MANILA – Sen. Vicente C. Sotto III welcomed the allocation of P186 million under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the implementation of the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act, which provides support to aspiring doctors enrolled in state-run medical schools nationwide.

In a statement released Wednesday, Sotto said the continued funding for the program would help medical students who are struggling financially complete their education.

“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.

The senator, who principally authored the law, said there are currently at least 25 state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country offering Doctor of Medicine programs.

According to Sotto, the increased allocation under the 2026 national budget will prioritize students who are nearing the completion of their studies.

“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 earlier said he envisioned accommodating around 40 medical scholars per SUC through the program.

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

The senator also stressed the need to strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce, especially in underserved and remote 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,” Sotto concluded.