SENATE Committee on Health Chairman Christopher ‘Bong’ Go has lauded the enactment of Republic Act No. 11978, which establishes a College of Medicine at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-South La Union Campus

This legislation paves the way for introducing a Doctor of Medicine Program alongside an Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine Program designed to cultivate a new generation of medical professionals in the country.

Go expressed his support for the new law, emphasizing its potential contribution to the medical workforce and improving healthcare delivery in the region and nationwide.

“This is a monumental step forward in our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare in the Philippines. By nurturing a corps of highly skilled physicians, we are ensuring that our communities, especially those in underserved areas, receive the best possible care,” said Go.

The program aims to offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes basic science and clinical courses designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the medical field.

Furthermore, the initiative addresses the human resource development needs of the Province of La Union and the broader Ilocos Region.

Go highlighted the long-term benefits of the law, where more Filipinos will be given opportunities to pursue medical professions and increasing the potential of making the Philippines a hub for medical excellence.

“These steps will bring long-term benefits to our country. We hope that in the future, we will not only be known as a nation that sends excellent healthcare workers abroad but also as a hub of medical excellence right here in our homeland,” he added.

The passage of the law is in line with RA 11509 or the Doktor Para Sa Bayan Act, which Go also co-authored and co-sponsored in the Senate.

RA 11509 establishes a medical scholarship and return service program for deserving students who want to pursue medicine in state universities and colleges.