A government-funded institution has decided to put on hold its alleged unreasonable,
anti-poor entry requirements after getting heavy criticisms on social media platforms.
Bohol Island State University (BISU) president Dr. Anthony M. Penaso has issued an
official statement on the suspension of BISU’s “medical requirements pending review
and further study.”
“A momentary suspension of the submission of these medical requirements is
hereby declared, pending review and further study. This is to ensure that the welfare
of students and all stakeholders is upheld,” according to Penaso’s statement.
The suspension came after parents complained on social media posts, stating that
the said admission requirements are allegedly more burdensome than applying for
jobs abroad.
A public backlash against BISU spread like wildfire on social media after more
parents and students came out and expressed their sentiments.
The President’s statement, dated May 18, 2023, explains that BISU is endowed with
“a constitutional right to academic freedom, which includes setting its admission
requirements.”
One of the requirements set by the University is the submission of Medical
Laboratory Tests.
These medical requirements are course-specific and have been in place as part of
the registered ISO required documents, Penaso bared.

Freshmen students have complied with these requirements since 2018, and some
medical concerns have been detected and addressed, the BISU president
elaborated.
However, during the pandemic, submission of these documents was temporarily
suspended, according to the statement.
Students submitted a waiver promising to comply as soon as the pandemic threat
and mobility restrictions were lifted.
“Although its sole intent is for the benefit of the students, by ensuring that they are
aware of their health status and preparing their fitness to their chosen fields, BISU
does not discount the financial burden of parents and benefactors,” Penaso
admitted.
He noted that students are encouraged to have their medical checkups processed in
government or public hospitals and have their medical certificates signed by
government doctors.
“Unfortunately, a significant number of students are not availing themselves of the
services of public hospitals or clinics,” he lamented.