President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday, July 24, officially inaugurated the Jose B. Lingad (JBL) Children’s Medical Center, marking the first facility to launch under the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center (CMSMC) project.
The pediatric hospital will serve children from Regions I, II and III, as well as nearby provinces. It is the first of several regional specialty hospitals established under Republic Act No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which seeks to expand access to specialized healthcare nationwide.
Equipped with modern medical technologies, including artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic equipment, JBL is expected to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosing complex pediatric conditions in Region 3 and beyond while enhancing patient care.
In his remarks, President Marcos said the facility forms part of the administration’s efforts to bring quality, specialized medical services closer to Filipino families.
“In 2020, only half of Filipinos could access primary healthcare within 30 minutes, a reminder of the gaps that remained in our healthcare system. This is why I have directed the establishment of regional specialty hospitals across the country to improve the overall healthcare system nationwide,” he said.
“Next week, on the 1st of August, this hospital will open its doors to patients, making specialized pediatric services accessible to more communities. More importantly, it will bring hope and relief to countless Filipino families.”
The President added that the government is working to bring down out-of-pocket expenses through the Zero Balance Billing.
“Here in this hospital, I am happy to announce that the Zero Balance Billing program will certainly continue. And that way, no individual will be denied care simply because they do not have the capacity to pay.”
Once completed, more modern facilities will rise within the CMSMC, such as specialty centers for renal, cardiovascular, and oncology services, creating a modern healthcare hub in Central Luzon to help decongest major hospitals in Metro Manila.
The project was realized through a partnership between the government and the private sector.
The Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. (BCFI) contributed P1 billion in seed funding for the hospital’s construction and another P50 million for the procurement of a generator set.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) allocated P360 million for the project and authorized BCFI to allocate funding for the project.
The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) donated 4.85 hectares of land where the multi-specialty medical complex now stands, while the Department of Health (DOH) will oversee the hospital’s operations.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the facility demonstrates how collaboration between the government and the private sector can improve access to quality healthcare. “This milestone reflects our shared commitment to bringing world-class medical care closer to the Filipino people,” Mr. Tengco said.
Bloomberry Resorts Corporation Chairman and CEO Enrique Razon said the project was completed in less than three years, “a clear example of a successful collaboration between the private sector and the government. This project is “not a business venture but a contribution to our nation’s development, and more importantly, a worthwhile investment for the future.”
