Mindanao State University – General Santos City officially inaugurated the College of Medicine’s Infirmary and Library buildings at the MSU-CETD grounds last March 27, 2023, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in attendance for the turnover of said buildings.
Dr. Edwin C. Alconcel, the Dean of the College of Medicine formally commenced the historical event emphasizing that the turnover of these buildings will help the college realize its mandate of providing the best medical education to its students. Thereafter, Engr. Teody R. Galang of DPWH-South Cotabato’s 1st District Engineering Office read the project profiles of the Infirmary and Library buildings which were completed last December 2022 and February 2023 respectively.
MSU-Gensan Chancellor, JD. Usman D. Aragasi, MPA, together with Engr. Jonathan G. Bantug, District Engineer, inked the documents, duly concurred and witnessed by Hon. Loreto “Tonton” B. Acharon, Representative of the Lone District of General Santos City and COM’s Dean, Dr. Edwin C. Alconcel, along with the University’s officials and the COM’s faculty and staff.
Hon. Acharon in his turnover speech acknowledged the efforts of the Former Congresswoman, Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles who initiated the crafting of the bill in support of the COM and expressed his support for the initiatives of the University toward upgrading its medical education. The honorable Congressman then pledged to exert all efforts to pass an appropriation bill that will seek to augment funds for the development of the college. He also remarked on the significance of the newly turned-over buildings. “Let us be reminded that these structures are not only for the institution that we desire for the students to study and potentially graduate…these structures are for the community that we serve,” he added.
Chancellor Aragsi accepted the project documents and the ceremonial key and expressed his gratitude to those who supported the establishment and operation of the College of Medicine. “I sincerely accept the responsibility to make these assets of the university more responsive and we will do everything to maximize its usefulness for the students, faculty, and other constituents,” he remarked. Additionally, he emphasized the shared success between the local government and the University and manifested a commitment to upholding a strong and mutually advantageous relationship with stakeholders.
After the ceremonial ribbon cutting and a tour of the buildings, the ceremony ended with a message from the Associate Dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. Analyza Galia-Gabuay. Also present during the event are Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, Prof. Sheila J. Loable, OIC-Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, Ms. Nurleila G. Canacan, OIC-Director of the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao, Dr. Mario J. Aguja, Campus Secretary, Prof. Norman Ralph B. Isla, college deans, office directors, COM faculty, staff, and students.
The College of Medicine is the first state-funded medical school in Region XII and is poised to produce medical practitioners who will address the challenged healthcare system of underprivileged communities of the locality. Through these newly inaugurated buildings and their state-of-the-art pieces of equipment, the college has leveled up its mission of providing excellent medical education to its pioneering batch and the succeeding ones to come.
