CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—In a landmark moment for higher education in Eastern Visayas, Samar State University (SSU) held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Samar Island Institute of Medicine (SIIM) Building on July 21, 2025, at the SSU Main Campus.
The New SIIM Building will house the first medical school on Samar Island, signifying a bold step toward advancing health education, research, and service in the region.
SSU President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia described the event as both a historic milestone and a forward-looking investment in the island’s development.
“This is a historic moment for Samar Island as we establish the first-ever medical school — the Samar Island Institute of Medicine — that will open pathways to medical education and healthcare leadership for future generations.”
The four-storey fully furnished SIIM building is designed to support SSU’s proposed Medicine programs. It will feature 15 classrooms, skills laboratories, a faculty room, offices for the dean and area chairpersons, a library, and a conference room. The facility will be equipped with SMART technologies to enhance both instruction and administrative functions. A solar photovoltaic (PV) system will be installed on the rooftop to power portions of the building, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability. In addition, the building’s structure is designed to be disaster-risk resilient and climate change adaptive, reflecting SSU’s commitment to future-ready infrastructure.
This flagship project is responsive to the National Government’s eight-point socioeconomic agenda, particularly in reducing vulnerability and mitigating the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also supports the goals outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), specifically Chapter 4.2 on Improving Education and Lifelong Learning, and Chapter 10 on Advancing Research and Development, Technology, and Innovation. Beyond its educational purpose, the project is expected to generate employment and contribute to local economic growth.
Also present during the ceremony were the Project Engineer, Engr. Leonilo Jumagdao of DPWH Region VIII, who supported and affirmed the importance of the project in regional development, SIIM faculty, Dr. Dennis Navidad, the four University Vice Presidents, VPAF, Engr. Ma. Lourdes P. Amante, VPSAS, Dr. Gina U. Espano, VPRES, Engr. Mirador G. Labrador, VPAA, Dr, Felisa E. Gomba, Planning Officer, Dr. Rodrigo Estrada, and IDS Director, Engr. Rafael Escareal.
The program concluded with the ceremonial turning of the soil, symbolizing the official start of construction of the SIIM Building — a future home for aspiring physicians and a legacy of SSU’s commitment to transformative education and public service.