Historic Leap for Eastern Samar: Medical College Opens as Province Unveils ₱500m Hospital Rehab

Posted on July 8, 2026 at 12:33 pm

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — The dream of bringing medical education home to Eastern Samar became reality on Thursday morning, July 2, 2026, as the province, under the leadership of Gov. RV Evardone, inaugurated Eastern Samar State University’s (ESSU) new College of Medicine at the university’s main campus. The milestone represents a turning point in the province’s efforts to build stronger healthcare systems and expand opportunities for local youth.

The ceremony, which included the unveiling of the college’s official logo, fulfills a long-held vision to nurture doctors who will serve Eastern Samar’s communities. The initiative is designed as a strategic investment in developing a sustainable healthcare workforce equipped to address the unique needs of Estehanons across the province.

The provincial government has committed to sponsoring 10 scholars every school year, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent talented students from pursuing medical careers. This support creates pathways for individuals from all backgrounds to enter the profession and contribute to local healthcare.

In a complementary move that will strengthen both education and service delivery, the province has allocated ₱500 million for the rehabilitation of the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital (ESPH). The investment will upgrade facilities and modernize equipment, creating a state-of-the-art setting for hands-on clinical training that prepares students for real-world practice.

The inauguration celebrated the college’s pioneering class, with 11 students participating in a ceremonial enrollment to launch the program. These trailblazers will be the first generation of doctors trained specifically to serve Eastern Samar, bringing specialized care to communities across the province—including remote areas that have long faced healthcare access challenges.

Key leaders joined the celebration, including House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan, ESSU President Andres Pagatpatan Jr., representatives from the Commission on Higher Education and Tingog Party-list, and Board Member Atty. PJ Evardone, municipal mayors from across Eastern Samar, and the college’s newly appointed faculty and staff.

The College of Medicine and ESPH rehabilitation form part of a broader strategy to transform Eastern Samar from a province that has historically sought care elsewhere to one that leads in healthcare excellence. The initiatives represent a lasting commitment to building a legacy of care that will benefit generations of Estehanons.

Photo by: Beejay Balagbis | Vanguard