HEALTH WORKFORCE. Some of the 51 beneficiaries of the Nursing Scholarship Program in Northern Samar during the distribution of educational assistance on Thursday (June 11, 2026). The financial assistance covers stipends, book and uniform allowances for the previous semester. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar provincial government)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Northern Samar provincial government has awarded Php 3 million in grants to 51 beneficiaries of its Nursing Scholarship Program.
The financial assistance released on Thursday – covering stipends, book allowances, and uniform allowances for the previous semester – was distributed to scholars from the program’s first and second batches as part of the provincial government’s ongoing investment in healthcare education.
Northern Samar Governor Harris Ongchuan reaffirmed the scholarship program’s primary goal: addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, who play a vital role in delivering quality healthcare services.
“Improving health outcomes is about ensuring that we have competent, compassionate, and dedicated professionals who will serve our people,” Ongchuan said.
The governor encouraged the scholars to remain committed to their studies and manage their financial assistance responsibly.
The local government said the scholarship program is designed to support aspiring nurses who will eventually serve Northern Samar through a return-service commitment, helping address the province’s growing need for healthcare workers.
Under the program, each scholar is entitled to a comprehensive package of benefits, including school fees, related learning expenses, a stipend, and allowances for uniforms and books totaling more than Php 70,000 per semester.
With 31 scholars from the first batch last year and 20 new grantees in the second batch, the provincial government now supports 51 nursing scholars in the program. (PNA)