Members of the Commission of Higher Education Technical Panel for Medical Education visited Tarlac State University for the evaluation of the Doctor of Medicine Program on June 17, 2026 at the TSU Hotel, Lucinda Campus.
Technical panel team leader Dr. Maria Minerva P. Calimag led the evaluation, focusing on the areas of program, curriculum, outcome-based education requirements, learning continuity plan for flexible learning, faculty profile, library resources, facilities, base hospital, and student admission and retention policies.
Aside from assessing the required documentation, the evaluation team also visited the TSU College of Medicine’s designated base hospital, which is the Tarlac Provincial Hospital.
Dr. Calimag said in her message that the opening of medical schools by state universities and colleges (SUCs) is a beautiful vision because it makes medical education accessible to everyone.
“Maraming-maraming salamat sa pagtugon sa tawag na magtayo tayo ng medical schools. Importante po na developmental ang ating mindset kasi wala naman pong pumapasok sa kahit na anong endeavor or gawain na perpekto na kaagad,” she said.
She further noted that the aim is not to critique, but to help improve the program.
In response, TSU president Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza expressed his gratitude for the evaluation team, emphasizing that the university welcomes the scrutiny.
“The College of Medicine here is not a trophy for a university to display. It is a promise to the province. We are building this college for them, so that one day, the doctor who walks into that barangay clinic is one of our own: a child of Central Luzon, formed here, who chose to come home and serve,” he said.
COM Dean Dr. Janill I. Magano welcomed the visitors, saying, “Gusto po sana naming maparamdam sa ating mga bisita po ngayong umaga ang very warm, respectful, values-driven culture of Tarlac State University. On behalf of the entire family, my family for more than a year now, who have been very, very supportive from the ground up, maligayang pagdating po sa aming tahanan”.
Other members of the technical panel include Dr. Ma. Cecilia Cuaresma-Cruz, Dr. Arnold John Anceno, and Mr. John Paul Dela Cruz.
The offering of the Doctor of Medicine Program has been approved by the TSU Board of Regents through BOR Resolution No. 52, s. 2021.
The program follows a spiral approach, beginning with foundational medical sciences and progressing to more complex clinical, community-based, and interdisciplinary learning experiences. The curriculum will also integrate medical innovation, patient safety, clinical skills training, and interprofessional education to prepare graduates for safe, effective, technology-informed, and collaborative medical practice.
According to the CHED evaluators, if the college is able to comply with the requirements needed for compliance, the program will be opened this year.
The TSU officials also present during the event are Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Brendalyn A. Manzano, Presidential Assistant Atty. Brigido B. Corpuz, COM Associate Dean Dr. Divine Grace Magtoto, faculty members of the MD department, and the TWG members of the Committee for the Opening of the Doctor of Medicine program.
Photo by: Mr. Franc Lewis R. Juanatas
