For Jomel A. Marteja, a 24-year-old from New Carmen, Davao City, the dream of becoming a doctor started with a single online post. Back in Grade 12, he stumbled upon an article about the academic path of a physician. What began as curiosity about learning eventually grew into a genuine passion to heal.
“Ako ang pinakaunang grumaduate ng college sa aming pamilya at kamag-anak,” Jomel shared proudly. For his parents and relatives, his achievement became a symbol of hope. Poverty had always been a barrier that kept many of his relatives from finishing school, but Jomel was determined to change that story.
When he decided to pursue medicine at the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF), his mother felt both excitement and worry. Her small business could barely sustain their daily needs, much less the high cost of medical education. But Jomel remained confident.
“Sinabihan ko agad si Mama na huwag mag-alala dahil may nabasa akong may scholarship sa DMSF,” he recalled.
True enough, his optimism and perseverance opened new doors. During his first year, Jomel received a scholarship from DMSF and was later endorsed to the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI) and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) Medical Scholarship Program (MSP). Through the program, all his tuition fees, allowances, and school expenses are fully covered, allowing him to focus on his studies.
Now in his third year, Jomel is preparing for clinical clerkship and looking forward to residency training, possibly in neurosurgery or pathology. Yet beyond specialization, his heart remains anchored in service. He dreams of returning to his hometown, where access to healthcare is limited, to conduct libreng medical check-up for his community. This reflects the shared mission of PSFI and BCFI to nurture future medical professionals who will give back and help strengthen the local healthcare system.
“Palaging may opportunities. Dapat lang maging bukas at magpursigi,” Jomel said.
Every step brings him closer to fulfilling the promise he once made to himself—to become a doctor not just for his own success, but for the people who need him most.
