President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed laws establishing two government hospitals in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte, showcasing the government’s commitment to delivering universal healthcare for all Filipinos.

President Marcos signed on September 5 Republic Act No. 12260, which established the Zamboanga del Sur Second District Hospital in the municipality of San Miguel in Zamboanga del Sur province.

The Zamboanga del Sur Second District Hospital will be under the direct control and supervision of the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur.

The Zamboanga del Sur provincial government shall manage the said district hospital and prepare, in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), a hospital development plan that is aligned with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan.

Any future increase in bed capacity, healthcare facilities, service capability, and human resource complement shall be based on the hospital development plan.

The provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur shall provide the necessary funds for the establishment, maintenance, and other operating expenses of the said district hospital.

The DOH Secretary shall include support for the capital outlay requirements of the hospital in the Department’s subsidy program.

President Marcos also signed on September 5 Republic Act No. 12261, establishing the Liloy General Hospital in the municipality of Liloy in Zamboanga del Norte province.

A Level II general hospital, the Liloy General Hospital shall have a bed capacity of 100 beds and shall be under the direct control and supervision of the DOH.

The Secretary of Health shall immediately include in the DOH’s program the implementation of this Act, and the funding shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Both laws shall take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. ǀ PND