𝐒𝐏𝐂 𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐢 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤-𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐨

Held as part of the college’s 70th founding anniversary celebration, San Pedro College (SPC) alumni returned to their alma mater on Sept. 25 to share their professional journeys and industry experiences with fourth-year students through the Balik-Turo program.

Carrying the theme “Passing on the Legacy – Extending the Legacy through Education and Outreach,” the program featured simultaneous sessions across several departments at the main campus, where alumni speakers shared their journeys from SPC to their respective professions, followed by professional discussions, open forums, and messages for the next generation of SPC students.

“Compassion will make you the kind of respiratory therapist your patients will remember,” Monica Sittie Hayna Mastura, a respiratory therapist 1 and one of two alumni speakers for the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT), said.

Across the morning sessions, alumni speakers included Ace Jordan Carlos Tayag, head of respiratory therapy at NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City, who delivered his talk through a live Zoom meeting; Jeffrey Tan Jr., assistant manager for talent acquisition at FGC+ Davao for the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA); Klent Rodni Delima, psychologist II at Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) and co-founder of Hiraya-Diwa Psychological Services for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSPsych); Atty. Arvin Dexter M. Lopoz, managing partner at Lopoz Fuentes-Lopoz & Associates Law Office for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); and Dr. Cristela Mae Candelario, an SPC graduate school alumna and current assistant professor, for the School of Medical Laboratory Science and Public Health (SMLSPH) faculty session.

Lopoz discussed his career journey from being a staff nurse and clinical instructor to pursuing the legal profession, also sharing insights on nurses’ salary grades and professional experiences while emphasizing the global role of Filipino nurses.

Meanwhile, Tan reflected on the choices and decisions that shaped his career, emphasizing the value of every experience, seizing opportunities, and the importance of gratitude while sharing skills necessary for professional success.

After his main talk, Delima joined psychology students in a discussion that extended beyond professional experiences into the realities of mental health.

During the open forum, a student asked about the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among underprivileged communities, and whether Hiraya-Diwa Psychological Services conducts initiatives similar to medical missions to make mental health care more accessible.

“These specific cases sometimes don’t see mental health as a priority, kay kung unsa ilang igasto sa tambal, sa consultation, ila nalang ikaon. Gina-try namo nag address by providing free services, pero naa siyay limit…[we] provide lang to a specific need.” Delima answered.

(“These specific cases sometimes don’t see mental health as a priority because whatever they spend on medicine or consultation, they would rather use for food. We try to address this by providing free services, but there is a limit and we provide only to a specific need.”)

For SMLSPH faculty, Candelario focused on research training and the process of submitting research and journal manuscripts for publication, including cover letter formats and other paper technicalities.

Continuing into the afternoon, Balik-Turo sessions were held across the Biology, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science and Radiologic Technology programs.

For Physical Therapy, Ezekiel Webster Doctor, owner and senior physical therapist of ThriveKids Development Center, shared his experiences as a pediatric physical therapist, while Leeann Mae Khassandra Palero, PTRP, a physical therapist II at the Davao City Department of Health, followed with her own professional journey.

At the Biology session, Chriztean Erika Ganier, a microbiology educator and part-time SPC faculty member, shared her professional journey and advice with students.

During the open forum, students also raised questions about review centers, board examinations and preparation for professional practice.

Meanwhile, Marvin Valera, a radiologic technologist II at the Department of Health-Davao Center for Health Development, shared videos and experiences from his nearly three years of working as a radiologic technologist.

Valera also shared his favorite Japanese quote, “wabi sabi,” which he explained as meaning “there is beauty in imperfection, incompleteness, and impermanence.”

At the Pharmacy session, Mary Angelica G. Litob, owner of Amry Pharmacy in Davao del Norte, emphasized that SPCian pharmacists must stand out and be the best, which requires them to undergo rigorous training.

At the Medical Laboratory Science session, Romwil Jasan Sedano, owner of Labworkz Davao Medical Services, recounted his path into the medical laboratory profession, including how the idea of wearing a laboratory gown initially drew him to the field despite medical technology not being his first choice. He was followed by fellow alumna Sharayah Ngo, co-founder of Carelife Medical Laboratory & Diagnostic Center Inc.
“A lot of people don’t really see us, that’s why they don’t value us much. But then again, true heroes don’t need to be in front of the spotlight, sometimes, the best contribution that you can do is be the best supporting actor,” Sedano said.

Across the different sessions, alumni offered students perspectives shaped by experiences beyond their time in college, while students were given opportunities to ask questions about professional practice, career preparation and the realities of their chosen fields.

For Billy Emnace, a fourth-year BS in Radiologic Technology student who attended the session, hearing from an SPC alumnus provided eye-opening takeaways, particularly on adaptability and resourcefulness.

According to Emnace, he learned from the speaker that because their career path heavily depends on technological tools, there could be emergency situations in which these are not always functional or available, requiring professionals to think of alternative solutions.

For the alumni speakers, the event also served as an opportunity to return to the institution where their professional journeys began.

“It brings me back to the time that I was still a student figuring things out, up to this time that I’m the one helping them figure things out,” Sedano said in an interview.

Following the Balik-Turo program, SPC’s week-long 70th anniversary celebration will continue with more initiatives such as the medical mission drive, Platinum Dash fun run, alumni league championship games, fiesta mass, and gala night.

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