In a significant move to expand private healthcare in the Visayas, the Ayala Group has officially rebranded the 70-year-old Cebu Velez General Hospital. The institution is now known as Healthway Cebu Velez General Hospital (HCVGH), following a major acquisition and integration by AC Health's Healthway Medical Network (HMN).
P500 Million Modernization Plan Unveiled
The transformation is backed by a substantial investment of close to P500 million from AC Health, to be deployed over the next three years. This capital will fund a comprehensive modernization program designed to align the historic hospital with HMN's national standards.
The funds are earmarked for critical upgrades, including the renovation of patient care areas, enhancements to operating rooms and delivery suites, and the expansion of specialty centers. A key part of the investment is the acquisition of new MRI and CT scan equipment. Outpatient clinics, laboratories, and overall hospital infrastructure will also see significant improvements.
Preserving Legacy, Elevating Care
During the formal relaunch on Friday, December 5, 2025, AC Health chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala expressed honor in becoming part of the hospital's seven-decade legacy, which has shaped healthcare professionals and served countless Cebuano families. The goal is to pair Velez's deep community roots with HMN's technological and service expertise.
AC Health president and CEO Paolo Borromeo emphasized that this synergy aims to bring world-class care closer to families in the region. HMN president and CEO Jaime Ysmael added that the upgrades are carefully planned to preserve the hospital's heritage while boosting its capacity to meet evolving health needs.
Strategic Impact and Future Vision
The integration of HCVGH is a strategic piece of HMN's growing ecosystem in Cebu, where it already runs a multi-specialty clinic and six corporate clinics. The network is reinforced by the province-wide presence of Generika Drugstore, improving access to affordable medicines.
For patients, HMN assures that no abrupt pricing changes or service disruptions are expected. Existing insurance networks and care packages will remain accessible, with plans to broaden coverage over time. The expansion is also set to create new clinical, diagnostic, and support jobs, with staff gaining access to enhanced training and Ayala employee benefits.
HCVGH is being positioned as a multi-specialty referral hub for the Visayas, with focused enhancements in ophthalmology, women's health, oncology, and cardio-pulmonary care. Near-term priorities include boosting outpatient services, surgical capacity, and imaging, while long-term plans involve upgrading inpatient, critical care, and emergency units.
As a gesture of community support, HMN donated 1,000 prepaid Healthway Care Cards to Cebu City to aid vulnerable residents with outpatient care. Looking ahead, AC Health remains open to partnering with other legacy hospitals in the Visayas, selectively seeking institutions that share its commitment to accessible, patient-centered care.
