TACLOBAN CITY— The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure establishing the College of Medicine at Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City, a move aimed at expanding access to medical education and improving healthcare services in Eastern Visayas.
House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said the proposed medical school could pave the way for the establishment of Eastern Samar’s first teaching hospital, which would serve as a center for patient care, medical training, and research.
House Bill No. 8626 was authored by Libanan and Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales.
Once enacted, the measure will allow ESSU to offer a Doctor of Medicine program featuring a community-oriented and competency-based curriculum designed to address the region’s healthcare needs.
ESSU currently caters to nearly 25,000 students and operates a recognized College of Nursing and Allied Sciences across its campuses in Eastern Samar.
The proposed college is expected to help produce more medical professionals in the region while addressing the shortage of doctors and strengthening healthcare delivery in underserved communities.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
