The Doktor Para sa Bayan scholarship program has received P186 million under the 2026 General Appropriations Act to support aspiring doctors enrolled in state-run medical schools across the country.
The principal author of the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act welcomed the allocation, saying the funding would help medical students who have the ability to finish their studies but lack the financial means to do so.
“I take this very positively and support this completely, as many medical students want to finish their education but lack the financial capability to do so,” Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III said.
At least 25 state universities and colleges nationwide currently offer Doctor of Medicine programs.
The former Senate President said the higher allocation in the 2026 national budget would prioritize medical students who are already close to completing their degrees.
“The budget this year has been increased for medical students under the 2026 General Appropriations Law, with prioritization for those who are almost complete with their studies,” he said.
The senator earlier sought to accommodate around 40 medical scholars per state university and college under the program.
With the additional funding, the Doktor Para sa Bayan program is expected to support 648 new scholars nationwide.
Sotto said the program is crucial in addressing the country’s shortage of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, especially in remote and underserved provinces.
“Kailangang-kailangan talaga ito dahil sa kakulangan ng mga doktor, nars, at medical practitioners sa bansa, lalung-lalo na sa mga malalayo o karatig-probinsya,” he said.