QUEZON CITY, Philippines—Samar State University (SSU) took part in a significant legislative discussion as University President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia attended the Eighth Regular Committee Meeting of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education (CHTE) on January 27, 2026, held at the Women Legislators’ Lounge, House of Representatives, Quezon City.
The committee meeting was presided over by Congressman Jude Acidre, Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, and was conducted during the 20th Congress, First Regular Session.
The agenda included the deliberation of House Bill No. 5173, titled “An Act Strengthening the Samar Island Institute of Medicine of Samar State University,” principally authored by 2nd District of Samar Representative Hon. Reynolds Michael T. Tan.
President Palencia served as a resource person in proposing measures to further enhance the institutional capacity of SSU’s Samar Island Institute of Medicine (SIIM) in advancing medical education and addressing the healthcare needs in the Samar Island.
President Palencia’s participation demonstrates SSU’s strong institutional support for the bill, which aims to provide high-quality medical training and reinforce the University’s role in producing competent medical professionals. Also present was SIIM Consultant and Faculty Member Dr. Noel Espallardo.
House Bill No. 5173 aligns with national efforts to bolster higher and technical education, particularly in the health sector, by empowering state universities to respond effectively to regional and national development priorities.