By Mitchell Jared Cruz De Silva Φ2021
Inspired by his dream to become a physician, sustained by perseverance and hard work, and ultimately guided by his motivation to serve, Brod Romeo Pilotin Ariniego Φ1967 encapsulates the very essence of the four PHI pillars of excellence, leadership, service and brotherhood. Being the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in 2007, Distinguished Teacher Award in 2013 and Distinguished Fellow Award in 2018 from the Philippine Heart Association, as well as the National Lorenzo M. Tañada CHIMES Award from De La Salle Philippines, Brod Romy is a well celebrated individual with his immeasurable contributions in various fields. As we commemorate his memory, we honor him, not solely for his achievements, but most importantly for his generosity and genuine concern for others.
Coming from a humble beginning, Brod Romy was born into a family of seven in Beddeng, Vigan, Ilocos Norte on February 26, 1943. His yearning to become a physician began at the age of 10 when a doctor visited their home to attend to his sick uncle. He witnessed how the doctor while treating his uncle managed to calm down and reassure his family. This experience inspired the young Brod Romy to pursue a career in medicine. However, given the financial standing of their family, schooling became a difficult undertaking. Fueled by his desire to become a doctor, he strived hard to continue his education, even finishing with honors at the Ilocos Sur High School.
Due to the financial demand of enrolling in a preparatory medical school, he decided to momentarily forego his dream and attended a night curriculum in Business Administration at the University of the East. To pay for his tuition fees, Brod Romy had to work during the day as a janitor and messenger for a cigarette factory.
After spending two semesters, he decided to transfer to Silliman University, which offered a free work-and-study program, to pursue a pre-medical course. While studying, Brod Romy continued to work at various jobs as a dormitory assistant, messenger and gardener to support his medical pursuit. In his senior year in college, he was granted a scholarship to pursue his medical education through the help of an American missionary in Vigan.
In 1967, he finally started his formal medical education at the College of Medicine of the University of the Philippines Manila. It is also in the same year wherein he entered the Most Venerable Fraternity, the Phi Kappa Mu, joining Phi Batch 1967. After completing his studies in 1972, he went on to residency training in Internal Medicine, wherein he was eventually appointed as Chief Resident, and fellowship at the Philippine General Hospital. His colleagues and other medical students fondly remembered him as an excellent physician and as a warm-hearted mentor who was always ready to guide them. After fellowship, he proceeded to further training in Cardiology at the Lidcombe Hospital in Sydney, Australia and Geriatric Cardiology at the Sahlgrenska Hospital in Sweden.
Despite the job offers overseas, Brod Romy chose to return and to practice in the Philippines. Soon after, he accepted the invitation of the late Dr. Paulo Campos to join the Emilio Aguinaldo College of Medicine and University Medical Center in Cavite. Equipped with a zeal for service, Brod Romy was able to succeed in his practice in the area, as proven by the long line of patients who always eagerly waited outside his clinic.
During such time, he, along with other faculty members, also initiated the improvement of the institution, becoming the De La Salle University College of Medicine and De La Salle University Medical Center. As the hospital training coordinator, he started the residency training program in Internal Medicine and because of his outstanding leadership, many were inspired to join the faculty roster, growing tremendously into today’s De La Salle Health Sciences Institute (DLSHSI). He eventually was offered numerous leadership roles – exemplifying excellence in every position and garnering him many accolades along the way.
Never failing to remember his roots and staying true to the value of service, he dedicated much of his accumulated success into helping aspiring medical professionals achieve their dreams. From offering scholarships, lending his home to serve as a housing place for medical scholars to donating a library for the school, he has tirelessly dedicated his life to extending aid to those in need.
Regardless of the many years that has passed and his accomplishments, Brod Romy has remained a proud brother of the Phi Kappa Mu. He was always an expected presence in the gatherings of the Fraternity. Whether it involved the celebration of Phi Riot, Foundation Stag or welcoming the new brothers of the Fold in the Induction Ball, he always endeavored to take part in opportunities for fellowship. Brod Romy often welcomed the brods into his home, sharing a bottle of Budweiser, and spending an evening filled with laughter and reminiscent stories. He was always available to help out any brod in need, readily providing counsel and guidance.
From his humble beginnings to his eventual success, he remained a man of virtue, grounded in his principles and always equipped with a heart for service. Time and time again, he has proven that generosity has no limits, most especially when it comes to helping those in need. Brod Romy has truly led a life that can effortlessly inspire and one that the Most Venerable Fold will always remember. Your memory will forever live on in the hearts of our brothers.
In whatever lands we meet, Brod Romy!
Demerre, E. C., & Dominguez-Tan, A. (2010). An unlikely in the land of hero Heroes. Retrieved from http://philheart.org/documents/newsbriefs/dec09p2.pdf.
Ramirez, J. R. M. (2013, September 24). Living the dream, and sharing it. Philstar. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/newsmakers/2013/09/24/1237357/living-dream-and-sharing-it.
