PAGCOR highlights healthcare commitment at opening of Clark children’s hospital
PAGCOR contributed PHP360m (US$6.2m) to the Jose B. Lingad Children’s Medical Center.
The Philippines.- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has underscored its commitment to public healthcare following the inauguration of the Jose B. Lingad (JBL) Children’s Medical Center by president Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The paediatric hospital is the first facility to open under the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center (CMSMC) project and will provide specialised healthcare services to children across Regions I, II and III, as well as neighbouring provinces.
PAGCOR allocated PHP360m (US$6.2m) to support the development of the project and also authorised additional funding participation from the private sector. Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, said the initiative reflects the growing role of public-private partnerships in expanding access to healthcare in the Philippines.
The government’s Regional Specialty Centers Act, which aims to establish specialised medical facilities outside Metro Manila and improve healthcare accessibility nationwide. President Marcos highlighted the importance of decentralising healthcare services, noting that only half of Filipinos had access to primary healthcare within 30 minutes as recently as 2020.
“Next week, on the 1st of August, this hospital will open its doors to patients, making specialised paediatric services accessible to more communities. More importantly, it will bring hope and relief to countless Filipino families,” he said during the inauguration ceremony.
Once completed, the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center will include dedicated renal, cardiovascular and oncology centres. The Clark Development Corporation donated the 4.85-hectare site for the medical complex, while the Department of Health will oversee hospital operations. Bloomberry Cultural Foundation contributed PHP1bn (US$17.2m) in seed funding for construction and an additional PHP50m (US$860,000) for a generator set.
“This project is not a business venture but a contribution to our nation’s development, and more importantly, a worthwhile investment for the future,” Bloomberry Resorts Corporation chairman and CEO Enrique Razon said.
