THE HOUSE Committee on Higher and Technical Education has approved House Bill 10203 that seeks to establish the College of Veterinary Medicine in the Bicol University.

Albay 3rd District Rep. Fernando Cabredo filed the bill to address the shortage of veterinarians in the country.

Cabredo disclosed that the Philippines has about 10,000 veterinarians and only 20 of them are based in Albay.

Under the bill, the college shall primarily offer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control of animal diseases.

The six-year program includes a two-year preparatory veterinary medicine curriculum and a four-year professional veterinary medicine.

“I know Bicolanos need a veterinary school. There is a scarcity of veterinarians, and we fully support. Sabi ko nga kanina kakaunti ang nag-o-offer ng veterinary medicine at kami po ay nagsu-support,” Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges President Tirso Ronquillo said.