DBM allots P997.7M to boost ‘Doktor Para sa Bayan’ program

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allotted P997.71 million to strengthen the government’s Doktor Para sa Bayan program under the fiscal year 2026 National Expenditure Program, which aims to produce more doctors in the country.

Of this amount, P909.99 million will go to the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), while P87.71 million will be allotted to the Pre-Service Scholarship Program (PSSP) of the Department of Health (DOH).

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“As the President said, the health and education of our young generation are the most valuable investments we can make for our nation’s future. Kaya hindi po tayo magdadalawang-isip na suportahan ang ating mga iskolar at future doctors ng bayan.

Each scholar we support today is a future doctor who will one day care for our families and communities,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a press release.

The implementation of the MSRS Program is in compliance with Republic Act No. 11509, or the Doctors for the People Act.

The measure seeks to increase the number of doctors serving in public hospitals and in areas lacking medical services across the country.

Moreover, it provides free education and financial assistance to deserving Filipino students who aspire to become doctors, in exchange for their service in communities with a shortage of healthcare professionals.

The PSSP, meanwhile, will support 245 medical scholars, 122 medical technology scholars, and 104 pharmacy scholars. /jpv