GLAN, Sarangani (MindaNews / 19 June 2026) – The football field of a local school has been converted into a field hospital after the 30-bed Municipal Hospital was declared unsafe due to severe damage from the Magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Maasim town on June 8.
The temporary facility, set up at the Glan School of Arts and Trades in Barangay E. Alegado, faces challenges from extreme weather. Patients endure scorching temperatures above 35°C, while rain threatens the shelter tents provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Despite these conditions, outpatient services continue almost al-fresco, with critical cases referred to better-equipped hospitals nearby. A surgical facility, operated by the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, remains functional but struggles with frequent aftershocks—over 8,300 recorded as of Friday, some as strong as Magnitude 6.4.
Hospital staff, numbering 273 including doctors, nurses, and maintenance personnel, face added stress as many also deal with quake-damaged homes. Chief nurse Richelin Deyaya expressed concern for their wellbeing, while Engr. Elnar Watin listed urgent needs: air conditioners, electrical supplies, and maintenance for critical equipment like the X-ray machine.
Power outages in remote areas have lasted nearly a week, complicating recovery efforts. The Municipal Health Office prepares for the departure of supplemental teams by month’s end. (Yas Ocampo/MindaNews)
