In commemoration of the remarkable turnout achieved by Fatimanian alumni in the March 2024 Medical Technologist Licensure Exam, Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) arranged a thanksgiving luncheon on 26 April 2024, to honor its newly minted young scientists.
The gathering was held at the Lecture Hall of the OLFU RISE Tower in Valenzuela, where an assembly of over a hundred medical technologists convened, representing OLFU’s campuses in Valenzuela, Quezon City, Antipolo, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Laguna.
Dr. Jose Jurel Nuevo, the Dean of OLFU’s College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS), delivered the opening remarks, expressing gratitude towards the program heads, clinical coordinators, and especially, the University President, Dr. Caroline Marian Enriquez. Nuevo lauded their collective and unflagging support, which has significantly contributed to the consistent achievements of the college in state board examinations in recent years.
The proud dean highlighted the commendable performances of all campuses in the 2024 MTLE, noting a solid minimum passing rate of 94 percent for first-time takers across all campuses, with Valenzuela and Laguna campuses securing a historic 100 percent passing rate for this group.
Read: Fatimanian’s topnotcher ethos shines in March 2024 MT licensure exam
“We aspire to elevate Fatima to greater heights,” stated the dean as he conveyed the achievements to the University President.
Acknowledging the challenges surmounted by the new Fatimanian medical technologists, Nuevo underscored the rigorous assessment imposed by OLFU, emphasizing its purpose to assess the preparedness and fortitude of the students rather than “to terrorize.”
In an inspiring address, Dr. Caroline Marian Enriquez, the University President, expressed profound gratitude to the newest cohort of medical technologists of OLFU, stressing the exceptional performance across all campuses and the emergence of a topnotcher anew. The President then encouraged the passers to express gratitude to the faculty, deans, supportive families, and the Divine Being, attributing their success to collective effort.
Reflecting on her own healing journey, President Enriquez recalled her diagnosis of colon cancer in 2010, highlighting the pivotal role of medical technologists in the diagnostic process. She accented the importance of their role in healthcare and urged them to recognize the irreplaceable significance of their knowledge and contributions.
Both the dean and the University President challenged the batch to continue their academic journey with OLFU’s College of Medicine, underscoring the solid foundation laid during their undergraduate tenure and now, as they earned the designation of RMTs.
For the alumni testimonials, Dr. Wesson Pious Espiritu, who ranked 4th in the March 2008 MTLE and was the first-ever topnotcher of OLFU’s College of Medical Laboratory Science, recounted his educational journey at OLFU, which paved the way for his medical career. Meanwhile, Anika Charis Barraba from Pampanga campus, who secured 9th place in the March 2024 MTLE, was also acknowledged for her impressive feat.
In a humble response, Barraba credited the faculty members and OLFU leaders for their crucial roles in her academic journey, also adding to the formula the power of prayers combined with diligent work.
Further testimonials from newly licensed medical technologists Anthony Val Roluna and Joyce Manuel reinforced the narrative of OLFU’s robust educational framework in the field of medical technology.
Faculty members Joseph Joy Banzon and Antonio Pascia Jr. also reflected on the challenges and extended the narrative of the passers, hoping that the new batch would uphold the college’s legacy.
With a jubilant atmosphere, the esteemed guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet. – Raymond Lumagsao
