President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has delivered a significant boost to healthcare services in Cebu's remote areas during a visit to the Cebu Provincial Hospital (CPH) in Balamban on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Financial Aid and Medical Equipment Injected
The hospital received a substantial P5 million financial grant from the Office of the President, earmarked specifically for facility improvements. This infusion of funds is aimed at expanding patient services for communities in far-flung locations.
Complementing the presidential grant, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) contributed 20 wheelchairs and P60,000 worth of medicines to bolster the hospital's resources and patient care capabilities.
Province-Wide Upgrades for Faster Diagnosis
The support extended beyond Balamban. Several other provincial hospitals also benefited from critical equipment donations, including:
- CPH in Bogo City
- CPH in Danao City
- Daanbantayan District Hospital
- Juan B. Dosado Memorial Hospital in Sogod
Each institution received X-ray machines and ultrasound equipment. This vital gear is expected to speed up diagnosis and reduce the need to refer patients to larger hospitals in Cebu City.
Strengthening Zero-Balance Billing and Medicine Access
During his inspection, President Marcos observed the implementation of the zero balance billing policy under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). This program allows qualified patients to be discharged without any out-of-pocket expenses.
The national government has allocated a hefty P17.39 billion for this initiative in the 2026 budget. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced an additional P1 billion is set to expand the program to selected secondary and tertiary local government hospitals.
Furthermore, President Marcos emphasized streamlining the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (Gamot) program in Cebu. The goal is to make it faster and easier for Cebuanos to access essential medicines.
This series of interventions marks a concerted push to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability in the province, directly impacting patient welfare and hospital efficiency.
