FG honors 19 Bagong mga Doktor

The first batch of Bagong Doktor Para Sa Bayan scholars who have now become full-fledged doctors were feted at a luncheon given by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo in Malacañang yesterday.

The 19 scholars make up the first batch of medical students who received grants for tuition fees, uniforms and other expenses from the First Gentleman Foundation, Inc. during their last two years — the clerkship and internship years — on the medical course at the University of the Philippines and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. 

Atty. Mike Arroyo was all smiles, as he congratulated his scholars. He himself had wanted to become a doctor, but being “a good son,” he followed his father’s wish that he become a lawyer. None of his sons became doctors either, but became politicians, as has his wife, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The scholars passed the medical board examinations last month, taken their Hippocratic oath, and, as their contract with the FG Foundation and the Department of Health stipulates, they will be serving for two years in hospitals in the rural areas for two years. Undersecretary Juris Umali-Soliman, the foundation’s executive director, said the doctors are doubly fortunate for getting the scholarships and not going through the difficulty of finding hospitals to work in, as DOH has picked their site of work.

Sixty students had been chosen on the basis of their top scholastic standing and financial need to be able to finish the medical course. The first batch received scholarships beginning in 2006. The second batch, currently under internship, was enrolled in 2007, and the third batch, under clerkship, enrolled in June this year. Although 60 had been the targeted number of scholars, Atty. Mike Arroyo, out of the goodness of his heart, said Juris, agreed to take in a 61st scholar into the third batch.

Of the first 19 honored yesterday, Lemuel Benedict R. Non of the UP was top 8 among the recent board passers. For personal reasons, Emmanuel Obana of PLM could only take the next board exam.  

The UP Batch 1 scholars were presented by UP President Emerlinda Roman, and the PLM scholars were presented by a PLM official, Mirasol Aninas in place of the university president   Adel Abbas Tamano.

As Attorney Arroyo was hailed by the scholars as “the man who made our dreams come true,” the scholars were praised for their industry and diligence, and dedication to serve poor patients who may never have seen a doctor in their lives. Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde, speaking in place of Secretary Francisco Duque III, called the doctors “mga bayani,” heroes who are helping to stop the exodus of medical practitioners to other lands.

Seated at tables were former Health Secretary, now Senator Juan Flavier (it was he who fathered the “Doctor to the Barrios” idea), Dr. Carmelo Alfiler, director of the UP-Philippine General Hospital, and proud families of the scholars.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came by to congratulate the scholars. Her late mother, First Lady Evangelina Arroyo, had been a doctor herself.

The question poised at Attorney Arroyo now, is, after the two other batches have become full-fledged doctors, will the Bagong Doktor Para sa Bayan scholarships continue? The FG would only smile, but those who know how his heart goes out to the poor, the scholarships may go on. As he said in his talk, the scholars put in their best, and “God will do the rest.”

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It was great listening to the famous stage; television and recording star Petula Clark at the Manila Hotel last Friday. Most of the Grammy Hall of Fame awardee’s songs turned back the clock of time for listeners who packed Tent City to the rafters. The most familiar were “This Is My Song,” “You and I,” “Look to the Rainbow,” “Who Am I?,” “Answer Me, “Kiss Me Goodbye,” “Don’t Sleep on the Subway, Darling,” and of course, “Downtown.” 

The successful concert was due to the skillful handling of art gallery owner Beth Tagle-Sison, who has developed into an impressive “impresario.” Her Newsmakers has launched the singing career of the 3 Tenors — Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, former Sen. Joey Lina, and MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando — who Friday had the thrill of their lives as they sang “Let It Be Me” and “Smile” with Petula.

The concert opened with renditions by the Angelos, a fantastic group of young male singers George Tagle-Sison, Jon Joven, James Uy and Floyd Tena.

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Want to join the next Karaoke World Championships that will be held in Finland, Europe? You might yet be the Philippine champ who will compete with   karaoke champions from 30 other countries. The competition is open to amateur performers.

Here are the requirements for entrants: must be over 18 years of age at the time of entering the competition; only solo performers will be admitted; Filipino citizens at the time of the competition, and entrants cannot be signed to a recording contract or recording distribution agreement.

Entrants must submit two proofs of school or office ID and Philippine passport or school or office ID plus driver’s license; two 2x2 photos; filled out KWC Philippine application form; a P300 joining fee, and an endorsement from one’s institution upon joining the elimination. 

Application forms may be requested at designated elimination sites. The elimination round will be held at the Musicademy, 5F EDSA Shangrila Plaza on Sept. 21. The national finals will be held at SM Mall of Asia on September 27, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The winner will be sent to represent the Philippines in Finland on Oct. 23-25, and   given free round-trip tickets to Finland, hotel accommodations and pocket money. Winners in Finland will receive EUR$4000 in cash plus a recording in Finland. View www.kwc.fi or www.kwc.blogspot.com.

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