Iloilo City, Philippines – June 16, 2025
The University of San Agustin (USA) celebrated the grand blessing and turnover ceremony of its newly inaugurated USA Clinical Laboratory on June 16, 2025, at the Dr. Edgar Injap Sia II Center for Continuing Education building (INJAP Building). The ceremony highlighted the facility’s role in advancing medical technology education and community healthcare, attended by university leaders, government officials, partners, and the laboratory’s dedicated staff.
The event was graced by prominent figures, including Atty. Rodolfo “Pong” Ponferrada, President of Double Dragon Corporation, and Ms. Mercedes L. Taleon, Chief Development Officer, representing Dr. Edgar Injap, a key partner in the project. Dr. Arnold John P. Anceno, Education Supervisor, represented CHED Director Raul Alvarez, while Hon. Jed Patrick Mabilog, special adviser to the House of Representatives Speaker, represented Iloilo City Lone District Representative Jam Jam Baronda.
Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, O.S.A., University President, acknowledged their unwavering support: “This achievement reflects our shared commitment to education and service. We work together to bridge gaps in healthcare and learning.” He also highlighted the laboratory’s transformative purpose: “Today we have blessed and inaugurated the USA Clinical Laboratory, which will serve as a center for continuing education, serving both our students and the general public.”
Ms. Rosario P. Barrido, RMT, MSMT, Chief Medical Technologist, traced the laboratory’s journey from its humble beginnings in 1969 to its current state-of-the-art facility in the INJAP Building. “This new, modern, and accessible facility is a testament to our history, service, and vision,” she said, emphasizing advancements from manual methods to automated analyzers that ensure faster, accurate diagnostics while upholding clinical judgment and compassion.
The laboratory’s mission prioritizes community service. “It is not for profit, but we want to serve as a venue to offer quality and affordable services, especially to the general public,” Fr. Dizon affirmed. This aligns with the university’s Augustinian values of caritas (love), as echoed by Fray Stephen Ong Tan, O.S.A., Director of Non-Core and Allied Business Operations: “Dear students, as you use this new facility, let your scientific practices be driven by passion and guided by love.”
Dr. James L. Torres, Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, accepted the facility on behalf of the academic community, noting its role in training competent professionals. “This laboratory is where theory meets practice and academic knowledge transforms into life-saving service,” he remarked.
The project was realized through collaborations with Dr. Edgar Injap Sia II and the Double Dragon Corporation, alongside support from local government and university stakeholders. Fray Stephen Tan emphasized sustainability, stating the laboratory will align with the university’s strategic goals toward “Masanang 2028.”
Rev. Fr. Jonas M. Mejares, O.S.A., Vice President for Augustinian Formation and Mission, closed the ceremony with a call to action: “Together, let us make this not just a clinical laboratory, but a laboratory of hope, healing, and humanity.”
The ceremony also paid tribute to the laboratory’s faculty and staff, whose expertise and service have shaped generations of medical technologists. Key personnel include:
| Department | Former Clinical Instructor/Medical Technologist | Years of Service | Present Clinical Instructor/Medical Technologist | Partner Clinical Instructor |
| Clinical Chemistry | Elsa F. Juanillo, RMT, MSMT | 52 years | Mark Alexander S. Tobias, RMT, MSMT (CAR) | Frich Thea Marie A. Delos Reyes, RMT |
| Microbiology | Julieta M. Montalban, RMT | 40 years | Ma. Consuelo Martina S. Daza, RMT, MSMT | Rena Emanuelle S. Palencia, RMT |
| Serology | Susan Regina Ma. Salas, RMT | 30 years | Rosario P. Barrido, RMT, MSMT | Chealdsea G. Torre, RMT |
| Histopathology | Lerma L. Paris, RMT, MSPH | — | Zesil Gay E. Gelle, RMT, MSMT | Shareen Dale S. Estorque, RMT, MSMT (CAR) |
The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the blessing and turnover ceremony, and concluded with photo opportunities and refreshments, symbolizing a new chapter for USA’s medical technology program and its service to the community.
“Today’s celebration is more than just a change of address,” Ms. Barrido reflected. “It is a promise built on a foundation of history, service, and vision.” (oco)
