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Few things in life are as daunting as facing critical illness and its ripple effects on families. It can shatter dreams, derail careers, and leave loved ones grasping for hope. But for some, adversity becomes the fire that forges resilience and a renewed sense of purpose.
(L-R): Dr. Cenon “Dodie” R. Alfonso, Professor and Dean of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH); Roberto P. Ang, Executive Director of the Equitable Foundation, Inc.; Maria Lourdes A. Benito, Assistant to the Dean, ASMPH; Equitable Foundation – Maxicare ASMPH scholars, Lance Tolentino, Lia Pauline Paderon, Shalom Hernandez; and Christian S. Argos, President and CEO of MaxiGroup.
Such is the case for three extraordinary students from Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH), who thrived despite personal and financial hardships and became beacons of hope for those facing similar struggles.
ASMPH, established in 2007, offers an innovative curriculum blending medicine, public health, leadership, and social impact. Graduates earn a Doctor of Medicine and a Master in Business Administration (MBA), preparing them to tackle healthcare challenges holistically. Through the support of the Equitable Foundation and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, scholarships are given to deserving students, enabling them to pursue their dreams of becoming healthcare leaders.
The Equitable Foundation was established in 1974 by the Equitable Bank Group to honor its founder, Go Kim Pah, who believed that education is a fundamental right. The foundation initially focused on supporting underprivileged but deserving students in fields like Accountancy, IT, and Healthcare. In 2009, the Foundation and Maxicare combined efforts to offer scholarships to ASMPH students.
There were 164 graduates from Ateneo’s Batch 2024, including three Equitable Foundation—Maxicare scholars.
Shalom Hernandez: Rising Above Loss and Leading with Strength
Iesous Shalom N. Hernandez, from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, faced the heartbreaking loss of his father to cancer seven years ago. The emotional toll on the family was immense, compounded by financial struggles. Despite the hardships, Shalom refused to let grief and adversity define his future. With the support of his brother, who became the family’s primary breadwinner, and a scholarship from Equitable Foundation and Maxicare, Shalom pursued his dream of becoming a doctor.
Shalom didn’t just excel academically—he became a leader, serving as President of the ASMPH Student Council and later as Class President for the graduating batch 2024. His journey is one of perseverance, a testament to how resilience and family support can propel individuals to survive difficult circumstances and emerge as strong, compassionate leaders.
Lia Pauline Paderon: A Beacon of Hope for Families in Need
Growing up in Lucena City, Quezon, Lia Pauline Paderon’s path to a medical degree was filled with obstacles. Her father worked multiple odd jobs to support the family, while also caring for Lia’s stepmother and sister, both of whom have special needs. These challenges didn’t deter her; instead, they fueled her determination to make a difference in healthcare.
With the help of the Equitable Foundation and Maxicare scholarship, Lia earned her MD and MBA degrees, consistently making the Dean’s list, and graduating cum laude. Now, she is committed to providing equitable healthcare, especially for patients who endure similar hardships. Her story reminds us that empathy, born from personal struggle, can inspire a lifelong commitment to serve others.
Lance Tolentino: A Valedictorian’s Triumph Over Adversity
Lance Gill Mendoza Tolentino’s academic achievements are nothing short of remarkable. He graduated valedictorian from Ateneo de Naga University High School and consistently made the Dean’s List at Ateneo de Manila University. But behind his academic success lies a story of grit, sacrifice, and unwavering support from his family.
Lance’s journey to medical school was made possible by the full scholarship from Equitable Foundation and Maxicare. However, just as he was about to enter his clerkship, his father was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. The burden was heavy—Lance contemplated leaving school to support his family. But his father’s words, “Lalaban lang ako kung lalaban ka,” became a turning point in his life. With renewed determination, Lance balanced his studies with caregiving, and his resilience carried him through to become the 2024 ASMPH Valedictorian.
The Ripple Effect of Resilience: Scholars Begin Their Careers at Maxicare
Shalom, Lia, and Lance’s stories of resilience have come full circle. All three scholars have accepted offers to work as General Practitioners at Maxicare, a natural step as they prepare for their board exams. Their decision reflects their shared belief in the importance of accessible, affordable healthcare—a mission they aim to contribute to as they start their medical careers with the Philippines’ leading HMO.
Lia sees HMOs as vital to bridging the gap in healthcare access. “HMOs make healthcare possible for Filipino citizens in all stages—from screening to treatment,” she says. “The majority of healthcare expenses in the Philippines are out-of-pocket, putting many at risk of falling into poverty from one major hospital bill. HMOs fill that gap since we lack the socialized healthcare systems in developed countries. During my hospital rotations, I’ve seen health insurance and HMOs provide a lifeline, making life-saving treatments affordable without causing financial ruin.”
For Shalom, starting his career at Maxicare allows him to put his leadership and advocacy skills into action. He believes that working in an HMO is a way to help bridge the gap in access to quality healthcare for many Filipinos. “HMOs play a crucial role in ensuring people receive the care they need without suffering financially. It’s my chance to contribute to a system prioritizing health and long-term well-being,” Shalom shares.
Lance, the 2024 Valedictorian, sees the role of HMOs as crucial in changing Filipinos’ health-seeking behaviors. “Without HMOs, many people would skip checkups and screenings. HMOs aren’t just reactive—they focus on preventive care, keeping people healthy, and helping them stay on track to pursue their dreams. I’m excited to be part of this change and give back to the community by making healthcare more accessible.”
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