MANILA – Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday said the Doktor Para sa Bayan program will support 648 new medical scholars in 2026 through a ₱186-million allocation included in the national budget.
According to Sotto, the expanded funding will prioritize medical students nearing graduation to help them complete their studies.
He expressed support for the continued implementation of the scholarship initiative, saying many aspiring doctors face financial challenges in pursuing medical education.
The lawmaker said the program is a major step toward strengthening the country’s healthcare workforce.
At least 25 state universities and colleges currently offer medicine programs under the initiative.
Sotto earlier envisioned accommodating around 40 scholars per participating SUC.
He stressed the need to increase the number of healthcare professionals in the Philippines, particularly in far-flung and underserved areas where medical services remain limited.
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