Chancellor Carmencita Padilla and her team visited recently the School of Health Sciences (SHS) in Koronadal City, South Cotabato to meet the faculty, staff, students, and alumni,  as well as the local officials of South Cotabato. The UPM chancellor was accompanied by Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Nymia P. Simbulan, and Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Dr. Michael L. Tee, SHS Dean Dr. Salvador Isidro Destura and campus planning and maintenance personnel.

In a brief meeting with South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Fuentes, Chancellor Padilla emphasized that UP Manila is committed in supporting the School in its undertaking and future development. The Governor likewise reiterated her support to SHS Koronadal.   The following were the issues tackled and the action points:

1. Doctor of Medicine  – In response to the request for this program, there will be a search for faculty grant that can be used for the salary of the faculty while faculty items are being requested. Gov. Fuentes will help look for donors.
2. “Obligation to hire” clause in the MOA between sponsor LGU and scholar seen as a “restrictive” provision – To review this provision in the MOA and recommend possible revision through the RAC;  Scholar can be employed by the province or other nearby LGU if the sponsoring LGU has no vacant plantilla for the SHS graduate.
3. Additional facilities – To update building designs of Koronadal campus; funding of additional facilities, including student dormitory.

In a meeting with the students, an expressed need was the training on Basic Life Support and First Aid. Vice Chancellor Tee called a representative of the Philippine Red Cross and advised the faculty of SHS Koronadal to coordinate with the local chapter for the training. On their request for support when attending student activities outside South Cotabato, the student leaders were advised to send a letter of request months ahead of the activity so that UP Manila can adequately respond.

Part of the visit was Chancellor Padilla’s TV  interview with a local channel of ABS-CBN in General Santos City where she gave an overview on SHS and discussed the agreements and the commitments between UPM and the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and the City of Koronadal.

After the interview, the team met with the alumni officers based in SOCSKARGEN. The alumni pledged to assist SHS Koronadal in designing a green campus. The meeting also tackled the possibility of giving tax breaks to SHS donors.

*Based on a report prepared by Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nymia Pimentel-Simbulan