THE construction for the expansion of the West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC) has officially started.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez led the groundbreaking of the WVSUMC expansion project as he emphasized “planting the seeds for future excellence in healthcare education and delivery in the Visayas and beyond.”

The WVSUMC is set to meet the growing healthcare needs of the Visayas region and even Mindanao, representing yet another enduring legacy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

“This facility is poised to become a critical hub for medical training, addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals equipped to handle future health challenges,” Romualdez said during the groundbreaking ceremony attended by partners and stakeholders, notably First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

He also thanked Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin and other officials for organizing the event.

The WVSUMC is akin to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), renowned for its outstanding medical training and services. It serves as an educational institution that offers future top medical practitioners the opportunity to excel, all while benefiting from minimal tuition fees.

The project, with a total proposed cost of P2.57 billion, aims to construct a smart, state-of-the-art 15-story tower complex at the WVSUMC.

This expansion will boast a 352-inpatient bed capacity, along with general and specialty healthcare treatment and diagnostic services, medical education, training, and support facilities.

Construction will proceed in phases, with Phase 1 scheduled from April 2024 to August 2025.

Subsequent phases will follow until the project’s completion in December 2030, ensuring meticulous planning and execution to achieve the desired objectives.

Acknowledging the vital contributions of partners and stakeholders, Speaker Romualdez expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her instrumental role in bringing to fruition this enduring legacy of the Marcos administration, grounded in the belief that every life is invaluable.

Last month, the Marcos administration also started the construction of a 20-story Cancer Center building in Quezon City, a significant addition to the medical complex established during the term of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., housing a cluster of specialty hospitals including the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, the Philippine Heart Center, the Lung Center, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

Romualdez also thanked House Committee on Appropriations chairman Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and Garin for facilitating funding for the WVSU expansion project.

The initial fund of P500 million was appropriated under the General Appropriations Act of 2023.

Also present during the event were several Iloilo lawmakers including Reps. Michael Gorriceta; Ferjenel G. Biron; Raul C. Tupas; Julienne L. Baronda; as well as Uswag Ilongo Partylist Rep. Jojo Ang and Usec. Terrence Calatrava, of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV).

The Speaker expressed his gratitude to the lawmakers present, saying their participation in the event is part of the oversight function of Congress, to make sure that government resources are properly utilized.

“This is teamwork, and this is all because of the direction set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” Speaker Romualdez said.

The House leader likewise commended the WVSU leadership, led by Dr. Joselito Villaruz, for aligning with the national health goals.

“Your efforts make the daunting task of safeguarding Filipino health that much easier,” he said.

According to Speaker Romualdez, the groundbreaking event marks a pivotal moment in the region’s healthcare landscape, signaling a bold step forward in addressing the evolving healthcare needs of the Filipino people.

He emphasized the significance of this expansion project in light of recent health challenges.

The House chief underscored the importance of preparedness and innovation in advancing healthcare, as he expressed optimism about the project’s impact.

WVSUMC has been at the forefront of healthcare delivery, medical education, and training in the Western Visayas for the past 36 years, serving hundreds of thousands of patients.

It stands out among other government tertiary hospitals in the region as a state-owned, university-based medical institution primarily tasked with training and educating medical students of the College of Medicine, nursing students of the College of Nursing, and other allied sciences of WVSU.

These Colleges of Medicine and Nursing have consistently produced numerous topnotchers in their respective licensure examinations, earning a distinction of excellence in medical education.