THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines Manila has partnered with House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan and Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales to open a special class for 25 scholars from Homonhon Island, Eastern Samar, who will be trained as midwives, nurses, and eventually doctors for their community.

The initiative, led by UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee, will utilize the School of Health Sciences’ pioneering stepladder curriculum, which enables students to qualify sequentially as midwives, then nurses, and finally physicians.

Homonhon’s eight barangays will select the 25 scholars for the first batch. Libanan, representing 4Ps Party-list, and Gonzales will provide allowances for the students.

“This will revolutionize public health services in Homonhon with community-rooted professionals who will stay and serve their people. The island will finally be assured of sustainable, community-based health care,” Libanan said, adding that graduates will also serve as adjunct faculty to mentor future generations.

Gonzales highlighted the urgency of the program, noting that Homonhon’s 15,000 residents—mostly fisherfolk and coconut farmers—struggle to access medical care.

“Right now, patients—even in emergencies—must endure a two-and-a-half-hour motorized boat ride to Guiuan on the mainland. When the seas are rough, travel becomes impossible,” Gonzales said.

Eastern Samar Gov. RV Evardone has also committed provincial government support for rehabilitating the island’s hospital.

Libanan echoed this, saying: “We are determined to rebuild the island’s hospital and, with it, rebuild hope.”

For his part, Tee said the partnership reflects UP’s mission to bring education and health care to underserved areas.

“Our goal is two-fold: to give students practical training through community preceptorship while multiplying health services for remote areas. This is how we bring universal health care closer to the people,” he explained.

Homonhon, part of Guiuan town and historically known as Ferdinand Magellan’s landing site in 1521, has long suffered from inadequate health services. Its Department of Health-maintained hospital was severely damaged by typhoons and left in disrepair, worsening access to care.

The UP Manila School of Health Sciences in Palo, Leyte, has a proven record of producing graduates who return to serve in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas across the country.

Both Libanan and Gonzales stressed that the program goes beyond scholarships.

“This is about securing the health, dignity, and future of generations of Homonhon residents,” they said.