President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday led the groundbreaking of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) College of Allied Health Sciences Building, highlighting the government’s push to expand the healthcare workforce.
Speaking at the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center in Malate, Manila, Marcos said the project would open more opportunities for young Filipinos to pursue health-related courses and eventually serve in the country’s strained medical system.
“Sa pagtatayo ng College of Allied Health Sciences Building, mabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang nakakabatang henerasyon na aralin ang mga kursong pang-medisina. Sila po ang mga susunod na haligi ng ating sektor ng pangkalusugan,” Marcos said during the ceremony.
(With the construction of the College of Allied Health Sciences Building, the younger generation will be given the opportunity to study medical-related courses. They will be the next pillars of our healthcare sector.)
Marcos said the facility would significantly expand PLM’s capacity to train healthcare workers, noting that enrollment could reach as many as 5,000 students.
The President said the government is also launching new science programs at PLM, including Medical Technology and Radiologic Technology, as part of efforts to strengthen human resources in healthcare.
“Sa pagbibigay ng pondo upang maipatayo itong pasilidad na ito, layon ng pamahalaan na mabigyan ng oportunidad ang mga estudyanteng nangangailangan na makapag-aral sa mahusay na unibersidad.”
(By providing funds to build this facility, the government aims to give opportunities to students in need to study at a quality university.)
Marcos emphasized that improving healthcare education is crucial to addressing gaps in medical services, particularly in underserved areas.
“Batid natin ang mga pagsubok na pilit hinaharap ng ating mga kababayan. Kulang ang access sa serbisyong medikal.”
(We are aware of the challenges our fellow Filipinos continue to face. Access to medical services is lacking.)
P500B Budget
Marcos said the government has allocated at least ₱500 billion in the 2026 budget to make the health sector more effective.
“Kaya’t bilang suporta ng pamahalaan, hindi bababa sa 500 bilyong piso ang inilaan natin sa budget ngayon upang maging mas epektibo ang ating health sector.”
(As support from the government, we have allocated no less than ₱500 billion in this year’s budget to make our health sector more effective.)
Of this amount, more than ₱427 billion was allotted to the Department of Health and PhilHealth, while over ₱13 billion was set aside for specialty hospitals, Marcos said.
He added that nearly ₱1 billion was allocated for medical scholarships and tuition fee subsidies for students in state universities and colleges.
Marcos also cited national government support for local facilities, including the P15-million assistance extended to Baseco Hospital, which Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said would fund a year’s supply of medicines. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
