Councilor Edison Bilog has proposed an ordinance seeking to establish a Study Now, Pay Later program for qualified Doctor of Medicine students, providing financial assistance to help address the high cost of medical education while ensuring return service in public health facilities or repayment obligations to strengthen the city’s healthcare workforce.
The proposed ordinance creates the “Study Now, Pay Later Program for Doctor of Medicine (SNPLP-MD)” which shall provide financial assistance in the form of educational loans to qualified and deserving residents of Baguio City who are currently enrolled or intend to enroll in recognized Doctor of Medicine programs in the Philippines.
The program is anchored on the city’s policy to promote accessible and equitable medical education while strengthening its long-term health workforce.
Applicants must be bona fide residents of Baguio City for at least three years, hold a relevant bachelor’s degree required for medical school admission, and must have been admitted or qualified for enrollment in a recognized medical school. They must also demonstrate good moral character, not be recipients of full scholarships with similar coverage, and pass the screening and evaluation process set by the Program Committee.
Qualified beneficiaries shall receive financial assistance covering tuition and miscellaneous fees, laboratory expenses, book allowances, and other related educational costs as determined necessary by the Program Committee. The assistance is intended to support the full scope of medical education expenses to enable beneficiaries to complete their studies without financial constraints.
The program shall be implemented through a Study Now, Pay Later Agreement that clearly outlines the amount of assistance granted, repayment terms or service obligations, and conditions for deferment, suspension, or cancellation.
Beneficiaries are required to render return service in public health facilities within Baguio City or other government-designated health facilities, equivalent to the period of assistance received, or alternatively repay the financial aid if service cannot be rendered.
A Program Management Committee shall oversee implementation, composed of the City Mayor or authorized representative as Chairperson, the City Health Officer, City Budget Officer, City Legal Officer, a representative from the Baguio City Council, and a designated education or scholarship focal person.
The Committee shall be responsible for screening applicants, managing funds, and ensuring compliance with program requirements.
The Committee shall likewise establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track academic performance, fund utilization, and compliance with service obligations.
In cases of non-compliance, beneficiaries shall be required to repay the full amount of assistance received, subject to terms and penalties provided in the implementing rules and regulations.
The proposed ordinance was approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council and was subsequently referred to the Committee on Education for review. **Jordan G. Habbiling
