A historic breakthrough for higher education and healthcare in Region XII has been achieved as the establishment of the Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) College of Medicine, under House Bill No. 10181, was approved on the third and final reading in the Senate.
The bill is now awaiting the formal signature of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., expected next month, which will officially enact the measure into law. This significant development paves the way for the creation of the university’s first-ever College of Medicine, aimed at addressing the growing need for medical professionals in underserved areas of Mindanao and across the country.
This legislative success was made possible through the invaluable support of several distinguished senators, notably Senate President Francis Escudero, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senator Bong Go, and Senator Koko Pimentel, who actively championed the passage of House Bill 10181.
In a further boost to the initiative, Senator Pia Cayetano has allocated ₱50 million this year to support the initial funding needs of the SKSU College of Medicine — a move that demonstrates her continued commitment to accessible, high-quality medical education in the regions.
SKSU extends its heartfelt appreciation to all members of the legislature and university stakeholders who played key roles in realizing this milestone. Special recognition is also given to University President Samson L. Molao, EdD, for his strategic leadership and unwavering advocacy that have been central to the bill’s progress.
Once enacted, the SKSU College of Medicine will embody the university’s mission to provide transformative, inclusive, and service-driven higher education, fostering hope and opportunity in Sultan Kudarat and beyond.
