4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has lauded the committee approval of a bill creating a College of Medicine at Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City, saying the institution will expand access to medical education for underprivileged but deserving students and help ease the country’s persistent shortage of doctors.

“The proposed medical school is not just an educational project—it is a healthcare intervention. We simply do not have enough doctors in the country, and the shortages are most alarming in rural areas such as Eastern Samar,” Libanan said.

He issued the statement after the House committee on higher and technical education approved his House Bill No. 112, which seeks to establish the ESSU College of Medicine.

“There is a saying that the true measure of good governance is how well a nation safeguards the health of its people. Our bill seeks to ensure that Eastern Samar is no longer left behind on that front,” he added.

Libanan said the measure is a strategic and necessary step toward building a stronger, fairer healthcare system for both the province and the country.

He cited national data showing that the Philippines has only 7.9 physicians per 10,000 population—far below the commonly referenced benchmark of 10 per 10,000. Many regions fall even lower, with provinces like Eastern Samar remaining severely underserved.

Under the bill, the ESSU College of Medicine will offer a Doctor of Medicine program anchored on learner-centered, competency-based training, with scholarships and affirmative-action programs for students from low-income families.

“Once the state-subsidized medical school is established, we expect it to make medical education far more accessible, particularly to students whose families cannot afford private schooling,” Libanan said.

“Over time, we are counting on its graduates to serve our communities and strengthen the province’s healthcare system,” he added.