatory video messages were also delivered by Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos; Dr. Joven Cuanang, COM consultant; Dr. Jose Cueto Jr., founding dean of COM; Dr. Ricardo Guanzon, former COM dean; and Dr. Maria Lourdes Otayza, Medical Center Chief of the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center.

The latest achievement of this batch adds to COM’s track record of producing graduates with 100% passing rates in the Physicians Licensure Examination. With the 22 newly licensed physicians expanding the pool of MMSU-trained medical professionals, the university continues to carry forward its contribution to the country’s healthcare workforce.

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