THE Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has secured P56.66 million from the Higher Education Development Fund to continue supporting scholars that are pursuing Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science and Pharmacy through academic year (AY) 2026-2027.
In a statement on Thursday, CHEd said the fund will cover 238 scholars for the second semester of AY 2025-2026 and 300 scholars for the first semester of AY 2026-2027, under the Scholarship Program for Future Medical Technologists and Pharmacists (MTP-SP).
CHEd said the move is in line with the Marcos administration’s push to strengthen the country’s health workforce by expanding opportunities for Filipinos to pursue health-related professions and increasing the pool of trained healthcare workers needed by communities.
CHEd Chairman Shirley Agrupis said the commission is committed to supporting scholars so they can complete their degrees, while simultaneously investing in the next generation of medical technologists and pharmacists.
Under the program, scholars are required to render one year of government service for every year of scholarship received after passing their licensure examination.
This would allow the program to support students while also helping to augment the supply of licensed medical technologists and pharmacists in the public health sector.
The MTP-SP provides financial assistance to qualified students taking BS (Bachelor of Science in) Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science and BS Pharmacy in participating higher education institutions.
CHEd was able to maximize available program funds to prioritize 71 scholars from the poorest households and from the special equity group.
The remaining scholars with financial requirements amounting to P56,663,250.00 will be covered by the HEDF.
CHEd said the use of the HEDF is consistent with the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which directs CHEd to consider the full requirements of scholars in programming the fund.
