The Taguig local government is funding its first batch of 30 aspiring doctors through its flagship medical scholarship program, reinforcing the city’s commitment to education as the foundation for transforming lives and communities.

Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said the scholars, who earned slots to the country’s top 10 medical schools, will receive full coverage for tuition and miscellaneous fees, a PHP15,000 monthly allowance, and up to PHP590,000 in annual assistance.

The cost per scholar reaches up to PHP590,000 annually, depending on the medical school.

Cayetano said INvesting in the Value of Education through Stewardship for Taguigeños (INVEST) Scholarship Program for Medicine aims to develop future physicians who will return to serve the city.

The scholars are required to render either six months or one year of service per every year of assistance to the city government after obtaining their medical licenses, depending on the annual amount of scholarship received.

“In the City of Taguig, we have always believed that investing in education is investing in the city’s foundation. We invest because we believe education transforms lives. We uphold stewardship because every opportunity entrusted by the people comes with a responsibility to serve,” she said in her speech during the awarding of checks at the city hall on Saturday.

Taguig has supported more than 130,000 scholars across around 200 colleges and universities, producing 6,096 licensed professionals, including 88 physicians.

Among the recipients is Barangay Lower Bicutan resident Joy Charity Heart Santos, who is enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.

Witnessing her mother’s struggle as a stroke survivor shaped Santos’ resolve to become a physician.

“My mother is a stroke survivor and half of her body is paralyzed,” she shared in an interview. “As a child, I often asked myself why I could not do anything to help her recover or ease what she was feeling.”

This experience inspired Santos to pursue medicine to both treat illnesses and improve patients’ lives.

Another scholar, Bernadette Jerusalem of Barangay Bagumbayan, shared that her father’s illness transformed her childhood dream into a lifelong mission.

“When my father became ill, I realized that becoming a doctor was no longer just my passion — it had become my mission in life,” she said. “I wanted not only to help others, but also to fulfill my father’s dream for me.”

Beyond financial relief, Jerusalem said the scholarship is a crucial investment in the country’s healthcare system. (PNA)