Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Medco favors opening of UP School of Health Science in C. Mindanao
THE Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) has favorably endorsed the establishment of the University of the Philippines (UP)-School of Health Science in Central Mindanao, particularly in South Cotabato province.
Medco chairman Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana Sr. said the opening of the school is aimed at making health science education accessible to the rural areas, especially for the poor but deserving students who are expected to serve their communities upon completion of the courses.
Leyretana said the target date for the school opening is tentatively set for July next year.
He said the personnel complement would include five faculty members, four administrators and two lecturers during the first year of operation.
He said the courses to be offered are in accordance with the ladderized curricula of UP focusing on basic midwifery, nursing and medicine.
The courses that will be offered are designed to encourage the poor but deserving students from South Central Mindanao and its adjacent region.
The initial number of enrollees is set at 80 students who will not be subjected to intense entrance requirements and payment of tuition fees.
Leyretana said the graduates shall be mandated to render a two-year service after graduation with the end in view of filling the vacuum of medical and paramedical practices, especially in the rural areas.
He said the establishment of the UP School of Health Science in South Cotabato would rationalize the spread of basic services, as well as provide more trained medical personnel responsive to the health needs of Mindanaoans.
He said Senator Edgardo Angara has already pledged to contribute P10 million to South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes for the establishment of the said school.
The South Cotabato Provincial Government needs P38 million to fund the school's establishment to cover the site, two classrooms, two offices and a library. (Bong Garcia)
