The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Medicine is poised to elevate its medical training with the near completion of two cutting-edge annex buildings: a Clinical Skills Laboratory and a Simulation Laboratory.
Designed to provide hands-on training in a controlled environment, the facilities are about 90 to 92 percent complete. These aim to prepare students for real-world medical challenges.
Senator Pia Cayetano, who spearheaded funding for the project as Senior Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, visited WVSU on Wednesday to inspect the progress.
Accompanied by WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz and College of Medicine Dean Dr. Victor Amantillo, Cayetano emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure to enhance the quality of medical education.
“I’m really proud of being able to find the funding for these kinds of worthwhile projects. It is a personal victory for the medical students and faculty here, but it is a collective victory for the people of the province, of the region,” Cayetano said in a statement.
The two buildings, supported through Cayetano’s legislative initiative, are part of the ongoing implementation of the Doktor Para Sa Bayan Act, which aims to address the country’s healthcare workforce gap.
The Clinical Skills Laboratory and Simulation Laboratory will enable students to refine their clinical competencies using advanced tools and realistic simulations.
Since 2021, the Seed Fund for Medical State Universities and Colleges has allocated over P1 billion to enhance the capacity of state universities and colleges offering medical programs. This includes the construction of facilities, support for new medical schools, and funding for the operations of existing ones.
WVSU College of Medicine has also expanded its offerings through the West MED program, which allows senior high school students to fast-track their medical degrees, completing the course in seven years instead of nine.
The program has attracted more students, further cementing WVSU’s role in producing top-tier healthcare professionals.
Cayetano reaffirmed her support for WVSU College of Medicine, praising its commitment to offering accessible and high-quality medical education.
