Ifugao offers up to ₱177,000 yearly to aspiring doctors in exchange for provincial service

LAGAWE, Ifugao — Aspiring doctors from financially struggling families may receive up to ₱177,000 annually in allowances under a new provincial scholarship program that seeks to address Ifugao’s shortage of physicians by requiring graduates to serve the province.

Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-13, or the Ifugao Medical Scholarship Program Ordinance of 2026, was authored by Board Member Joseph J. Odan and approved by Governor Jerry U. Dalipog on October 5, 2026.

The program provides four scholarship slots every school year for qualified students pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree in state universities and colleges, with two slots allocated to each of the province’s two legislative districts.

The initiative comes as Ifugao faces a shortage of physicians. Data cited by the Philippine Information Agency-Cordillera showed that the province had approximately one doctor for every 18,463 residents as of 2025.

Aside from tuition and mandatory school fees not fully subsidized by the national government, scholars may receive up to ₱177,000 annually for books, uniforms, miscellaneous expenses, connectivity, living expenses, lodging and transportation.

During their fifth year or internship, scholars may receive up to ₱148,000 for living, lodging and transportation expenses. They may also receive a one-time grant of ₱16,000 for licensure examination review and application fees.

The scholarship is open to bona fide Ifugao residents who have lived in the province for at least three years and belong to indigent households. Applicants must meet medical school admission requirements, including the required National Medical Admission Test score.

In exchange for the assistance, scholars must serve the province after passing the Physician Licensure Examination and obtaining their professional licenses. The required service period must be equivalent to the number of years they received scholarship assistance.

Scholars and their parents or guardians must sign an agreement and execute a surety bond or promissory note before receiving the grant. Those who fail to complete their medical education or fulfill their return-service obligation will be liable to refund the total amount spent on their education, plus legal interest.

The ordinance also provides for the creation of an Ifugao Medical Scholarship Committee to screen applicants, monitor academic performance, oversee fund releases and ensure compliance with the service requirement.

Funding will come from the provincial government’s General Fund, while the implementing rules and regulations must be formulated within 60 days following the ordinance’s approval.

Through the program, the provincial government aims to help qualified students overcome the financial barriers to medical education while building a pool of future physicians committed to serving communities across Ifugao.