The Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos Region, in partnership with the Second Congressional District of Pangasinan and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mangatarem, broke ground on its first Super Health Center (SHC) for 2025 in Barangay Parian, Mangatarem town on Jan. 10.
The construction is part of the DOH’s mission to provide accessible and quality healthcare for all Filipinos through the construction of new healthcare facilities, strengthening public health services, particularly in underserved areas.
DOH Region 1 Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco highlighted the impact of the SHC on the municipality’s 82 barangays. She noted that residents will no longer need to travel far or endure long lines at public hospitals to access essential health services such as:
- Outpatient consultations;
- Birthing and isolation facilities;
- Diagnostic services (laboratory, X-ray, and ultrasound);
- Pharmacy and ambulatory surgical units;
- Eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) services;
- Oncology, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services; and
- Telemedicine and patient database management
“The DOH’s SHCs will serve as frontline health centers, providing primary healthcare services to communities. These facilities will help reduce hospital visits by treating minor illnesses locally,” Sydiongco said.
Bringing healthcare closer to communities
Glen Ramos, staff of the DOH Ilocos Region’s Communication Management Unit (CMU), said in a phone interview on Jan. 13 that the facility is designed to cater not only to Mangatarem but also to neighboring towns, decongesting hospitals and making basic health services accessible to all.
“The SHC in the LGU is intended to decongest hospitals. The basic health services are already available there, so even neighboring towns can easily access them. These services should not be withheld from them,” Ramos said.
Funding and operations
The SHC is funded under the DOH’s Health Facility Enhancement Program with a P12 million allocation for construction. Equipment funding will be sourced from the LGU, with potential assistance from the DOH if needed.
“Equipment costs are another budget item once the construction is done, and it will come from the LGU. However, if they cannot cover the costs, they can seek assistance from the DOH,” Ramos said.
Ramos added that the LGU provided the land while the district’s Congressman contributed additional funding.
Once operational, medical staff will be employed at the facility based on the number required.
This SHC is part of a broader initiative to establish 61 such facilities across the Ilocos Region, significantly expanding access to healthcare services.
With the collaboration of the DOH, local leaders, and community stakeholders, this project represents a forward step toward achieving equitable healthcare for all. (CCMT/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)
