DIGNA R. RAGASA, M.D.
“First Lady Governor of District 3790”
A seed sown on rich soil…
Born on June 14,1958 and raised by Engr. Cresencio and Dominga Ragasa who placed to fore the value of education,”Nasit, as fondly called by her chums and people in their household, was nurtured with the highest education the parents could provide. Getting her Medical Education at Perpetual Help College of Medicine and Residency Training in General Surgery at Quirino Memorial Medical Center, she climbed the educational ladder meteorically from her humble hometown in Cabaraon, Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur to the Imperial Manila. Believing in returning to one’s hometown, she bore the name “Dra. Digna” which now becomes a by-word equated to a successful physician and general surgeon. Her scalpel-sharp precision in dealing with patients’ diseases leave her a sterling mark in the medical profession. The Ragasa seed turns out to be a sturdy tree laden with fruits.
Having a unique vantage point…
Defining her visions pristine clearly on health needs of the community, she and other doctors sought to establish the Metro-Vigan Cooperative Hospital which is now one of the best hospitals in the Region. She now manages the same successfully after finishing Hospital Administration from Ateneo de Manila Graduate School of Business.
This vision she crafted cognizant of the fact that government alone cannot provide a quality health care for the people. This vision she carried through a special mission – providing health care is not only a business, it is a service to humanity. Keeping this flame aglow with fervour’s fires, she reached out to the community bringing along with her the Rotary Club of Virgin and the Ilocos Sur Medical Society in surgical missions, feeding programs, water projects and other activities, with the two organizations walking hand-in-hand with her. This tireless effort earned for her the “Most Outstanding Physician in Community Service” awarded by the Philippine Medical Association. In 2009, she became a Governor of the Philippine Medical Association – Northwestern Luzon Center.
Viewing life as a journey towards one’s self, she together with her siblings, Donato, Credo and Bernadette donated a building with sets of computers which is now the Multimedia Resource and Learning Center in Pangada-Cabaroan Elementary School as a way of paying homage to her departed mother, who in her past life served as its principal. Infusing the Rotary spirit in the family, she inspired her sister and brother-in-law (Leilani and Edwin Raquel) in building homes for the less privileged residents of Vigan City.
As a Rotarian…
Becoming a member of the Rotary Club of Vigan in 1993 while at the peak of her career, she became charged with the membership basics “APPLES” –Attendance, Payment of dues, Participate, Learn, Serve which she follows strictly to the letter. She had attended several Rotary International Conventions, Zone Institutes and practically attended all District Affairs. In doing so, the purple feathers dominated her cap. She was cited:
- Multiple Paul Harris Fellow
- Outstanding President, RY 1998-1999
- 100 Percent attendance since 1993, Rotary Club of Vigan
- Presidential Citation, Rotary Club of Vigan, RY 2001-2002, RY 2003-2004
- Outstanding District/Cluster Officer
With all these things with her, she conceived the birth of the Rotary Club of Magsingal North Ilocos Sur.
Rotary Club of Masingal North Ilocos Sur.
A committed Governor…
Motivated by the year’s Rotary theme, “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity,” the first Lady Governor begins her day with a Mass and contemplation. Enfleshing this year’s theme was her daily maintenance. As a matter of commitment, she marries the Office of the Governor with courage of conviction and ardour to serve. She opines that the success of the District cannot be complete under her hands alone, but with the full and united support of her mother club – Rotary Club of Vigan, the past, present and future District and Club Officers and all the dedicated Rotarians of District 3790. |
