Eleven out of the twelve Medical Technologist Scholars of the Department of Health – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) have successfully completed the Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (BS Med Tech) under the “Second Course Medical Technology Scholarship Program 2014-2017” of the region.
“The objective of the program is to resolve the shortage of health human resource among government hospitals in the provinces of MIMAROPA and immediately fill-up the needed manpower,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated.
“Med techs are vital in the operation of a health facility because of their support in the identification of the right diagnosis and prognosis of patients. They perform life-saving laboratory tests on a patient’s urine, blood saliva and scrapped cells,” he added.
The DOH-MIMAROPA Second Course BS Med Tech Scholarship Program began in 2014 as an operational experiment to fill up the lack of medical technologists in public hospitals in the region.
The regional office has allocated Php3,895,500.00 for 12 grantees including school fees, transportation, accommodation and other incidental expenses.
As part of the program, the regional office has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with St. Jude College, Inc., a duly recognized private educational institution, to accommodate the grantees in the second course mode of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and other health related allied health courses including recommended Graduate Curriculum Programs.
Janairo explained that the regional office provided scholarship contract with return of service agreement to bona fide students of the province.
As stated in the contract, every grantee shall serve for two years for every one year of studies in the identified health facility of the province where they reside. “This will also provide an opportunity for them to serve in their province for which they are already familiar with including the various customs and traditions of the communities residing in their island communities,” he emphasized.
According to Director Janairo, four have already passed the licensure exam, two are undergoing review and five are newly graduate.
Among the successful grantees who passed the board were Dave Erwin Festin, Daniel Aldrin Alvarez and Sheena Kris Tamares, all from Oriental Mindoro and Dahfnie Rose Anasco of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Two grantees who are under-going review are Jhoana May Constantino and Camelia Ann Eorada, both from Marinduque. The four newly graduates are Jonald Regio of Marinduque; Mary Anne Joy Torres of Palawan; Ellalyn Loto and Ma. Andrea Roldan of Marinduque; and Lidahleeyah Manalo of Oriental Mindoro. One grantee from Romblon, Lorenz Olaes has yet to complete his academic requirements.
“We will continue to provide capability development plans including scholarship programs for residents of MIMAROPA in order to provide the needed manpower, logistics and for the protection and health of its population.,” Janairo assured.