CABANATUAN CITY – The Commission on Higher Education Technical Panel for Medical Education (CHED TPME) conducted the Phase 2 Evaluation of the Doctor of Medicine Program for the establishment of the NEUST College of Medicine during their visit on April 10, 2025 at the Gen. Tinio St. Campus.

The TPME evaluation assessed the University’s compliance with the 12 areas for medical education, including governance, curriculum, vision and mission, administration, faculty, student services and admission, library, physical plant and facilities, community involvement, clinical training, research, and accreditation and linkages.

Dr. Queenie Dyan Raagas, CHED TPME Chair representing the Department of Health (DOH), lauded NEUST’s initiative on establishing the College of Medicine.

“NEUST hits the Philippine Development Plan’s call to invest in human capital,” said. Dr. Raagas, recognizing the University’s potential to help address the country’s doctor shortage and bolster healthcare delivery.

Completing the technical panel of evaluators were Dr. Zoraida Leopando, Professor Emeritus of the UP College of Medicine and co-founder of the Philippine Society of Family Medicine; Dr. Clarita Maaño, former Chair of the PRC Board of Medicine; Dr. Leilani Nicodemus, Professor at the UP College of Medicine’s Department of Family and Community Medicine; Shiela Jalbuena, CHED Officer-in-Charge Supervisor and Senior Education Specialist; and Francis Dominic De Guzman, CHED Education Specialist II.

Aside from document validation, the evaluators also conducted interviews and site inspection of key facilities, including the proposed clinical skills laboratory, NEUST College of Nursing, and partner healthcare provider, Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (DRPJGMRMC).

The results of the second phase of the evaluation will be forwarded to the CHED En Banc for final deliberation and approval of the establishment of NEUST College of Medicine which was approved by the NEUST Governing Board through Board Resolution No. 53, s. 2023 on June 26, 2023.

According to NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo, the visit is a valuable opportunity for growth, refinement, and innovation for NEUST.

“With our utmost commitment to quality medical education, the NEUST College of Medicine is poised to make significant contributions to healthcare, empowering future doctors to serve communities with excellence and compassion,” said President Jugo, extending her gratitude to the evaluators and all those involved in the preparation for the evaluation process.

“The journey leading to this phase, from hiring experts and crafting the curriculum to securing partnerships and establishing infrastructure, is a testament to NEUST’s dedication to creating the College of Medicine,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Feliciana Jacoba, Vice President for Academic Affairs, said that the rigorous evaluation is an important step for NEUST before offering the Doctor of Medicine Program.

“The assessment process is integral to the growth and development of our institution and, more importantly, to the nurturing of the next generations of physicians,” she stated, adding NEUST’s commitment to producing not only skilled but also compassionate and ethical doctors.

The Committee on the Establishment of the College of Medicine is composed of its head Dr. Margarita Belinda Gamilla, University Physician; and members: VPAA Jacoba; Dr. Jean Guillasper, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training; Lorna Ejar, Budget Officer IV; Dr. Nancy Joy Mangansat, Director of Curriculum Development and Evaluation; Dr. Mario Abesamis, Jr., Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS); and Dr. Danilet Mendoza, CAS faculty.

Also present during the evaluation were Atty. Bembol Castillo, Vice President for Administration, Business, and Finance; Dr. Edgardo Ortiz, Dean of the College of Medicine; COM faculty members; and other NEUST officials. 

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