Dr. Shiela Faciol, the newly appointed Provincial Health Officer (PHO) II of Cebu, has set her priorities on upgrading hospital facilities, completing manpower requirements, and strengthening coordination with rural health units (RHUs) across the province. These initiatives aim to enhance the healthcare system in Cebu.
Focus on Hospital Improvements
Dr. Faciol, who now oversees 16 provincial hospitals, took her oath on Monday, May 4, 2026. She stated that her mandate aligns with Governor Pamela Baricuatro's priority of making health services more accessible and responsive. According to Faciol, the provincial government is currently focused on upgrading Capitol-run hospitals, including completing equipment and addressing personnel shortages.
"Our biggest goal is to improve health facilities, especially our hospitals, and ensure they are fully equipped with adequate manpower," Faciol said in a media interview on Tuesday, May 5.
Reviewing Staffing and Manpower
On her second day in office, Faciol praised the increase in manpower hiring by the province and noted that they are now reviewing the staffing and status of the 16 provincial hospitals. The number of doctors in Cebu's provincial hospitals has risen by 71 percent, from 177 in July 2025 to 303 as of April 15, 2026, according to Capitol Public Health Consultant Nikki Catalan in a separate media interview. This represents an additional 126 doctors across the 16 hospitals, addressing previous personnel shortages.
Catalan said the current count includes general practitioners and specialists assigned to various hospital levels. "We cannot fully utilize equipment if personnel are lacking, so we are reviewing staffing and working to complete health workers in each hospital," Faciol added.
Residency Training Programs
Faciol also announced that the province will continue residency training programs in partnership with Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. This collaboration aims to further develop doctors and encourage general practitioners to specialize while remaining within Cebu's health system.
