By Nimfa Estrellado President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. LUCENA CITY, Quezon – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially signed Republic A...
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| President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially signed Republic Act No. 12211, paving the way for the establishment of the Lucena City Hospital in Lucena, Quezon. The new legislation aims to bolster healthcare services in the region by creating a new Level 1 general hospital with a 100-bed capacity.
The law, signed by President Marcos Jr. on May 21 and subsequently uploaded to the Official Gazette two days later, mandates that the Lucena City Hospital will operate under the direct control and supervision of the Department of Health (DOH). This direct oversight by the DOH is crucial for ensuring adherence to national health standards and efficient management of the facility.
A key provision of the Act directs the Secretary of Health to "immediately include in the Department’s program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act." This ensures that the necessary financial resources will be allocated for the hospital's establishment and operation, highlighting the government's commitment to prioritizing healthcare infrastructure.
Republic Act No. 12211 also includes standard legal clauses, stipulating that if any part of the Act is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. Furthermore, all existing laws, executive orders, issuances, and regulations inconsistent with this new Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. This legal framework provides clarity and ensures the smooth implementation of the new law.
The legislative process for this Act began with House Bill No. 8214, which was passed by the House of Representatives on May 29, 2023. It then proceeded to the Senate of the Philippines, where it received its approval on December 16, 2024.
Amendments were subsequently concurred by the House of Representatives on January 22, 2025, demonstrating a collaborative effort between both legislative chambers. The signing of this law underscores the government's ongoing efforts to improve public health facilities across the Philippines, particularly in growing urban centers like Lucena City.
Senator Bong Go, who sponsored House Bill No. 8214, publicly lauded the Senate's approval, emphasizing that the Lucena City Hospital aims to significantly improve healthcare access for residents of Quezon and nearby areas. He highlighted that the hospital is part of his broader health agenda, which also includes establishing Malasakit Centers and improving public hospital facilities.
The establishment of this hospital is particularly vital given existing healthcare challenges in Quezon Province, including maternal mortality rates and infectious diseases. It is also expected to create employment opportunities for healthcare professionals, further contributing to the local economy. This new facility will provide a much-needed boost to the healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The establishment of a new hospital is expected to significantly ease the burden on existing healthcare providers and improve access to medical care for Lucena's burgeoning population. The passage of this law comes at a critical time as the Philippines continues to strengthen its healthcare system post-pandemic.
The DOH's direct involvement in the hospital's development and management is expected to ensure that the facility meets the specific health needs of Lucena City and its surrounding communities, particularly in terms of emergency care, primary health services, and specialist consultations. The local government has also been proactive in improving healthcare access, as seen with initiatives like the "Balik Lucena Hospital Program" (BLHP), which partners with private hospitals to provide "zero balance" healthcare.
The law is set to take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation, signifying a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare accessibility for the residents of Lucena City and its surrounding areas.
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