MANILA, Philippines ? It was like Christmas for the five medical scholars from West Visayas State University who attended the recent luncheon get-together of the First Gentleman Foundation?s ?Bagong Doktor Para sa Bayan? project at Heroes Hall in Malacañang. The students get financial assistance on their tuition and allowances in their fourth and fifth years.

Juris Soliman, president of the foundation, shared that many of the scholars in the project?s first three batches went beyond their two-year commitment to serve in the country?s poorest communities.

As a barrio doctor, Doctor Lemuel Non, who was assigned to Kiamba, Saranggani, had first-hand experience with the armed conflict there. Neverthless, he found his experience enriching, exciting and fulfilling.

Challenging

Doctor Paolo Papillero, assigned to San Isidro, Isabela, finds his experience very challenging. He performs surgery and counsels a psychiatric patient, on top of seeing many patients every day. But, he says there?s not enough medicine to give away.

Mike Arroyo, overwhelmed by the testimonials of the first batch, announced that he will add 50 more scholars for 2010. Instead of working abroad, the scholars were encouraged by the First Gentleman to pay it forward by staying home and serving the country, because this is where their services are most needed.

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