BISU School of Medicine – The Only Med School in Bohol – Celebrates 2nd Founding Anniversary

“From Vision to Reality: Two Years of Transforming Medical Education and Healthcare.” These words were the theme of the star-studded sophomore year celebration of the Bohol Island State University School of Medicine (SOM) last May 26, 2025, at the SOM building at BISU Main Campus, in Tagbilaran City.

Two iconic keynote speakers from the nation’s healthcare industry joined the celebration: former Secretary of the Department of Health Dr. Manuel M. Dayrit, and former chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine and Member of the Board of Medicine Dr. Zenaida Antonio.

Sec. Dayrit lauded the BISU community for its commitment to making healthcare education accessible in the island of Bohol, calling the founding of the BISU medical school a “great achievement.” In his speech, he challenged the BISUan med students to focus not just on individual basic healthcare but also on the macro to help develop the public health system.

The former secretary emphasized that med students should “serve Bohol first” and encouraged them to have a “base to apex” experience in public healthcare.

Dr. Antonio also gave her hearty congratulations to the BISU community, commended the faculty and the university leadership in their collective goal of developing healthcare professionals in the island province, declaring that the BISU School of Medicine has helped start “a culture of excellence and service” in the province of Bohol.

Joining the celebration were BISU University President Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, BISU Vice Presidents Dr. Maria Lilibeth Castil, Dr. Arceli Hernando, Dr. Zina Sayson, and Dr. Ivy Corazon Mangaya-ay, and Main Campus Director Dr. Samuel Gulayan. Representatives from the Office of Congressman Edgar Chatto and Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap were also present.

The full force of the highly-qualified faculty of the BISU School of Medicine, led by SOM dean Dr. Marvie Hamel Darbandi, was also present, joined by their enthused first-year and second-year med students.

On May 26, 2023, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) granted BISU to operate its Doctor of Medicine (MD) program after years of preparation and collaboration between BISU, CHED, the office of 1st District of Bohol Rep. Edgar Chatto, and the Boholano public. Today, BISU enjoys a brand-new partnership with the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center, designating it as the base hospital for students’ clinical rotations for their hands-on, real-world healthcare practical training.

The idea of having the lone state university of the island province offer a medical program for young hopefuls, brought about by the global pandemic of 2020, is now a reality.

Congratulations, BISU School of Medicine!