Celebrating a Historic Milestone: The First Graduation Ceremonies of the Philippine Qihuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute
The Philippine Qihuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute recently celebrated an inspiring milestone with its first graduation ceremony last October 23, 2024 at the Metropolitan Hospital, an event that symbolized achievement, dedication, and a bright future for healthcare in the region. As the Faculty Dean, I had the honor of witnessing our students' journey from eager learners to skilled practitioners, ready to share the invaluable wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with communities throughout the Philippines.
The institute’s name, *Qihuang*, is inspired by two legendary figures: the Yellow Emperor, *Huangdi*, and his healer-adviser, *Qibo*. These iconic names signify a legacy of knowledge, leadership, and the transformative power of medicine, representing our commitment to infuse these values into our curriculum and our graduates.
A Ceremony to Remember
The graduation ceremony was a deeply meaningful event that united students, faculty, and TCM experts from both the Philippines and China. Each graduate, having undergone a comprehensive curriculum in TCM practices—spanning acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, Qi Gong, and dietary therapy—is now equipped to bridge traditional Chinese medicine with contemporary health needs. Together, we celebrated their journey and the start of a new chapter as practitioners devoted to enhancing public health.
In my address to the graduates, I reminded them of the privilege and responsibility that comes with their new roles. As TCM practitioners, they now represent an ancient heritage, rich in techniques and principles aimed at holistic well-being. “Today,” I shared, “you become custodians of a powerful legacy of healing that honors the body’s natural rhythms and resilience.”
Advancing Healthcare in the Philippines
This graduation represents an exciting opportunity for Philippine healthcare. As demand grows for integrative approaches, our graduates are well-positioned to offer TCM expertise to communities, hospitals, and wellness centers. Several graduates expressed a desire to open their own practices, while others plan to work alongside Western healthcare professionals, contributing to a balanced approach to health. One graduate shared, “My goal is to help people understand how preventive care, grounded in natural cycles, can improve their quality of life.”
The institute’s graduates bring a fresh perspective on wellness, one that emphasizes the importance of balance, prevention, and education. The holistic techniques they’ve learned offer Filipinos not only more choices in treatment but also greater access to natural, preventive health measures.
Looking to the Future
Our first graduation is not just a conclusion; it marks the beginning of a promising new chapter. These graduates will shape the future of healthcare in the Philippines, infusing it with values rooted in Qihuang’s legacy of compassion, resilience, and respect for nature. As the Faculty Dean, I am filled with pride and optimism for these practitioners and the journey they are about to undertake.
Congratulations to the pioneering graduates of the Philippine Qihuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute! May you carry the spirit of Qihuang forward, enriching lives with the power of traditional Chinese medicine. The future of integrative healthcare in the Philippines is bright, and together, we will honor this shared heritage as we strive for a healthier tomorrow.
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