One hundred ten graduates of the West Visayas State University College of Medicine (WVSU COM) completed their medical education as they received their Doctor of Medicine degrees during the college’s 48th Commencement Exercises on June 25 at the WVSU Cultural Center.

The ceremony marked the completion of the Doctor of Medicine program for the members of the Class of 2026, who were recognized for their academic performance, leadership and service throughout their medical education.

Leading the graduating class was Kathleen Mae V. Donoso, who was named class valedictorian and received the Angel R. De Leon, MD Award as the Most Outstanding Medical Graduate. Jenny Mae S. Macabenta was named class salutatorian, while Kathryne Louise E. Catoto received first honorable mention. The three were among the recipients of the Academic Excellence Awards, which recognized the top 10 graduates of the class.

Awards for outstanding performance were likewise conferred during the ceremony. Sean Lerry Jim V. Claud received the Juana G. Jardiolin, MD Award as the Most Outstanding Clinical Clerk. Franco Miguel M. Nodado was recognized with the Alumni Leadership Award, while Ma. Charlene S. Jereos received the Medicine Student Council Service Award.

The college also recognized the achievements of its alumni in the Physician Licensure Examination. Citations were presented to Dr. Judah Elijah M. Cagas, who placed seventh in the October 2025 Physician Licensure Examination, and Dr. Marie Francene R. Aquines, who placed eighth in the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination.

The graduates were formally presented by Dean Celina Cordero-Gellada in her first commencement exercises as dean. University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz conferred the degree of Doctor of Medicine, followed by the investiture of academic hoods and awarding of diplomas.

Dr. Evangeline C. Cua, a member of the WVSU COM Batch 2000, delivered the commencement message.

Following the conferral of degrees, the graduates were inducted into the COM Alumni Association by its president, Dr. Jofel I. Isidro, and into the WVSU Federated Alumni Association by its president, Dr. Bonifacio P. Gaverza.

Macabenta led the graduates’ prayer, while Donoso led the Physician’s Prayer.

With the completion of their Doctor of Medicine program, the graduates now move on to post-graduate internships, a required step in their training before taking the Physician Licensure Examination.