The MCU Medical Alumni in the Philippines was established in 1962. Its general objectives are: to foster fellowship, promote school spirit and camaraderie among MCU Medical Alumni; to maintain and further strengthen the good image of the Alma Mater; and to extend health and medical services to deserving communities and to carry out projects that will uplift the standards of the medical profession.

Through the years the association, in part support of continuing medical education, has involved itself actively in projects within and outside the campus.

The Past Presidents elected include; Dr. Manuel S. Dijamco (1962- 1963); Dr. Samuel M. Tanchoco (1964- 1966); Dr. Ulysses M. Carvajal (1967-1969); Dr. Samuel S. Jardenico (1970-1971); Dr. Primitivo D. Chua (1971-1974); Dr. Rosario M. Feliciano (1974-1975); Dr. Lucita P. Aguilar (1975-1981); Dr. Jesus E. Fojas (1982-1983); Dr. Patrocinio D. Dayrit (1983-1985); Dr. Conrad G. Nepomuceno (1985-1987); Dr. Ma. Lita C. Britanico (1987-1993); Dr. Nenita A. Collantes (1994-1998); Dr. Nellie B. Magsakay (1998-2002); Dr. Estela Marie C. Tanchoco (2002-2005); Dr. Lucita P. Aguilar (2005)

Traditionally, the MCUMAA organizes a yearly postgraduate convention and homecoming. It has done so for the past years and will continue to do so in line with its commitment to continuing medical education. The Association has invited different experts in the field of medicine to share their knowledge with alumni and update them on the recent developments in the various fields of specialization.

Yearly, during the graduation ceremonies, the Alumni Association awards a plaque and cash prize of P5,000.00 to the Most Outstanding Junior Clerk. It has also facilitated the awarding of the same amount by class 1972 to the child of an alumni currently enrolled in MCU-FDTMF who gets the highest grade in the first year.

Under the vision and leadership of the leaders and the involvement of active alumni, the Association continues to move forward towards for the fulfillment of its goals and objectives.

MCU Medical Alumni Association & Foundation in America

The birth of the MCU Medical Alumni Foundation in America started with a dream. The dream was to fortify the roots of the College of Medicine and Hospital by actively involving the College of Medicine Alumni in the affairs of the Institution. In 1984, while in New York City, USA, Mrs. Luningning T. Estanislao, Executive Vice-President of MCU-FDTMF and Dr. Lutgarda V.C. Quito, the incoming College Dean, visited with Dr. Concepcion M. Abesamis, an alumna of MCU and a practicing internist in New York City. The dream became a realistic plan. The group decided to consult a lawyer to assure that the association, about to be organized, meets the legal requirements to establishing as an exempt charitable institution under the U.S. laws.

Four days after the initial meeting, eighteen MCU Medical graduates, mostly practicing in New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut gathered in Ridgewood Queens, New York, to discuss the goals of the association. They decided on the following goals: to raise funds to support the College of Medicine and Hospital; to assist impoverished but academically deserving medical students; to support continuing education of faculty members in the College of Medicine; to foster personal/social relations among medical alumni. The group then elected the association officers and board members. The first elected officials were Dr. Concepcion M. Abesamis Class ‘62, President, Dr. Rogelio B. Roncal ’62 Vice-President, Dr. Felicitas R. Miraflor ’62, Secretary, Dr. Norma M. Garcia ‘64, Treasurer, Dr. Paulino Albano Jr. ‘66, Public Relations Officer, Dr. Melinda Del Castillo ‘62, Member, Dr. Rubena Pugeda Chan ‘66, Member, Dr. Romeo Dagdayan ‘62, Member, Dr. Jose G. Garcia ‘63, Member, Dr. Elpidio Marcelo ‘57, Member, Dr. Carmen Mercado ‘53, Member, Dr. Luz Morabe Naval ’62, Member, Dr. Fe Agtarap Navarette ’60, Member, and Mrs. Luningning T. Estanislao and Dr. Lutgarda C. Quito were named Founding chair and co-chair, respectively. The group pledged and raised a substantial amount of donations for use in purchasing sound AVR equipment and reference medicine books.

The following year, on May 26, 1985, the First Annual Gala Dinner and Ball was held at the renowned Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The proceeds of the affair were given to the College of Medicine’s Faculty Development, Research, Audio Visual and Library, Scholarship, Community and Indigency Programs

Later, another organization known as the MCU Medical Alumni Association in America- established since the mid ‘70’s- surfaced. Membership between the two organizations was unified. The MCU Medical Alumni Association in America became the national umbrella organization and the MCU Medical Foundation in America, its fund-raising arm. To this date, this arrangement holds, and annually, in a convention, members from the different states come together in genuine fellowship.

The many sacrifices and difficulties encountered by the officers and members produced excellent results. Good modeling chapters were established in other states like Illinois, California, Michigan, Missouri and Kentucky consequently. The organization plans and projects for the Institution, patients, students and faculty were gradually implemented.

Among the organization’s many projects, is “The Lightkeepers’ Program”, a brainchild of Dr. Roger Roncal, ’62. This initiative was designed to provide adequate supplementary budget for the institution’s projects.

Drs. Norma M. Garcia and Rogelio B. Roncal authored an encouraging proposal for all alumni. The Proposal’s following Guiding Concepts:

“We the alumni, feel a debt of gratitude to our medical school and University. We are committed to support our Alma mater and ensure its continued existence to promote the health and prosperity of our people in the Philippines. In doing so, we also provide for the continuation of an opportunity for those who choose to follow in our footsteps. We are among the most respected medical graduates in our communities and we owe that to the values that our parents and Alma mater has instilled in us. Humbly, we assert that the world needs more of our kind.”

The organization acknowledges donations and contributions as follows. Bronze Medal of Honor and Citation for $2,500 donations; Silver Medal of Honor and Citation for $5,000 donation; Gold Medal of Honor and Presidential Citation for $10,000 donation; and a Hall of Fame and a Presidential Citation for $15,000 donation.

At present, the Institution continues to enjoy the support of its alumni here in the Philippines and abroad. They extend their hands to bring into fruition the education and medical programs designed to meet the call for excellence, quality education and quality service.

We believe that in the future, more and more alumni will share their time, talent and treasure to assure the sustained growth and development of the College and Hospital.

We salute all our alumni for their generosity and concern. May your tribe increase!

PTOP