Tandag city: The Committee on Higher and Technical Education at the House of Representatives has approved on first reading the proposed establishment of a College of Medicine at North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

According to Philippines News Agency, Surigao del Sur First District Representative Romeo Momo Sr. expressed his approval of the measure, highlighting that the proposed law will create more opportunities in medical education and services for communities within the province. Momo, who is the main author of House Bill No. 2888, filed the proposal in Congress on August 4.

Momo emphasized that the establishment of a College of Medicine at NEMSU is crucial for offering high-quality medical education to deserving students in the Caraga Region who might lack the financial means to attend private medical schools. This initiative aims to not only provide excellent education and training to future doctors in the region but also to address the shortage of physicians in the area.

In a separate statement, NEMSU President Nemesio Loayon noted that Momo's measure had previously passed three readings during the 19th Congress and was refiled in the 20th Congress. Loayon stated that the establishment of the NEMSU College of Medicine intends to expand medical education opportunities in Caraga and tackle the region's urgent need for more healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved and remote communities.