The MMSU College of Medicine (COM) hosted the 9th Association of Philippine Medical Colleges - Student Network (APMC-SN) Luzon Regional Academic, Sports, and Cultural Festival held at the university main campus last November 28 to December 1.

With the theme "Dinnanggay: Building up one another, achieving more, together," this annual regional convention aimed to showcase the talents of the future doctors while fostering solidarity among the medical schools in Luzon.

This year's regional convention gathered a total of 501 delegates from nine medical schools in Luzon -- MMSU, Angeles University Foundation, Cagayan State University, Lyceum Northwestern University, La Consolacion University Philippines, St. Louis University in Baguio, St. Paul University Philippines, University of the Northern Philippines, and Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation. Gracing the opening ceremonies were MMSU vice president for academic affairs Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco and COM dean Dr. Ricardo S. Guanzon.

The event featured plenary sessions, planning workshop,and various academic, cultural, and sports competitions.

"Those something new in this year's regional convention are the launching of the debate tournament and the search for Mr. and Ms. APMC-SN Luzon 2019," said Addielou Fidelfio Abad, regional convention committee head.

The academic competitions were medical quiz bee, debate tournament, clinic-pathologic case, and research conference, while cultural events were the med-groove dance contest, med-rhythmia chorale competition, and the pageantry. There were also sports competitions in basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, chess, scrabbles, and athletics.

Aside from the competitions, the participants also visited various tourist spots in Ilocos Norte such as the Bangui Windmills, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Malacanang of the North, and Paoay Church.

"This year's theme was inspired by the unity of the APMC-SN Luzon member-universities," Abad explained, adding that "we are working hard together, with our heads and hearts, to step up and take the lead as one organization."