𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐒 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒, 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐄𝐒
In a significant step toward strengthening the province’s healthcare system, the Cebu Provincial Government formalized two key partnerships on Thursday night through the signing of Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) during the Healthcare Heroes Appreciation Night at the Capitol Social Hall.
Led by Governor Pam Baricuatro, the MOA were signed by Provincial Board Member Dr. Stanley Caminero, Department of Health Central Visayas Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes, Cebu Normal University President Dr. Laurence Garcia III, and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) Medical Center Chief Dr. Gerardo Aquino. The agreements are expected to address long-term healthcare manpower needs while improving the quality of medical services available to Cebuanos.
The MOA signing took place alongside the recognition of healthcare professionals who have supported surgical and medical missions across the province over the past seven months, especially following disasters that struck Cebu — initiatives that delivered approximately ₱100,495,800 worth of healthcare services to thousands of patients.
In her welcome remarks, Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Elise Nicole Catalan underscored the impact of these efforts, saying the missions represented “real lives touched, real pain relieved, real families helped.” She emphasized that while the province continues the challenging work of upgrading facilities, increasing manpower, and refining healthcare processes, these collaborations serve as crucial bridges toward a stronger and more sustainable system.
“Tonight is about our healthcare heroes,” Catalan said. “You are selfless in effort, generous in skill, and unwavering in your commitment to serve.”
𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒
The first agreement, forged between the Province of Cebu and Cebu Normal University in consortium with VSMMC, establishes a medical scholarship program that will provide free medical education to deserving students from Cebu Province. Scholars will be required to render return service, ensuring that newly trained physicians will serve in communities that need them most.
Provincial officials described the program as a strategic investment in the future — one that guarantees a steady pipeline of competent and compassionate doctors dedicated to public service.
Strengthening Residency Training
Meanwhile, the second MOA between Cebu Province, VSMMC, and DOH Central Visayas creates a Practice-Based Residency Training Program (PBRT) for doctors assigned to provincial and district hospitals.
Through the program, qualified physicians will pursue a residency in family medicine while actively serving in government hospitals, allowing them to grow professionally without leaving the communities that rely on them.
Health leaders noted that the initiative ensures doctors “get something out of working for our hospitals,” while simultaneously elevating the level of care available throughout the province.
𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏-𝐆𝐀𝐏 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌
Officials highlighted that both agreements signal a shift from temporary interventions toward lasting reforms, planting what Capitol leaders described as “seeds for future generations” and building sustainable healthcare manpower for Cebu.
The initiatives align with Governor Baricuatro’s commitment to deliver premier healthcare services to every Cebuano.
“These agreements move us forward — from bridging gaps to building a system that is resilient, equitable, and self-sufficient,” Catalan said, echoing the administration’s broader vision.
While the evening celebrated the dedication of healthcare workers, provincial leaders stressed that the MOA signing represents the deeper mission: ensuring that one day, hospitals across Cebu will be fully equipped and fully staffed, making emergency missions the exception rather than the necessity. | CAPITOL PIO
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