CREDIT: PIA Sultan Kudarat
In the heart of Mindanao, the Sultan Kudarat province is poised to make history. The Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) College of Medicine will soon open its doors, forever transforming the face of medical education and healthcare in the province and beyond. As Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu recently announced, the expected year-end inauguration of the medical school will usher in a new era of opportunities for the local community and the healthcare system at large.
The call for a unique College of Medicine in the Sultan Kudarat province has been answered. The announcement by Governor Mangudadatu about the impending opening of the SKSU College of Medicine has created a wave of anticipation and excitement. This development promises to broaden the scope of educational opportunities and bolster the healthcare system, not just within the Sultan Kudarat province, but nationwide.
The journey towards the establishment of the SKSU College of Medicine has been a carefully crafted one. With House Bill (HB) 6771, or An Act Establishing a College of Medicine in Sultan Kudarat State University in Tacurong City, having already passed its second reading at the 19th Congress, the dream of having a medical school in the province is closer than ever to becoming a reality.
Governor Mangudadatu reiterated the provincial government's dedication to empowering the youth and providing them with the necessary support to become active contributors to nation-building. The establishment of the College of Medicine will undoubtedly serve as a significant stepping stone towards this goal.
The initiative has also garnered support from the Senate, with Senator Imee Marcos emphasizing the importance of addressing the shortage of medical field workers during her recent visit to the Sultan Kudarat province. The Senator highlighted that investing in the youth through the SKSU is an investment in the future.
The House Committee on Ways and Means recently approved tax provisions for HB 6771. Representative JC Abalos, the principal sponsor of the bill, underscored the alignment of the initiative with the legislators' commitment to enhancing access to health services, particularly in rural and remote areas.
The proposed legislation also includes provisions that would facilitate the importation of medical books, equipment, and instruments for educational purposes. This move will be instrumental in ensuring that the SKSU College of Medicine is equipped with the necessary resources for effective teaching and learning.
The bill also encourages donations for educational purposes. All grants, bequests, endowments, donations, and contributions used directly and exclusively for educational purposes by the college will be exempt from the donor's tax, stimulating more contributions towards the establishment and operation of the medical school.
Following the approval of the tax provisions, Representative Bai Rihan Sakaluran expressed confidence that they are one step closer to realizing the dream of having a learning institution tasked with honing future medical professionals in Sultan Kudarat.
The establishment of the SKSU College of Medicine signifies more than just an investment in education. It is a testament to the priority given to the health and well-being of the people of Sultan Kudarat and the Soccsksargen region.
In preparation for the opening of the new College of Medicine, Governor Mangudadatu, Sakaluran, Abalos, and SKSU officials recently visited the University of the Philippines-Manila (UPM) in a benchmarking activity. The visit aimed to identify best practices, explore innovative teaching methods, and discuss future collaborations and partnerships.
Once approved, the SKSU College of Medicine will be the first in the province and the third in the Soccsksargen region. This landmark development heralds a new dawn in healthcare for the people of Sultan Kudarat, promising to shape a future where quality healthcare and education are accessible to all.