A Message From the Development Office/Alumni Relations Director, the implementing arm of Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc.
Anna Maria Gloria S. Ward
Another year has ended, and the pandemic is still in our midst which has affected all of us one way or the other, whether physically, socially, psychologically, or financially. No one has been spared, even the Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc. with its fundraising activities lined up for 2021 that had to be on hold. Much as we want to move faster, it is very difficult as most offices operate on online submissions. The temporary loosening of restrictions before the Christmas Holidays was welcoming, and it made us cautiously hopeful that numbers of those affected by COVID would continue to go down. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
For we have waited long enough, and we do not see an abrupt end to the pandemic soon, the AFI Fundraising Committee has decided to start its major campaign for the Sts. Cosmas and Damian Simulation Laboratory and Research Center. This is an optimistic move. We look forward to early 2022 for the start of the building construction. The University has set aside a budget to start the edifice, but the amount would not be able to address the whole cost of the shell of the building. The fittings and furnishings are to be considered, too. We anticipate that we would have to work harder looking for generous donors in exchange of a naming right. It might be challenging at these times, but armed with optimism and a good cause, we embark on this ambitious project. In fact, we thank several classes and organizations who not only have pledged but already have given their donations.
The Sts. Cosmas and Damian Simulation Laboratory and Research Center will be a seven-floor edifice located along Dapitan St. with three floors solely allocated to the simulation laboratory.
As this will most probably be the last edifice to be erected in the Sampaloc campus, and the proud owner would be the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, this should be a source of pride among its alumni. There are 52 rooms available for naming rights and that of the building. The naming rights would range from 5 million to 50 million for the rooms, where a class or individual could leave behind a legacy for the future Thomasian doctors of this country. It would assure them of a competitive quality education, keeping true to one of the qualities of a Thomasian doctor- being competent.
We encourage everyone to come and be part of this historical narrative… that in UST FMS’ celebration of its sesquicentennial, its alumni and friends, sourced and gathered its resources to assure that it remains to be one of the best medical schools in the Philippines. After all, not anyone can claim to be the cradle of medical education in the country.
2022, we hope, will be a memorable year for the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. Through the help of the many alumni and friends in the different parts of the world who have been witnessed to the contribution of FMS in the field of medical education, and with Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc., in full support to FMS, as it stays true to its mission and vision, then nothing is impossible. Collaboratively, we can make the building a reality.
Our flagship project, the Regent Scholarship Program (RSP), continues to attract prospective doctor applicants. Your support to the Project has been fruitful as we saw the first five graduates who are now interns in different Manila hospitals. AFI hopes that through your help it can continue sending financially challenged but deserving students to medical school.
If you wish to be part of this sesquicentennial project and the RSP, we gladly will respond to your queries. You may visit us at Room 118 St. Martin de Porres Building, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila, Philippines 1008, however, feel free to reach us at developmentoffice@anargyroifoundation.org or (+63 2) 84061611 loc. 8566. Your donation will impact not only the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery but also the country, and the world. What this pandemic has shown is that we need more doctors.
Wishing you all a Blessed and Happy New Year! Praying that we all stay safe!