Benguet State University's Milestone: Paving the Way for More Doctors in Cordillera with New College of Medicine

Landmark Achievement: Establishment of Benguet State University-College of Medicine Brings Hope for Increased Doctor Production in Cordillera"

Officials and parents in the Cordillera express gratitude for the recent enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11970, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on December 20. This law establishes the Benguet State University-College of Medicine, a significant development welcomed by the region, as it is poised to contribute to the production of more doctors.

Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas conveyed his appreciation to President Marcos and Benguet Lone District Rep. Eric Go Yap, acknowledging Yap's role in championing House Bill No. 312, which laid the foundation for the establishment of the medical college.

Governor Diclasemphasized the historic nature of this initiative, marking the first institution of its kind in Benguet and the first state university in the region to offer Doctor of Medicine. He anticipates that this will address the critical needs of the healthcare system in Benguet and the wider Cordillera region.

As a surgeon himself, Governor Diclas sees this development as a boon to the province's "Study Now, Pay Later" program, supporting aspiring doctors from Benguet's 13 municipalities with financial assistance in the form of tuition fees, book allowances, and stipends.

The establishment of the Benguet State University-College of Medicine is seen as a transformative step toward a brighter future for healthcare in Benguet. Governor Diclas expressed confidence that future graduates from the medical college will play a significant role in shaping a healthier Benguet and a healthier Cordillera.

The idea of opening a medical college at BSU originated in 2018 during the tenure of university president Felipe Comila. Comila revealed that the initial enrollment will include 50 slots divided into two sections, with plans to increase this to 60 students annually. The BSU-College of Medicine aims to empower more Igorots to pursue medicine, regardless of financial constraints.

The establishment of this medical college aligns with Republic Act 11509, also known as the "Doctor para sa Bayan Law," signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in May 2021. This law establishes a medical scholarship and return service program for deserving students in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

 

LTFRB-Central Visayas Celebrates 78% Consolidation Success for Public Utility Vehicles

Central Visayas Achieves 78% Consolidation Rate of Public Utility Vehicles: LTFRB Report

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Central Visayas revealed on Monday that there has been a commendable 78% consolidation rate since the acceptance of applications began, up until the government-set deadline on December 31.

Eduardo Montealto Jr., the regional director of LTFRB-7, reported that as of the December 31, 2023, cut-off, a total of 8,580 units of public utility vehicles have applied for consolidation into cooperatives or corporations since 2018.

Montealto extended his appreciation to the operators and their representatives who filed for consolidation, recognizing their efforts. He also commended the dedication of the LTFRB-Central Visayas field office personnel who worked even on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays to ensure that those catching up with the deadline could complete the process.

The reported number comprises owners or operators of public utility jeepneys (PUJ) and Utility Vehicles (UV) Express who chose to be part of either a transport cooperative or corporation.

Operators who consolidated into a cooperative are required to register with the Cooperative Development Authority, in addition to seeking accreditation with the Office of the Transport Cooperative of the Department of Transportation. Alternatively, operators not opting for cooperative membership can form themselves into a corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Notably, in October 2023, only 59.6% of franchise holders applied for consolidation, but the numbers surged as the deadline approached.

Montealto emphasized that those failing to meet the consolidation deadline will forfeit their franchise and the privilege to operate their respective routes, as no extensions will be granted.