The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – Caraga Regional Office is now implementing the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program under the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act (RA 11509) at the Caraga State University (CSU) School of Medicine (SoM), a landmark initiative aimed at developing the next generation of healthcare professionals for the Caraga Region. To mark this important milestone, CHED Caraga and CSU held a Ceremonial Contract Signing, Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing, and Scholars’ Orientation on March 4, 2026, at the HERO Learning Commons Activity Center in CSU, Ampayon, Butuan City.
The activity formally recognized eight (8) qualified scholars through the signing of their scholarship contracts and strengthened the partnership between CHED Caraga and CSU through the MOA signing. It was attended by Dr. Nelia A. Alibin, Regional Director, CHED Caraga; Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil, University President; Dr. Teresita S. Cadiz-Brion, SoM Dean, and Dr. Caridad B. Plete, SoM Associate Dean. They were joined by Ms. Noeme Rose D. Mani, OIC-Chief Administrative Officer; Dr. Rolyna S. Trugillo, Supervising Education Program Specialist; Dr. Frederick C. Amihan, Education Supervisor II for Doctor of Medicine program; Mr. Ever Joy Rabadan, MAEM, MSc., Education Supervisor II/Scholarship Unit In-charge covering the MSRS program; and other CHED personnel.
The program also included an orientation on MSRS program policies, benefits, obligations, and compliance requirements. The ceremonial signing highlighted the shared commitment of CHED Caraga and CSU to support aspiring medical professionals and bolster the region’s healthcare workforce, encouraging scholars to serve communities through the program’s return service component.
Through this initiative, CHED Caraga reaffirms its commitment to accessible medical education and preparing future healthcare professionals dedicated to improving health services in the Caraga Region.