P186 million fund for 'Doktor Para sa Bayan' program allocated in 2026 budget

The implementation of the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act, principally authored by Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III, has been allocated P186 million under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to assist aspiring doctors enrolled in state-run medical schools across the country.

Sotto welcomed the funding allocation, saying it would help medical students who are struggling financially complete their studies.

“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,” Sotto said.

Currently, at least 25 state universities and colleges nationwide offer Doctor of Medicine programs.

The senator said the increased funding in the 2026 national budget would give priority to students who are close to finishing their medical education.

“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 added.

Sotto had earlier proposed accommodating about 40 medical scholars for every participating SUC through the program.

With the additional allocation, the program is expected to produce 648 new scholars nationwide.

Sotto also stressed the importance of expanding the country’s healthcare workforce, especially in underserved and remote communities.

“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,” Sotto concluded.

-Paraluman News