SENATOR JV Ejercito expressed appreciation to the Commission on Higher Education for its continuing efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

Ejercito, known as the father of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, lauded CHED for allocating ₱150 million in its 2026 proposed budget as seed funding for the establishment and development of medical schools in seven state universities and colleges (SUCs).

“Can the Commission identify which SUCs are included in these initiatives, and what are the expected outputs or timelines for these medical schools to become fully operational?” Ejercito asked during the budget hearing.

In response, Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, Director of CHED’s Office of Programs and Standards Development, identified the seven SUCs as Bataan Peninsula State University, University of Eastern Philippines, Bukidnon State University, Cotabato State University, Northeastern Mindanao State University, and Benguet State University–La Trinidad Campus.

Ancheta-Diego said the ₱150-million seed fund will help build the capacity of SUCs that are either newly offering or preparing to offer medical programs, ensuring they meet quality standards for medical education and training.

Ejercito commended CHED’s initiative, saying it supports the objectives of the UHC Law by addressing the shortage of doctors, especially in underserved areas across the country.