TACLOBAN CITY — The Samar State University (SSU) and the provincial government of Samar officially launched the Samar Island Institute of Medicine (SIIM) on Sunday, December 8, at the SSU Main Campu s Gymnasium in Catbalogan City.
The event was attended by Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre, Samar Rep. Michael Tan(2nd district), Ched Regional Director Maximo Aljibe, St. Paul’s Hospital administrator Sr. Sarah Gocela, SIIM dean Noel Espallardo, SSU president Redentor Palencia, and former SSU president Marilyn Cardoso.
The SIIM was established to address the shortage of medical professionals, particularly in government-run health facilities across Samar province and the entire Eastern Visayas, which limits access to quality healthcare.
During the launch, Espallardo introduced the first batch of 22 SIIM medical students, who hail from various localities in the province.
These students will study as scholars and benefit from free basic tuition, allowances for prescribed books, supplies, equipment, uniforms, dormitory accommodations, internship fees, and financial assistance during their mandatory internship.
Additionally, the students will receive funding for medical board review fees, licensure fees, annual medical insurance, and other education-related allowances.
Their scholarships are mandated under Provincial Ordinance No. 17-453-24, which allocates annual funding for the program, a priority initiative of Gov. Tan. Faculty members will also receive support through capacity development initiatives.
To ensure an adequate public health workforce in Samar, scholars will be required to serve in rural health units, district hospitals, and the provincial hospital operated by the provincial government upon completing their medical degree and passing the medical board exam.
This return-service agreement aligns with the Universal Health Care law’s mandate to strengthen healthcare systems.
The SIIM at SSU, established in March 2024, expands on Republic Act No. 11509, also known as the Doktor Para sa Bayan law.
SSU is the first state university in Eastern Visayas to offer direct enrollment in a medical program.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
