SENATOR Pia Cayetano on Tuesday welcomed the opening of a Doctor of Medicine program at the Bohol Island State University, saying that it is an important step in producing local physicians.

Cayetano said that BISU in Tagbilaran City is one of the recipients of funding under the Doktor Para sa Bayan Law or Republic Act 11509.

The Commission on Higher Education recently announced that it has approved BISU’s application to offer a Doctor of Medicine beginning in the next semester after fulfilling CHED requirements.

RA 11509 aims to raise the number of doctors in remote areas by establishing a medical scholarship and return service program in State Universities and Colleges.

The senator said that she wants BISU and other SUCs with medical schools to instill among their medical students the love for the community and the country.

“When I say love of community, I know that Boholanons are very proud of their province and that they would choose to stay if there are good opportunities,” she said.

“I want to increase their opportunities through education. And one of its components is to develop one’s love of community. And so, once they graduate as doctors, they would want to stay and serve their home province or communities,” the senator said.