10 October 2026
The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) held its 12th White Coat and Pinning Ceremony, celebrating the academic journey and professional milestone of its junior clinicians under the theme, “Forged in Resilience, Anchored in Excellence: Shaping the Innovative, Compassionate, and Adaptive Veterinarians of Tomorrow.”
The ceremony marked a significant step in the students’ journey towards becoming veterinarians, symbolizing their readiness to embrace the responsibilities, challenges, and ethical obligations of the profession. Through the donning of white coats and the awarding of pins, the junior clinicians were reminded that veterinary medicine requires not only scientific knowledge and technical competence but also compassion, perseverance, and dedication to animal welfare.
In her opening remarks, CVM Dean Dr. Edlyn Mae N. Ciano congratulated the junior clinicians on reaching this milestone, recognizing the sleepless nights, challenging examinations, sacrifices, and shared experiences that shaped their journey. She emphasized that veterinary education extends beyond textbooks and practical skills, highlighting the importance of friendship, teamwork, and finding joy amid challenges.
Ciano expressed gratitude to the parents and families whose prayers, sacrifices, and unwavering support helped the students reach this point. She reminded them of the values they must uphold as future veterinarians.
“Wear your white coats with pride, carry your pins with honor, and let your hearts always be guided by compassion and excellence,” Ciano emphasized.
Delivering the keynote message, CVM alumnus Dr. Mark Anthony B. Casel shared how his own professional journey led him from veterinary education in the Philippines to research in virology, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and antiviral studies abroad. His experience illustrated that there is no single path to becoming a veterinarian and that professional growth often involves embracing unexpected opportunities.
Casel emphasized the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving profession confronted by emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance, technological advancements, and other challenges. He encouraged the students to develop critical thinking and a willingness to innovate while remaining grounded in compassion.
He further explained that resilience is not the absence of disappointment but the ability to learn from failure, adjust, and try again. Similarly, he described excellence as a commitment to preparation, patient safety, evidence-based decisions, humility, and continuous learning.
“This coat does not say, I have arrived but rather, I am ready to begin,” Casel said
He reminded the junior clinicians that their white coats do not signify that they already know everything but represent their willingness to learn, accept responsibility, and grow as future professionals.
Representing the families of the junior clinicians, a parent delivered an emotional message recognizing the collective sacrifices behind every student’s achievement. The message highlighted the late-night calls, prayers, financial struggles, and constant encouragement that helped the students persevere throughout their academic journey.
The parent also reminded the junior clinicians that their white coats would eventually bear the marks of their experiences, including the challenges and emotional demands of veterinary practice. These experiences, the parent emphasized, would reflect their dedication to caring for animals that cannot verbally express their pain. The students were encouraged to wear their coats with humility and pride while remembering that their identity extends beyond their profession and that their families will continue to support them.
The program also featured the awarding of tokens and certificates to the guest speaker, the presentation of the essence of the white coat, the white coat and pinning ceremony, a ceremonial toast, and other activities honoring the junior clinicians and the people who supported their journey.
In her closing remarks, Department of Clinical Sciences Chairperson Dr. Karen B. Gaerlan congratulated the newly donned junior clinicians and encouraged them to continue pursuing their goals with resilience, dedication, faith, and excellence.
Gaerlan also acknowledged the efforts of the senior clinicians in organizing the ceremony and reminded the junior clinicians to recognize the sacrifices of their parents, grandparents, siblings, and loved ones. She encouraged the students to believe in themselves, continue working with purpose, and approach their future responsibilities with kindness.
“Believe in yourself. You’ve got the skills, the knowledge, and a high mind focused on succeeding in life,” Gaerlan encouraged the junior clinicians as they prepare to face the challenges and opportunities of their chosen profession.
As the junior clinicians begin this new chapter, the white coat serves as more than a symbol of academic achievement. It represents a commitment to lifelong learning, ethical practice, and the protection of animal health and welfare, values that will guide them as they work toward becoming the veterinarians of tomorrow.//NSudaypan
📸EBawang & NSudaypan
