Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University has gained the support and commitment of the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) towards shaping the dreams of aspiring physicians in this part of the country by signing into MOA as a base hospital which is important in the establishment of the proposed College of Medicine in CMU on October 12, at the Farmer’s Training Center.
Given the absence of a qualifying hospital within the Municipality of Maramag and the Province of Bukidnon, CMU sought out NMMC as the most accessible and promising base hospital. This is to satisfy the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) mandate that medical schools establish affiliations with Level III DOH-classified hospitals for accredited residency training programs.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, University President, reiterated the three main reasons why CMU has decided to offer the Doctor of Medicine program. Firstly, there is a growing clamor and demand for accessible and quality medical education in the region. Secondly, CMU boasts exceptional feeder programs that provide a solid foundation for aspiring medical students. Thirdly, the decision aligns with the university’s charter, Republic Act 4478, which mandates CMU to offer a Doctor of Medicine program.
Dr. Eballe expressed confidence in the synergy between CMU’s culture of academic excellence and NMMC’s clinical proficiency.
“I am confident that the union of CMU’s culture of academic excellence and NMMC’s clinical proficiency will shape compassionate and skilled medical professionals in the very near future, fulfilling our shared vision,” he stated.
Moreover, Dr. Jose C. Chan, NMMC Medical Center Chief, highlighted the institution’s impressive capacity for medical training. He pledges to offer a robust training program not just across four essential medical disciplines: medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology but 15 specialized training programs, ensuring that CMU students are exposed to a wide array of medical fields.
“As you are improving your services in terms of academics, we [are] also improving our services as a hospital… we have 15 training programs, not only pedia, OB, surgery, and internal medicine but also the rest of the other available training programs which your students may be exposed to in the next school years,” he highlighted.
Dr. Petter S. Quiaoit affirmed NMMC’s dedication to providing quality clinical exposure to CMU’s medical students. He stressed the importance of not only clinical training but also professional development, aiming to produce well-rounded and compassionate physicians.
Furthermore, CMU also received support from Legislators, Provincial and Local Government Units, and Municipal and Provincial Hospital Chiefs among others.
Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, through Dr. Miguel Antonio C. Prantilla, Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center (BPMC) Chief of Hospital, has affirmed wholehearted support for establishing a medical school in Bukidnon most especially in CMU.
With a clear mandate from Governor Roque, the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center is set to elevate to a level III institution, aligning itself with this grand vision.
“Actually, we already had a marching order from our governor to upgrade our Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center to level III to [be] somehow a part of this dream of both CMU and BSU. And in the future, BPMC may become your base hospital here in Bukidnon,” Dr. Prantilla revealed.
In terms of financial support, Dr. Evangeline Revilla, Municipal Health Officer and the Representative of LGU Maramag Mayor Jose Joel P. Doromal shared about the LGU’s proactive plan in offering financial support to medical students. This generous initiative aims to break down financial barriers and ensure that those aspiring to medical school can access quality medical education.
Moreover, Rep. Laarni Lavin Roque, also a member of the CMU Board of Regents, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the institution’s dedication to delivering quality education. She lauded CMU for its role in shaping not just academic graduates, but catalysts in nation-building, particularly from the Province of Bukidnon and neighboring regions.
Rep. Roque emphasized the importance of this partnership in the context of the broader national healthcare agenda. She emphasized that this initiative is aligned with the government’s Ambisyon Natin 2040 plan, which places a strong emphasis on ensuring the health and well-being of all Filipinos.
In closing, Dr. Jose S. Valmorida, Vice President for Academic Affairs expressed pride and optimism as the MOA was finalized. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of various stakeholders, emphasizing the shared commitment to excellence and compassion in healthcare and medical education. The collaborative effort between CMU and NMMC goes beyond education; it is a commitment to community service. It signifies a shared commitment towards realizing Ambisyon Natin 2040 and laying the foundation for a future where quality education and healthcare are accessible to all. [ Iyren Dalipe Neri with reports from MJ Bravo]
