03/08/2026
During his 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted that the number of scholars under the Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program has more than doubled since the program began.
Established under Republic Act No. 11509, or the “Doktor Para sa Bayan Act,” the MSRS Program helps deserving Filipino students pursue medicine by providing financial support throughout their studies. In return, scholars commit to serving in public health facilities and underserved communities. For the next academic year, 5,442 slots are available under the MSRS for continuing and new scholars.
For aspiring doctors, the program makes medical education more attainable despite financial barriers. For Filipino families, it helps bring more physicians to areas where access to healthcare remains limited.
Together with the Department of Health, CHED continues to carry out President Marcos’ directive to strengthen the country’s health workforce and ensure that more Filipinos receive quality medical care wherever they live.