4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan (PPAB)

House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan is upbeat over the third and final reading passage a bill establishing a new state-owned college of medicine in Eastern Samar.

Libanan authored House Bill (HB) No. 11342, which mandated the creation of a medical school under the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City.

“Once the new state-subsidized college of medicine is established, we expect it to make medical education more accessible, particularly to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds,” Libanan said.

“Over time, we are also counting on the medical school to help address the shortage of doctors, especially in rural and underserved areas like Eastern Samar,” he added.

Although a lawyer by profession, Libanan also holds a degree in medical technology.

A native of Eastern Samar, Libanan previously represented the province’s lone district in Congress for nine years. He now serves as 4Ps party-list representative.

Currently, only seven state-owned higher institutions of learning are offering the Doctor of Medicine program. These are Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte; University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City; Cagayan State University in Tuguegarao City; Bicol University in Daraga, Albay; West Visayas State University in Iloilo City; University of the Philippines in Manila; and Mindanao State University in Marawi City

Between 2023 to 2024, Congress also passed five laws creating new medical colleges at Benguet State University in La Trinidad, Benguet; Southern Luzon State University in Lucban, Quezon; University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman, Northern Samar; Visayas State University in Baybay City; and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in Agoo, La Union

Libanan had earlier urged President Marcos to certify as urgent at least nine House bills seeking to establish additional medical schools in state universities.