In a significant boost to healthcare reliability, the Sumisip District Hospital (SDH) in Basilan has officially switched on a new solar power system. This project, valued at P8 million, promises to end the disruptions caused by unstable grid power and ensure life-saving medical equipment never goes offline.
Governor Leads "Lights On" Ceremony for Sustainable Healthcare
Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman personally led the inspection and activation ceremony of the solar project on Thursday, December 18. Accompanied by provincial health officials, Governor Hataman toured the hospital's facilities, including the laboratory and operating rooms, to see firsthand how the stable power supply will protect vital equipment.
Dr. Shariffa Ann Abbas Alvarez, the Provincial Health Officer, explained that the initiative was funded through the province's 20 percent development fund. The comprehensive project did not just install solar panels; it also included the crucial rehabilitation of the hospital's electrical wiring. This dual approach guarantees that the new, clean energy is delivered safely and efficiently throughout the facility.
Beyond Uninterrupted Power: A Roadmap for Health Services
The impact of this project extends far beyond keeping the lights on. Dr. Alvarez emphasized that this provincial government initiative is a major step towards faster and safer medical services for the residents of Sumisip and neighboring towns. With guaranteed power, sensitive equipment for diagnostics and surgery can operate without risk from sudden outages.
This project is not a one-off effort. Governor Hataman announced that the Lamitan District Hospital is next in line to become fully solar-energized. Furthermore, the provincial board is working on broader health upgrades. Dr. Nur Khan Istarul, a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, revealed that the SDH is targeted for an upgrade to a Level 1 hospital by 2026.
Part of a Broader Vision: Basilan HELPS in Action
The solar project is a core component of Governor Hataman's Basilan HELPS program, which strategically links Health with Environmental protection. This initiative demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to provincial development, where investing in green technology directly translates to improved public service.
The push for better health infrastructure continues across the province. In addition to the solar projects and SDH's upgrade, the Maluso General Hospital is expected to begin operations in the third quarter of 2026. Together, these projects paint a clear picture of a province actively building a more resilient and reliable healthcare system for all its citizens, powered increasingly by sustainable energy.
