Eastern samar: The provincial government of Eastern Samar has announced a new scholarship initiative designed to support aspiring doctors, in collaboration with Eastern Samar State University (ESSU). Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone revealed this development following the recent inauguration of ESSU's College of Medicine on July 2.

According to Philippines News Agency, the scholarship program was formalized through a memorandum of agreement between the provincial government and ESSU. It aims to assist deserving students in pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree while addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in the province. Under the agreement, the provincial government will cover the educational expenses of 10 medical students for the current academic year. The number of scholars will increase to 20 in the next academic year, then settle at 10 new scholars annually in subsequent years.

"The scholarship program is an investment in our future healthcare workforce and will provide opportunities for qualified students who aspire to become physicians," Evardone stated.

In a related effort to bolster medical education in the province, the governor also announced a PHP500 million allocation for the rehabilitation of the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital. The upgraded facility will serve as the clinical training ground for ESSU medical students, offering them practical experience as part of their education.

The scholarship initiative was announced during the historic inauguration of the ESSU College of Medicine, marking the establishment of the province's first medical school. The ceremony also featured the ceremonial enrollment of the pioneering batch of Doctor of Medicine students for the school year 2026-2027.