The countdown to the 150th anniversary celebration of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS) was launched last September 26, 2016 at the Medicine Auditorium. A Eucharistic celebration officiated by the Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P, UST Rector, kicked off the activity. The Mass commemorated the feast day of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, the patron saints of the Faculty, as well as the results of the recently-concluded Physician Licensure Examinations, in which six (6) Thomasian doctors landed in the top ten. The program proper, which was hosted by Dr. Willie Lagdameo, Dr. Peachy Natividad, and Alec Duñgo started after the Mass. A performance from the Terpsichorean Circle and select members of the medical faculty set the stage for the rest of the activities. Dr. Jesus Valencia, the Dean of the FMS, and Fr. Angel Aparicio, FMS Regent, gave inspirational remarks before the formal launching of the countdown to the Sesquicentennial Anniversary by the Very Reverend Father Rector. A stunning indoor fireworks display provided glamour to the launch.
The second half of the program started with an overview of the events planned out for the official countdown to 150 years, which was presented by Dr. Patria Punzalan, Events Committee Head of the Sesquicentennial Organizing Committee. Dr. JJ Pua unveiled the new and updated website of the Faculty and also presented the Sesquicentennial teaser video. This was followed by inspirational messages from guest speakers Dr. Tyrone Reyes, UST Medicine Class 1965 President Emeritus, and Dr. Jose Evangelista, UST Medicine Class 1968 and F.A.C.C. Honorary Consul General of the Philippines.
The program was ended by a moving performance from the UST Singers, which included a modified rendition of the song prepared for the 100th anniversary celebration of UST-FMS. Dr. Mary Ruby Josephine Tiongson, the Chair of the Organizing Committee, gave the closing remarks.
Report by Frederick Michael R. Evidor, Medicine Student Council
