Isabela State University (ISU) led by Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President) welcomed guests and officials from the Department of Health (DOH) led by Undersecretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire (UHC Health Services Cluster – Area I) for a consultative meeting at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Professions (COM & AHP) on December 16, 2024.
The said meeting is to discuss the project proposal for the establishment of the Southern Isabela Medical Center (SIMC) Cancer and Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Center. The proposed project aims to deliver advanced and comprehensive care to patients battling cancer and to bridge the gap between primary care facilities and higher level health institutions by providing urgent health services all throughout the week.
The BUCAS Center is a key component of DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa’s “28 for 28 by 28” initiative which seeks to establish at least 28 BUCAS Centers by 2028, providing accessible and quality healthcare services to 28 million Filipinos.
Supporting this initiative, it can be remembered that last December 2023, the University signed on a tripartite venture with SIMC and the Provincial Government of Isabela (PGI). During this dialogue, it was agreed upon, through a Usufruct Agreement, that ISU will allocate land portions of its main campus at Echague, Isabela to serve as an extension of the SIMC.
Highlights of the consultative meeting include discussions on funding, and the nature and components of the proposed centers. According to Hon. Faustino “Inno” Dy V (Representative, 6th District of Isabela), a total of 150 million pesos Congressional support is already allocated for the establishment of the centers.
In terms of the nature and components of the proposed centers, it is envisioned to be a non-hospital based and a stand-alone specialty center that will eventually house equipment such as and for LINAC (Linear Accelerator) and Brachytherapy.
In addition to providing logistical resources, the University affirmed its support by dedicating its academic resources for the operations of the center. In the same manner, ISU’s participation in the establishment of the centers would reinforce its Doctor of Medicine program in the conduct of research and curriculum enhancement.
With the talks of endorsing the project to the National Integrated Cancer Center to increase the number of operational cancer facilities in the country, ISU seeks to support the mission to provide comprehensive and cutting-edge care to patients across the province and the region through access to world-class medical resources and expertise.
