The Cebu Provincial Government has expanded its medical scholarship program to support 72 aspiring doctors as part of efforts to address the shortage of physicians in the province.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro announced the expansion on Monday during the opening of Cebu Province’s 457th Founding Anniversary celebration, where she welcomed medical scholars enrolled at the Cebu Normal University–Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (CNU-VSMMC).
The program initially targeted 40 first-year medical students but was expanded after provincial officials decided to include continuing scholars who lost their previous educational assistance.
“I wish you well in your studies. The Cebu Province has your back,” Baricuatro told the scholars.
Under the expanded program, the provincial government will provide support to 42 first-year students, 22 second-year students, and eight third-year students.
The scholarship program was established through a tripartite agreement signed earlier this year between the Cebu Provincial Government, Cebu Normal University, and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.
The partnership aims to assist qualified medical students who were unable to secure slots under the Commission on Higher Education’s Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program.
The Capitol originally allocated funding for 40 first-year scholars but later identified 30 continuing medical students who were left without scholarship support after their previous assistance ended.
To prevent these students from discontinuing their medical education, the provincial government expanded the program to include them.
The scholarship requires beneficiaries to render return service after becoming licensed physicians. Scholars are expected to serve one year in Cebu’s public healthcare system for every year they receive financial assistance.
Graduates may be assigned to any of the 16 hospitals operated by the Cebu Provincial Government to help strengthen medical services in local communities.
Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan said the program is a long-term investment in improving the province’s healthcare system.
“This is Gov. Pam planting seeds for Cebu’s future by investing in people, investing in training, and investing in a healthcare system that will remain strong and responsive during and beyond her time in office,” Catalan said.
She added that the initiative will help prepare more doctors who can serve Cebuanos in the coming years.
Board Member Stanley Caminero, chairman of the Provincial Board Committee on Health, said the partnership benefits both medical students and the province by creating a steady pool of physicians who can eventually serve in government hospitals and communities.
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