• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Members of the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod are pushing for the promotion of accessible medical education and strengthening of healthcare services, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities, via a sustainable medical scholarship program.
The proposed Bacolod City Medical Scholarship and Return Service Ordinance of 2026, authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, with councilors Em Ang and Al Victor Espino as co-authors, pushed for the establishment of a medical scholarship program that will provide educational opportunities to deserving Bacolodnons while developing a sustainable pool of medical professionals, who can contribute to the improvement of the city’s healthcare delivery system.
“The city government recognizes the financial difficulties encountered by academically-qualified but economically-disadvantaged students aspiring to pursue medical education,” the proposal, approved on first reading by the SP Oct. 27, said.
Distrito said the medical scholarship program shall be based on academic merit, financial need, fairness, transparency, and commitment to public service.
Qualified scholars may receive full or partial payment of tuition and mandatory miscellaneous fees; allowance for prescribed textbooks, medical references, and essential learning materials; monthly living or subsistence allowance; assistance for required clinical training expenses; assistance for graduation and Physician Licensure Examination expenses, subject to guidelines; and other educational assistance approved by the Medical Scholarship Board.
“Every scholar who completes the Doctor of Medicine degree and obtains a license to practice medicine shall be required to render three years of medical service within Bacolod City,” the proposed ordinance said, adding that those rendering mandatory return service shall receive appropriate compensation for their professional services, consistent with applicable laws and government compensation standards. | CGC
