Rep.Marcelino Libanan, a member of the 4Ps party-list, is advocating for an additional P1 billion allocation in the 2027 national budget to expand medical education programs in state universities and colleges (SUCs).The proposed funding aims to address the persistent shortage of physicians, particularly in underserved and rural areas.The Seed Fund, initially established with P150 million in 2021, has seen its budget increase over the years, reaching P440 million in 2026.

This fund supports SUCs in enhancing their medical programs by improving instructional capacity, acquiring teaching resources, upgrading libraries, and establishing advanced laboratories.

Libanan noted that the number of SUCs operating medical schools has risen from 25 to 30, with CHED approving five more institutions to offer the first and second-year levels of Doctor of Medicine programs starting in 2026-2027.

The initiative underscores the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to medical education across the Philippines.