SU Marina Mission Clinic commemorates 50th founding anniversary
The Silliman University Marina Mission Clinic (SUMMC) commemorated its 50 th founding anniversary last May 19, 2023 with the University announcing its new direction for the Clinic as a community health and development field laboratory.
Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope, SU vice president for academic affairs, said during the commemoration event: “The establishment of SUMMC stands as a testament to God’s grace and the purpose of Silliman University. Over the past five decades, SUMMC has tirelessly served numerous communities in Dauin and neighboring towns, providing accessible and best healthcare services…I pray that you will continue to stand by us as we embark on a new chapter, shaping Silliman University Marina Mission Clinic into a Community Health and Development Field Laboratory.”
Novee E. Maestrecampo Jr., OIC director of the SU Office of Community Engagement and Service-Learning (OCESL), said their office is working on driving into the new direction of the SUMMC as a key facility for community health and development.
“(The SUMMC) shall serve as a hub for programs and activities that enable students to be immersed in real-world situations as they experience and learn. As a learning hub, it operates following the University’s vision of total human development and commitment to society and the environment,” said Maestrecampo.
SUMMC is a program component of the OCESL.
SUMMC was established on May 12, 1972, as an extension of the Silliman University Medical Center (SUMC). Its primary goal was to serve the rural community in Dauin, Negros Oriental. The facility pioneered many community-based health care programs in Negros Oriental, notably, the training of Family Health Volunteers (FHVs), which led to the institutionalization of Barangay Health Workers in the country, and SUMMC became the model of the establishment of primary hospitals in different parts of Negros Oriental.
In its clinic-based operations, SUMMC delivered affordable and best healthcare services to Dauin communities and nearby municipalities.
Dr. Fe SyCip-Wale, former SUMMC administrator and Outstanding Silliman Awardee (OSA) for Community Health Service, talked about the beginnings of the Clinic in her message during the commemoration event.
“The plan of putting up Marina Clinic to serve the rural communities in Dauin, all along, was God’s plan as I begin to recall now. There was a donor to build Marina Clinic, there was a doctor ready to serve the rural poor, and there was a call encouraging all mission hospitals all over the world to serve the poor…If ever SUMMC will re-open again, one has to study the Philippine situation today still in line with primary health care in order to find the role of SUMMC,” said SyCip-Wale.
Dauin Vice Mayor Rodrigo Alanano thanked SU and SUMMC for their continued support to the communities in different barangays in Dauin.
Community partners Pedrita Truita and Adela Bantoto, and retired SUMMC social worker Isabelita Diaz also shared heartfelt testimonies that resounded with gratitude towards SUMMC for the transformative impact that the Clinic has had on countless lives.
Also present during the commemoration were Barangay Captain Felizardo Delfino of Masaplod Norte; Asst. Prof. Emervencia L. Ligutom, former OCESL director; Ponciano Ligutom, OSA for Labor Filipino Welfare; retired staff of SUMMC, and representatives of partner communities.
If you wish to know more about the new direction of Silliman University Marina Mission Clinic, please email [email protected] or [email protected].
(Report from the Office of Community Engagement and Service-Learning)
