GUIUAN, Eastern Samar — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s goal to make quality, affordable healthcare accessible to remote communities during an inspection of the newly rebuilt Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital (FAMH) and its transitional facility on Friday, September 25.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro highlighted that the presidential visit reflects ongoing government efforts to expand medical services in geographically isolated regions.
“Malapit na serbisyong pangkalusugan at pagbawas sa gastusing medikal sa mga residenteng nasa liblib na lugar — ito ang mensaheng ipinaabot ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” Castro stated.
Accompanied by Health Secretary Edwin Mercado and local officials, Marcos toured the facility, which was completely destroyed by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. The hospital had been operating out of a temporary site, where it logged 3,078 admissions and distributed ₱2.6 million in financial aid to 969 beneficiaries through the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP).
The ₱858.54 million reconstruction project was jointly carried out by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Department of Health (DOH), and the local government unit.
“It’s good to see their hospital. This is that rose from the ruins of the original hospital that was completely destroyed by Yolanda. And we are grateful to, of course, the Korean assistance we received,” Marcos said.
The restored facility boasts modern amenities, including emergency rooms, surgical suites, inpatient wards, and a dental clinic, with operations slated to begin in October following final regulatory clearances.
While built for a 50-bed capacity, the facility will initially operate with 25 beds due to current staffing constraints.
“We need more nurses para mabuo na ‘yung 50-bed capacity. Right now, nagagamit pa lang nila is a 25-bed. But we have [our way on] how to augment our nurses para matulungan sila,” Marcos noted.
Marcos also cited existing national health programs, including the Zero Balance Billing scheme, which has absorbed ₱95.84 billion in healthcare costs for 3.57 million patients, and the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program, which has aided 1.71 million individuals.
Additionally, over 1 million patients have received free medicines through the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatients Treatment program, while VAT exemptions have been applied to 2,279 essential drugs.