President Rodrigo Duterte has signed four new laws including the act establishing a medical scholarship bill.
Under Republic Act No. 11509 or Doktor Para sa Bayan Act, the state will establish a Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program for deserving students who will then “render services in government” health facilities within their hometown or any “underserved municipality.”
Based on the law, qualified applicants are given free tuition and other schools fees, allowance for books and needed equipment, clothing and uniform allowance, dormitory allowance or accommodation, internship fee, board review fee, licensure fee, among others.
Also signed was Republic Act No. 11511 or the law amending the Organic agriculture Act of 2010.
Republic Act No. 11517 authorizes the President to expedite “processing and issuance of national and local permits, licenses and certifications in times of national emergency.”
Republic Act No. 11510 known as Alternative Learning System Act shall institutionalize an alternative learning system in basic education for out-of-school children in special cases and adults.
“Education is a constitutionally enshrined right which the State must protect and promote. Thus, ensuring education for all should be a top priority. For this to be achieved, it is vital that opportunities to learn and receive quality education are accessible to all those who so desire,” Senator Bong Go stated. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
