BACOLOR, Pampanga — A walkthrough the newly constructed four-storey Ricardo Rodriguez Memorial Hospital Annex here was led by Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Mayor Eduardo “Diman” Datu, along with members of the Sangguniang panlalawigan on Nov. 6, preparatory to its as yet formal opening.
One of the 10 district hospitals managed by the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the facility will initially operate as a 25-bed infirmary pending the completion of licensing requirements for its full operation as a 75-bed Level 1 hospital.
Hospital chief Dr. Jingle Maray said Governor Pineda approved the facility’s initial operation to provide healthcare services to residents while the necessary licenses are being processed.
Once fully operational, the hospital will offer diagnostic and laboratory services, including X-ray, 2D echocardiography, ultrasound, and other essential medical services.
“Lahat masaya. Mula sa effort ni Cong. Dong (Gonzales), Vice Gov. Delta, at kay mayor. Kahit nahirapan tayo bago matapos, at the end of the day, nandito na siya. Role na ngayon ng Capitol ang mga gamit na ilalagay natin. Sa mga magtatrabaho dito, sa mga doctors at nurses, sana maging taos-puso ang serbisyo ninyo. Kami naman sa Kapitolyo, nakaantabay sa mga pangangailangan ninyo,” the governor said.
The provincial government allocated approximately P35 million for medical equipment, with funding initiated during the term of then-Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda and continued under the administration of Gov Nanay. The provincial government will also cover the hospital’s operational expenses.
The national government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways, allocated P250 million for the hospital’s construction from 2021 to 2025 through the General Appropriations Act.
Of the hospital’s budgetary and construction timeline, Mayor Datu recalled: “Mahaba po ang kuwento ng ospital na ito. Noong 2020, tinulungan po tayo ni noo’y Governor Delta at Congressman Gonzales sa RDC [Regional Development Council] meeting para maaprubahan ang proyekto, dahil nakiusap ako sa kanila na i-prioritize ang mga hospital buildings. Noong 2021, P50 million ang inilaan para sa initial phase ng proyekto. Noong 2022, naglabas po ng P100 million; noong 2023, another 550 million; at noong 2024, another P50 million, hanggang sa makumpleto ang proyekto sa kabuuang halagang P250 million. Ang pondo po para rito ay inilabas on an installment basis. Ang medical equipment naman po ay ang provincial government ang magpo-provide.”
The facility is expected to improve access to healthcare for residents of Bacolor and neighboring municipalities, reducing the need to travel to the City of San Fernando for medical services. Pampanga PIO
