College of Health Sciences – New academic year, new school leadership.

Dr. Manolita S. Crisostomo, faculty member of the Department of Nursing, has been designated acting dean of the college through Special Order No. 12-022 issued by President Miriam E. Pascua. A 1981 BSN cum laude graduate, Dr. Crisostomo has been with the university for more than 30 years since she entered on Aug. 6, 1981.

She takes the place of Prof. Lailani S. Galutira who is migrating to the United States. A member of MMSU Nursing Class of 1991, she served the university for 20 years.

Prof. Baldomero L. Ranjo II’s replacement as college secretary has yet to be designated. Ranjo, likewise, resigned from tMMSU to transfer to the University of the Philippines College of Allied Medical Professions in Manila. He was with MMSU for 14 years.

The new administration will be faced by current challenges such as: the AACCUP accreditation of the BSPT and BSPh programs; the complete compliance of the BSN program to the RQuAT; the continuing professional development of teaching staff; active participation in research and extension thrusts; establishment of strong and lasting external linkages; and increased demand for English proficiency among health and allied health professionals.

On top of these is the issue of rationalization of program offerings stipulated in the Covenant on Philippine Public Health Education Reform of 2012 which provides no explicit inclusion of health sciences education, an aspect which the new dean herself would have to tackle as she crafts the College Strategic Plan.

Dr. Crisostomo was surprised with the designation, but she said this it is a challenge which she has to tackle. “I am looking forward to the usual cooperation of the faculty and staff of the three departments. We will continue with the thrusts initiated by the past administration,” she said.