TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Northern Samar is reopening applications for its medical scholarship program, specifically targeting fourth-year medical students, post-graduate interns (PGIs), and reviewees who are residents of the province.
The Northern Samar Medical Scholarship Board will begin accepting applications on October 14, 2024.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria: a Filipino citizen and resident of Northern Samar; no pending administrative or criminal cases; good moral character, certified by the dean of the last school attended; physically and mentally fit; certified by a government physician; not more than 35 years old for incoming first-year students; and not more than 45 years old for upperclassmen

The applicant must have passed the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) with a score of at least 50% and currently enrolled in a medical degree program at a school accredited by the Commission on Higher Education.

The applicant should not also be a related by affinity or consanguinity within the fourth civil degree to any owner of a pharmacy or laboratory operating in Northern Samar.

Successful applicants will receive a scholarship benefit package that includes tuition and review fees, along with allowances for living expenses, books, and uniforms.

Fourth-year medical students are entitled to a tuition fees of up to P100,000 per semester, paid directly to the school; stipend of P35,000 per semester; book allowance of P30,000 per semester; and a uniform allowance of P5,000 per semester.

Also, review class participants for the Medical Licensure Examination are eligible for: review fees of up to P60,000, paid to the review center; stipend of P35,000; book allowance of P30,000; and uniform allowance of P5,000.

Among the needed documents include a certified true copy of NMAT result (at least 50%); Philippine Statistics Authority authenticated birth certificate; clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation; voter’s certificate from the Commission on Elections; certificate of registration or other proof of enrollment; and certified true copy of transcript of records for the pre-medical course.

For indigents include certificate of indigency issued by the MSWDO where the applicant’s parent resides; medical certificate issued by a government physician within the last three months; drug test result within the last three months; psychological test result within the last 12 months; and certificate of good moral character from the last attended school.

Since the program was initiated by the provincial government in 2020, it has already accepted 22 scholars, according to John Allen Berbon, Chief of the Provincial Information Office.

“So far, we have four doctors already serving the province,” Berbon added.
Beneficiaries of the scholarship program will be required to provide service in government hospitals in the province after becoming licensed doctors, depending on the number of years they availed of the program.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY-The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) has successfully completed the retrofitting of the Kawayan Bridge along the Leyte-Samar Road (Via Guintiguian), a vital section of the said National Road. The project, which amounted to P6.3-million, was funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act and concluded on March 18, 2024.

The retrofitting process, which strengthened the bridge’s structure to enhance its resistance to stresses and extend its lifespan, is critical to maintaining the safety and functionality of this key infrastructure.

The Kawayan Bridge spans 14 meters and plays a crucial role in providing connectivity from Tacloban City going towards Babatngan Leyte, making it essential for the continuous flow of goods and people across these places.

“The completion of the retrofitting works on the Kawayan Bridge underscores our commitment to ensure the safety and durability of our infrastructure,” said District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse.

“This project will significantly improve the resilience of the bridge, providing a safer and more reliable route for motorists and contributing to the long-term development of the region.”

The Leyte-Samar Road serves as a major transportation artery in the country, and the retrofitting of bridges along its route is part of ongoing efforts to bolster national infrastructure.
(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)

TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has been appointed as a commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), the national body tasked with conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Philippine education system.

“I am deeply honored to take on this responsibility. The future of our nation depends on a well-educated citizenry, and EDCOM 2 will play a pivotal role in ensuring that our education system evolves to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world,” Acidre said in a statement upon accepting the role.

EDCOM 2 is mandated to address critical issues such as access to education, quality of instruction, and alignment with global standards. It aims to identify gaps in the current system and recommend reforms to improve learning outcomes, teacher training, and the overall responsiveness of the education sector to the nation’s development goals.

Acidre’s appointment aligns with his long-standing advocacy for education reform. During his first term as a congressman, he, alongside fellow Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez, championed key legislative measures focused on improving access to and the quality of education. Among these initiatives were The Local Universities and Colleges Governance Act; The Equitable Access to Math and Science Education Act; The Geographically Isolated Disadvantaged Conflict-Inflicted Areas and All Roads to All Learners Act; and the State Universities and Colleges Mental Health Service Act

These legislative efforts demonstrate Acidre’s commitment to bridging the education gap, particularly in marginalized communities.

His track record of pushing for systemic change further positions him to bring meaningful reforms within EDCOM 2.

Acidre emphasized the importance of not only increasing access to education but also enhancing its quality and relevance in today’s global economy.

“We must focus on more than just expanding access. We need to improve the quality of education and ensure it aligns with the skills and competencies required in the 21st century. This is a critical moment to reimagine the future of education in the Philippines,” he said.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)