USM Engages in 2025 PASUC Midterm Convention on SUC Governance, Innovation, and Reforms
July 18, 2025
Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr., Minister of the Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), served as Guest of Honor and Speaker at the historic First Commencement Exercises of the College of Medicine (COM) of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), held on July 18, 2025 at the University Auditorium, Kabacan, Cotabato.
In his address, Dr. Sinolinding, a respected physician and ophthalmologist, delivered a powerful and heartfelt message, drawing from his personal experience and as a medical professional.
He spoke before the thirty-four pioneering graduates, their families, mentors, and the wider USM community and emphasized the immense responsibility required in the field of medicine.
“To be a medical doctor is not easy—the endless study hours, competitive environment, perfection under pressure, and expectation of our dear parents, friends, and relatives [who expect so much from us]. Expectations that most often drive us to go further beyond the limits of our physical endurance and mental capacity,” the minister remarked.
The passionate medical practitioner and entrepreneur encouraged the graduates to look beyond the prestige of wearing a doctor’s white coat and stethoscope, calling it a symbol not just of status, but of service.
“Beyond the elegant look of doctors’ white blazer matched with the dangling stethoscope in your neck, let this be an instrument for the health needs of ordinary people to be cared for, attended, and served,” he said. “Our people need us, and the demand for our services grows exponentially with time. Let ourselves be the vehicle of compassion, excellence, and dedicated service to humanity.”
Stressing the high standards of the profession, the minister reminded the graduates that medicine does not tolerate mistakes lightly.
“Medicine always cares for perfection. A simple mistake may spell a disastrous consequence that may send patients to their death,” he cautioned. “We don’t want that. We know death is inevitable, but we are designed to prolong life and to bring alleviation to the misery caused by diseases.”
Recognizing the people and systems behind the graduates’ success, the doctor commended the faculty, families, sponsors, and organizations who played a role in their journey.
[Hence,] as a member of the parliament, sinubukan, tinulungan, tinutukan, at tinustusan namin kayo na makarating sa inyong paroroonan, and this is the first step,” the MOH Minister said. “With all the support you receive, you become more confident, stronger, and a lot better.”
Before concluding his speech, the minister shared a meaningful acronym based on the Arabic word IKHLAS, which means sincerity, as a guide for the graduates to carry with them in their future endeavors:
“I is for Intent. What is your purpose in life as a leader you need to inspire with clear focus.
K for knowledge. It is a practical tool for serving, teaching, sharing, and learning earning for our marginalized communities. As Muslims, we are taught seek knowledge from cradle to the grave. It means it is an endless process of improving ourselves.
H for honesty. Katapatan in Filipino. Our responsibility to be transparent and accountable to all transactions. Be honest as a doctor, even others will not, even others cannot, and even others are not.
L for leadership. It’s our ability to influence with humility as a model for the young generation. Walk the talk. Lead by serving and serve by leading.
A for action. Changing plans into tangible life changing accomplishments and act of charity is one of the best words of life. It won’t make you poor because each life you save is translated prayers that are too loud not to be heard and answered.
And lastly, S if for Service. True service that compels the heart to do something for someone in need beyond personal gains and reasons.”
In a surprise moment that sparked excitement among the crowd, the public servant and philanthropist pledged a cash reward for high-performing graduates in the upcoming Physicians Licensure Examination.
“As a support to your career development, I challenge: if anyone of you lands in the Top 2 to Top 10, I shall give you ₱100,000. And if you land number one, I’ll double that amount. The monetary value is nothing, but the pride of bringing your alma mater where you are—that’s everything.”
Dr. Sinolinding, closed with an inspiring call to action:
“To the graduates: the best investment in life is on people. They are the very reason why we do our best. Work with utmost care, dedicated to the idea that our people deserve nothing less than the best in us. Serve wholeheartedly, and continually pursue excellence—always putting the value of life above all.”
As the momentous chapter unfolded, the graduates carry with them a message of integrity, and compassion, ready to heal, lead, and uplift communities across Region XII, BARMM and beyond.
