House Minority Leader and 4Ps Partylist Rep. Marcelino Libanan is seeking an additional P1 billion to accelerate the development of medical schools in state universities and colleges (SUCs).

Libanan said the proposed funding would fast-track the expansion of SUC medical schools, produce more physicians, and help address the country’s persistent shortage of doctors, particularly in underserved communities.

“Easier access to doctors is essential to strengthening public health,” he said.

Congress created the Seed Fund for the Development of Medical Schools in SUCs under the 2021 national budget with an initial allocation of P150 million.

Since then, the fund — appropriated annually under the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) budget — has received P250 million in 2022, P250 million in 2023, P275 million in 2024, P150 million in 2025, and P440 million under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

SUC medical schoolsLibanan said the seed fund helps SUC medical schools strengthen instructional capacity, acquire teaching resources, upgrade libraries, and establish modern laboratory facilities.

He noted that the number of SUCs offering Doctor of Medicine programs has increased from 25 to 30, with Eastern Samar State University, Visayas State University, the University of Eastern Philippines, Benguet State University and Cotabato State University beginning to offer first- and second-year medical courses in Academic Year 2026-2027.

Libanan is the principal author of a House-approved bill seeking to institutionalize the Eastern Samar State University College of Medicine in Borongan City.

He also authored a separate measure proposing the establishment of a Local Health Record System to improve the continuity, coordination, and quality of healthcare services nationwide.

Under the proposal, every Filipino seeking treatment at a barangay health station, rural health unit, or other primary healthcare facility would have a comprehensive, secure, and accessible electronic health record.

The university also urged the public to remain calm, rely only on official announcements and refrain from sharing unverified information while authorities continue their investigation.