DOH Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) Program 2026: Salary, Qualifications and How to Apply

Last updated: November 2, 2026

The Department of Health (DOH) Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) Program deploys licensed physicians to doctorless and underserved municipalities. Here is what the program offers, who can apply and how to apply in 2026.

About the DTTB Program

The DOH created the Doctors to the Barrios Program in 1993 to address the shortage of doctors in rural communities. DTTB physicians work as rural health physicians in 4th to 6th class municipalities, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), where they provide primary care, run public health programs and manage the local health system.

The program is still active. In July 2026, the DOH presented DTTB Batch 44, with 144 new physicians, at the national pre-deployment orientation held in Palo, Leyte. DTTB runs alongside the Espesyalista Para Sa Bayan (EPSB) program, which deploys specialists such as surgeons, pediatricians and internists to underserved towns.

Salary and benefits

• Salary Grade 24, based on the DOH DTTB vacancy posting. Under the 2026 salary schedule (SSL VI third tranche), SG 24 Step 1 is ₱102,603 a month.
• Benefits under the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers
• Sponsored master’s degree program for DTTB physicians

See the full SSL 2026 salary grade table and the 2027 salary grades.

Qualifications

• Licensed physician (no training or experience required)
• Physically and mentally fit
• Strong interest in public health and community development
• Willing and able to work in depressed, underserved, hard-to-reach and critical areas

Not yet licensed? See the Physician Licensure Exam (PLE) schedule and requirements.

Duties and responsibilities

• Develop local health systems based on the priority needs of the area
• Prepare an evidence-based annual area health plan
• Mobilize resources for public health programs and rural health unit (RHU) operations through partnerships
• Build the capacity of health workers and other local stakeholders
• Run advocacy projects and monitor and evaluate health programs
• Conduct epidemiological investigations and handle medico-legal cases when needed
• Hold regular consultations and refer serious cases to the right facilities
• Manage the local health information and reporting system
• Respond to public health emergencies and disasters

Place of assignment

Doctorless areas, GIDAs, and 4th, 5th and 6th class municipalities.

Requirements

• Application letter addressed to the Regional Director of the DOH Center for Health Development (CHD) in your preferred region, or to the Ministry of Health for BARMM applicants
• Personal Data Sheet with Work Experience Sheet (CS Form 212, latest revision)
• Certified true copy of your diploma

Requirements can change per batch, so check the latest DTTB posting of your target CHD before you submit.

How to apply

Apply directly to the DOH Center for Health Development in the region where you want to serve, or to the Bangsamoro Ministry of Health. Use the contact details on the official website or verified Facebook page of each CHD, not personal email addresses. You can also watch the CSC job portal and the latest DOH job openings.

Related guides

• How to write a government application letter
• Physician board exam results October 2026
• DSWD Island CAREvan: doctors and medical professionals

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