QUEZON City Rep. Mavin Rillo announced that Congress has earmarked over P1 billion to support the development of new medical schools in state universities and colleges (SUCs).

“In the 2025 General Appropriations Law, Congress has added P150 million to the seed fund for new colleges of medicine in SUCs,” Rillo said.

He explained that the P150 million is in addition to the P275 million and P250 million allocated for this purpose in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Congress first established the seed fund in 2021 with an initial allocation of P150 million, followed by another P250 million in 2022.

“The seed money will support new medical schools in our SUCs, helping them enhance their capacity to provide instruction, acquire teaching materials, upgrade libraries, and build advanced laboratory facilities,” Rillo said.

The 19th Congress has passed five laws creating new medical schools in various universities, including Benguet State University, Southern Luzon State University, University of Eastern Philippines, Visayas State University, and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University.

Rillo affirmed Congress’ commitment to fully developing the new medical schools to address the growing demand for physicians and improve healthcare outcomes in the country.