CEBU — Governor Pamela Baricuatro welcomed the first batch of 12 doctors under the Practice-Based Residency Training Program (PBRTP) during the Capitol's flag ceremony. The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Cebu's medical workforce across its 16 Capitol-run hospitals.
A New Model for Training Doctors
PBRTP is a four-year Family Medicine residency program that allows qualified general physicians to undergo specialty training while continuing to serve patients in their respective hospitals. Unlike conventional programs that require doctors to leave their communities, this model brings structured learning directly to where they practice.
The program is implemented in partnership with the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center Department of Family and Community Medicine and the Department of Health Central Visayas. Upon completion, doctors can advance as Family Medicine physicians equipped to provide comprehensive and continuing care. The training emphasizes patient-centered, community-responsive healthcare.
Investing in People
The 12 doctors represent the first batch under the Gov. Pam administration's sustainability planning for Cebu's healthcare workforce. They join a broader pipeline that includes the medical scholarship program with Cebu Normal University–Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine. This program welcomed its first batch of 72 scholars this year.
Together, these initiatives strengthen both ends of the healthcare workforce pipeline. The province is developing future doctors while helping those already serving communities gain advanced training. This dual approach ensures a sustainable supply of medical professionals for years to come.
Strengthening Both Ends
The PBRTP doctors were joined by Dr. Vincent Echin, Training Officer of the VSMMC Family Medicine Residency Training Program. Also present were Dr. Kevin Suobiron and Dr. Julie Ann Yap from the partner institutions. Their presence underscored the collaborative nature of the initiative.
The 12 doctors in the first batch include Dr. James Reballos, Dr. Rene Hector Gandionco, and Dr. Rowee Ann Encabo. Others are Dr. Jason Badilles, Dr. James Rue Sanchez, and Dr. Jennalyn Bigno. Completing the cohort are Dr. Francis Kim Capate, Dr. Kelvin Familgan, and Dr. Emmanuel Onodueghwo, along with Dr. Jan Besandre Amo, Dr. Karl Elwil Morano, and Dr. Kyle Yanez.
A Long-Term Vision
Healthcare reform goes beyond buildings, equipment, and additional beds. It means investing in people and building expertise to prepare for future generations. The program ensures that specialized care reaches even the most remote communities in Cebu.
Governor Baricuatro expressed confidence in the program's potential. She emphasized that the province is planting seeds for a future with better-skilled doctors and stronger provincial hospitals. The goal is quality healthcare closer to every Cebuano.
