New Gullas medical school building in 10 months

CEBU, Philippines - Construction of a world-class facility for Don Vicente Gullas College of Medicine students at the Gullas Medical Center in Banilad, Mandaue City is now underway, following a groundbreaking ceremony for the six-storey structure yesterday.

It marked a new beginning for the College of Medicine to be more globally competitive.

“We spared nothing to give the best to our students. I hope we will bring back the glory days of our College of Medicine,” said University of Visayas president Eduardo “Eddiegul” Gullas, in his speech.

The current two-storey College of Medicine was constructed by his late mother, Doña Josefina “Inday Pining” Rivera Gullas, 30 years ago.

“This building is very sentimental to us because it was Mama Pining who built this. I am full of joy kay aduna na unya kita bag-ong (we would have a new) building; but at the same time, I am sad kay this building is constructed by mama,” also said Jose “Dodong” Gullas, the university’s executive vice president and The FREEMAN’s chairman.

He even asked the photographers in a jest to take a picture of the old building so that there is at least a remembrance of it.

“The construction of the building will begin on February and is expected to be finished in ten months,” Dodong said.

Eddiegul, who described their mother as “the best in the world,” said the Gullases are convinced that it is about time that the old building has to go and for the university to spread its wings.

He said it is not the structure that makes a university but its faculty, and expressed his thanks to the original faculty members who up to now are still with them.

Dr. Leonard Raymund Cimafranca, dean of the College of Medicine, said enrollment is increasing and that the College of Medicine continues to give the best education for both Filipino and foreign students.

He said academic excellence would continue to usher in students, especially with the world-class facilities being built.

The younger generation of Gullases, including Joselito “Jiji” Gullas, Jackee Gullas-Weckman, and Gerard Anthony “Didi” Gullas also attended yesterday’s event.

Cebu City North District Representative Raul del Mar, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, banking officials, school faculty members and students were also present.

The P90-million structure would fulfill a promise made by Dodong Gullas to the students and faculty last August, which he would soon realize as he turns 80 next month.—/RHM  (FREEMAN)