Benguet State University’s bid to open a College of Medicine is in full swing, but more funds are needed for its full operation in August 2023.
BSU President Felipe Comila, during the kapihan on the university’s 106th foundation anniversary, said the state-owned university is now in coordination with the local government units to support the establishment of the college.
With the passage of the House Bill 312 establishing the BSU College of Medicine authored by Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, it will be a great assistance to the operation of the college.
On Sept. 12, the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education led by Baguio City Rep. Mark Go approved the bill along with four other similar measures establishing colleges of medicine in various parts of the country.
Comila said he is banking on the support of the LGUs of the province, even with financial aid to help would-be students through scholarships.
BSU Executive Assistant Atty. Andres Lampacan said the feasibility study conducted by the university through a technical working group is being finalized.
“Our product is being reviewed by the Commission on Higher Education and some parts of it, even the National Economic Development Authority has called our attention and requested a portion of the report of the study for its report to Congress,” Lampacan said.
It would take huge funding for the operation of BSU College of Medicine in order to be at par with other schools.
Comila said they are working on the framework, standard and faculty members for them to proceed with the enrollment.
BSU is also discussing the scheme on the subsidy to be given to students who will take part of the program.
Benguet province offers scholarship grants for deserving doctor of medicine students with one slot per municipality under its “Study now, pay later” program since 2018.
Once opened, BSU will be the first state university in the Cordillera that will have a College of Medicine.
BSU’s program is in line with Republic Act 11509 or the “Doktor para sa Bayan” law signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte in May 2021, which establishes a medical scholarship and return service program for students in state universities and colleges. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 20, 2024
