Beyond the White Coat: Dr. Sinolinding Encourages USM’s First Medical Graduates to Lead with Service and Sincerity
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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) held its first commencement ceremony for its Doctor of Medicine program on July 18, 2025, officially recognizing 34 graduates during the event at the USM Auditorium, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Prior to the commencement exercises, a Baccalaureate Mass was conducted, led by Rev. Fr. Alfredo Palomar Jr., DCK, who emphasized that healing is a core mission of the medical profession.
Kathleen M. Solsona, the Rank 1 of the graduating class, delivered the word of thanks on behalf of the graduates. Her message reflected not just gratitude, but the quiet pride of a group who braved an unfamiliar path, with no upperclassmen to guide them and no existing model to follow. She spoke not only as a student, but as a witness to growth and resilience, saying: “Life is not a race. Everyone’s timeline is valid, and everyone’s story matters.”
Morever, Dr. Desiderio R. Apag III, CHED Commissioner, joined the ceremony as Guest of Distinction. He described how the idea of building a medical school within an agricultural university was once seen as far-fetched. Today, it stands as a concrete example of how public service, determination, and collaboration can reshape possibilities. He reminded the graduates that “every hardship had meaning, especially if it led to service”, and added: “Universal healthcare is not just a law — it is a human right.”
Commissioner Apag also emphasized the local application of the Sustainable Development Goals: “SDG 3 is not just a global goal — it is a local calling.” He stressed the need for fairness and dignity in the healthcare system, underscoring representation, respect, and recognition. To the pioneering batch, he said: “You will always be remembered, because every student who comes after you will walk a path that you have carved. That is legacy. That is impact.”
Dr. Kadil “Jojo” M. Sinolinding Jr., Minister of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), served as Guest of Honor. He inspired the graduates to have confidence in themselves: “We must all have belief. You got to believe in you.” He also framed work not as a mere requirement, but as a deeper source of meaning: “Your work isn’t livelihood, nor obligation, but a source of joy beyond compensation.” He reminded them to act on the chances life presents: “Opportunity, when it comes to you — grab it — it may not come again.”
Dr. Sinolinding shared the concept of “IKHLAS,” an Arabic term for sincerity, as a guide for ethical and compassionate practice. I for intent. K for Knowledge. H for Honesty. L for Leadership. A for Action. And S for Service.
He also gave a glimpse into his personal story — once an ice drop vendor and pandesal boy — showing how persistence and family support made his journey possible. He also extend his gratitude to the parents, “I’m so happy that kinaya niyo ang lahat ng pressure just to send your children to school, and your children reciprocated it with their dedication to finish their course,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, represented by Mayor Apple Cuan of Libungan, spoke of the province’s trust in the graduates. “The future of our province depends on passionate and competent professionals like you,” she mentioned.
USM’s College of Medicine opened in 2021. Four years later, it now sends out its first cohort of doctors, who didn’t just complete their training but helped shape the very foundation of the program. As their class representative noted: “We didn’t just help the newly established medical school — we shaped it.”
This send-off affirms USM’s growing role in producing doctors for Mindanao communities, especially those who have long needed them most.
