Today marked a major milestone in the history of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) with the official launch of its College of Medicine! There are 40 slots available for the pioneering batch of medical students who will each receive free tuition and fees for the entire four-year medicine program, under the Doktor Para Sa Bayan Act.
Attending the activity were CHED Commissioner Jo Mark Libre, USTP President Dr. Ambrosio Cultura, USTP CdeO Chancellor Atty. Dionel Albina, NMMC Director Dr. Jose Chan, USTP College of Medicine Dean Dr. Mitchel Gonzalez and Cong. Rufus Rodriguez who authored the bill establishing the USTP College of Medicine.
The first batch of medicine students will begin their classes in USTP next month. In return, they shall render one-year return service per year they are under the medicine scholarship, four years total, in government health institutions in Cagayan de Oro and other health facilities in Northern Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Cong. Rodriguez also stated that he is envisioning the establishment of a College of Nursing next year, August 2024, and a wide array of allied courses, all while nurturing the aspiration for a College of Law.
photos by Rep. Rufus B Rodriguez
