Hospital founder remembered

Perhaps it is fitting that a farm boy from Ormoc ultimately lived his professional life with the same work ethic that was exemplified for him under the open sky over seven decades ago.

Dr. Potenciano V. Larrazabal, Jr., the founding President of CebuDoc Group of Hospitals and Cebu Doctors University, is not only admired for his dedication and hard work but also for his achievements. Though his passing was a great loss, Dr. Jun will always be remembered for the values that he lived out to everyone.

Dr. Potenciano V. Larrazabal, Jr. was born on April 21, 1940 to Don Potenciano and Doña Aniceta in the town of Ormoc, Leyte. He was the third child among seven siblings.

At a young age, Dr. Jun Larrazabal dreamt of becoming a priest someday. He used to be a sacristan in their church and even hid and climbed out from their window just to serve in the mass.

He attended Ateneo de Cagayan (now known as Xavier University) for his secondary education and graduated with honors. Dr. Jun loved to play basketball and was captain ball of the team. After he finished high school, his father convinced him to become a doctor. He then took the pre-med course in the University of Sto. Tomas and pursued Medicine in the same university.

He took his residency program in Internal Medicine in Queens Hospital Center in New York and became the Chief Resident in Internal Medicine in 1967-1968. He received his Fellowship in Gastroenterology 1968-1969 during his stay in the US.

During his college days, Dr. Jun met his future wife, Zenaida Sto. Domingo. After getting married, they had four children: Marinella Teresa Larrazabal Carcel, Bettina Anne Larrazabal Veloso, Potenciano S.D. Larrazabal, III and Philip Anthony S.D. Larrazabal.

As a father, he always found time for his kids. He was active in attending various school activities. Mrs. Larrazabal described him as a loving and supportive father.

Upon his return to the Philippines, he never faltered as he set out to establish the best hospital and best training university in the country. Today, he is remembered on his first death anniversary.