Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the send-off of 290 physicians under the Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) Program, underscoring the government's push to strengthen healthcare access in underserved communities. Speaking at the Heroes Hall in Malaca±an Palace, Marcos said the deployment of the 43rd batch under the program comes at a critical time as residents of many rural and geographically isolated areas continue to face limited access to medical services.

According to Philippines News Agency, the latest batch marks the largest single deployment in the program's history, bringing the total number of deployed physicians under the initiative to nearly 3,000 since its establishment in 1993. Marcos highlighted that the sustained implementation of the program led to a milestone in 2025, achieving Zero Doctorless Municipalities nationwide.

Despite this milestone, the President emphasized the need to ensure continuity and accessibility of healthcare services. He noted that having a doctor in one place is not sufficient and stressed the importance of ensuring continuous and accessible services for the citizens. Marcos added that the government is strengthening support systems for healthcare workers, including investments in training, safety, and well-being.

The Doctors to the Barrios Program deploys physicians to remote and underserved areas, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), to improve primary healthcare delivery. Marcos urged the new batch of doctors to uphold service and compassion in their assignments across the country.