CSU HOLDS FINAL RITES FOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, CLOSES 2025 ACADEMIC CONVOCATION WITH 7,734 GRADUATES

July 28, 2025 – Cagayan State University (CSU) officially concluded its 2025 academic convocation season with the graduation of 59 students from the Doctor of Medicine program of the College of Medicine, held at the CSU Carig Campus, bringing the total number of graduates across all campuses to 7,734.

The event was graced by guest speaker Dr. Marites M. Buturan, Dean of the College of Medicine at Isabela State University and a proud CSU alumna.

Addressing the graduates, she highlighted the irreplaceable value of compassion in the medical profession. “Artificial intelligence and robotics will continue to evolve, but no chatbot will ever replace the human touch—your warmth, your comfort, your hope,” she emphasized.

OIC University President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, in his Charge to the Graduates, highlighted the opportunities and challenges in the Philippine healthcare system, from the rise of telemedicine and health tourism to the country’s chronic shortage of medical professionals.

Dr. Ibañez urged the graduates to lead with empathy and integrity, and to champion innovation, particularly in communities with limited access to healthcare. “Many of our health workers are overworked, and many of our people remain underserved. But this is where your journey becomes meaningful, where your purpose begins,” he said.

Class Valedictorian Dr. Reynante M. De Leon, in his Address of Thanks, recounted the challenges they faced amid the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed gratitude to the administration, their mentors, families, and friends.

“I wish to share this victory with everyone, the graduating class of 2025, who had to deal with everything all at once. Your efforts are seen, and it is evident that all are rewarded today. Malayo pa naman talaga, pero nakalayo na. More importantly, nakalaya na.”

Meanwhile, in a video message, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson and CSU Board of Regents Chair Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, extended her warmest congratulations to the graduates.

“In every challenge, you stood tall—matatag, matapang, at matagumpay. This is your foundation for building a better future. Be lifelong learners and true servants of the Filipino,” she said.

With the closing rites of the College of Medicine, CSU completes its convocation season for the Class of 2025, a series of academic ceremonies held across its campuses in Andrews, Aparri, Carig, Gonzaga, Lasam, Lallo, Piat, and Sanchez Mira.