On 14 March 2025, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, together with alumni of the Dr Jose P Rizal School of Medicine, gathered for the Dr Francisco L Oh Dedication Dinner.

Dr Oh was the founding dean of the Xavier University School of Medicine. The dedication dinner was a celebration of the shared experiences and achievements of XU Med alumni in honor of Dr Oh’s contributions to medical education. Established in 1983, the vision of putting up the School of Medicine was realized thanks to the efforts of then Xavier University President, Fr Ernie Javier SJ, who was instrumental in bringing Dr Oh to XU.

The Dinner for a Cause was also a fundraising event aimed at securing ₱7 million for a lecture hall to be named after the late dean. This lecture hall will be part of the Medical Health and Allied Sciences Building in Xavier Ateneo’s Campus of the Future. It is envisioned to be a spacious, state-of-the-art learning facility, serving as a hub for medical education and reflecting Dr Oh’s vision of nurturing globally competitive healthcare professionals.

The event was led by Dean Myra Maria V Peralta, the current Dean of the School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Xavier University Advancement Office led by its Director, Ms Kitty Tiukinhoy. Present during the event were alumni from different batches. Members of the current Xavier Ateneo administration were also present, with Engr Lennie Ong, Project Head of the Campus of the Future, providing insights about the Manresa Campus, highlighting the upcoming Medical Arts Building and future development plans for Xavier Ateneo.

In his inspirational speech, Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, encouraged alumni to honor Dr Oh’s legacy by ensuring that Xavier University’s School of Medicine remains a top-tier institution for medical education. “...while I may not inspire you directly, I hope you find motivation in two key sources. First, draw inspiration from Dr Oh, whose leadership, innovative spirit, and dedication were vital in founding the XU School of Medicine. Second, let the values of academic excellence, service, and compassion upheld by the Xavier University Dr Jose P Rizal School of Medicine motivate you to support the school and its initiatives.”

Adding a heartfelt touch to the evening was Dr Jana Joy Tusalem, a member of the pioneering batch of XU’s Medical School. She shared touching stories of Dr Oh’s unwavering encouragement, which motivated her and her classmates to persevere despite challenges. Dr Tusalem was among the first 17 graduates of the Xavier University School of Medicine. Event host Dr Mavy De Leon Ladlad, a proud alumna of the Xavier University School of Medicine, seamlessly guided the program while honoring Dr Francisco L Oh’s legacy.

A highlight of the evening was Batch 1999, celebrating their 25th anniversary, who made an initial donation of ₱50,000 toward the lecture hall. The event concluded with a fellowship, during which several alumni batches pledged their support, bringing the total amount raised to over ₱500,000.

Dr Francisco L Oh served as Dean from 1983 to 2001. His legacy continues to inspire generations of medical professionals, shaping the future of healthcare education at Xavier University.

 

By Advancement Office