30/01/2025
๐๐ฆ๐จ ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ผ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฎ'๐ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐ผ๐น
Caraga State University (CSU) proudly announces the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) En Banc's approval of its Doctor of Medicine Program. This historic milestone establishes CSU as the home of Caraga's first public medical school, fulfilling a mandate under Republic Act 9854.
Following a thorough technical review, CHED's approval paves the way for CSU to begin accepting students for the upcoming academic year.
The approval followed a rigorous evaluation process conducted by CHEDโs Technical Panel. During a prior visit in October last year, the panel reviewed twelve (12) assessment areas, including the universityโs laboratories, smart classrooms, partnerships with community-based initiatives like Gawad Kalinga in Abilan, Buenavista, and the proposed allied hospitals within Butuan City. Lead Technical Panelist Dr. Manuel Dayrit lauded CSU for meeting most compliance requirements, leaving only minor revisions, which the university promptly addressed in its November submission.
University President Rolyn C. Daguil expressed profound gratitude for CHEDโs endorsement and the support of key stakeholders. โThis is a transformative step for Caraga State University and the region. The Doctor of Medicine program will provide Caraganons with access to free, high-quality medical education and address the persistent shortage of healthcare professionals in our communities,โ he said.
The approval is the culmination of years of collaborative efforts. Vice Presidents Dr. Michelle V. Japitana (Executive Operations) and Alexander T. Demetillo (Administration and Finance), alongside Dr. Teresita Brion, Dean of the School of Medicine, led strategic initiatives to meet CHED criteria. Their leadership, paired with the unwavering support of Congressman Joboy Aquino, was instrumental in navigating legislative and financial requirements.
Representative Aquino, a staunch advocate for the program, played a critical role in securing funding for the construction of the School of Medicine building and other essential facilities. Because of his support, CSU received 50M of GAA funding for 2024 and another 85M for 2025 for the academic buildings. His efforts reflect the regionโs unified commitment to bolstering healthcare accessibility and education.
Support from the Department of Health-Caraga further solidified the programโs foundation, with contributions such as examining tables for the universityโs Skills Lab. Local executives and allied hospitals of the Caraga Region have also pledged their continued support to ensure the programโs success. Former Board of Regents (BOR) Member, Victor Emmanuel A. Ozarraga, was also instrumental in the realization of the community partner.
The Doctor of Medicine program is aligned with CSUโs mission to be a transformative university and a responsible steward of value creation for sustainable development. This initiative integrates community engagement, research, and healthcare innovation, setting the stage for Caraga State University to excel in addressing the regionโs healthcare challenges.
