A MEDICINE course will now be offered at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-South La Union Campus after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. enacted a law on Saturday (17 Feb 2024) that establishes the College of Medicine in the said school.

Republic Act No. 11978, or the “Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-South La Union Campus-College of Medicine” provides that the institution will offer a Doctor of Medicine Program, including an Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine Program.

The program will consist of basic science and clinical courses, and use a learner-centered, competency-based, and community-oriented approach.

“The primary goal of the College shall be to develop a corps of professional physicians to strengthen the healthcare system of the country, as well as to respond to the human resource development needs of the Province of La Union and Region I,” RA 11978 read.

“The College is also mandated to undertake research and extension services and provide progressive leadership in these areas.”

Marcos signed the law on February 15 and will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, or a newspaper of general circulation.