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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider No more difficult trips to Metro Manila, loss of income in getting treatment for Pampanga's children, Marcos says

No more difficult trips to Metro Manila, loss of income in getting treatment for Pampanga's children, Marcos says

Published Jul 24, 2026 02:23 pm
DOH-Jose B. Lingad Children’s Medical Center in Mabalacat City, Pampanga (RTVM)
DOH-Jose B. Lingad Children’s Medical Center in Mabalacat City, Pampanga (RTVM)
President Marcos has inaugurated the Jose B. Lingad Children’s Medical Center in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, which promises a better healthcare system in the province and nearby areas.
In inaugurating the new Department of Health (DOH) hospital on Friday, July 24, Marcos said parents will no longer have to go through difficult trips to Metro Manila hospitals to get their children treated.
The Jose B. Lingad Children’s Medical Center expands access to specialized pediatric services in Luzon as it will provide free, high-quality medical care to children and their families from Regions I, II and III, as well as neighboring areas.
"Parents seeking specialized treatment for their children will no longer have to make difficult trips to Metro Manila, sometimes even having to go abroad," Marcos said.
"They will be spared the financial and emotional toll of a long journey, of lost income, and time away from home, all while caring for a sick child. Instead, they can focus on their child’s healing, recovery, and well-being," he added.
The President cited that in 2020, only half of Filipinos could access primary healthcare within 30 minutes.
He said it was "a reminder of the gaps that remained in our healthcare system."
He emphasized that it was more challenging for patients requiring specialized medical treatment, which is often available only in metropolitan areas like the National Capital Region (NCR).
"Parents, for example, had to find money for food, for travel, for lodging. They had to leave work, to be away from their families, endure the fear and uncertainty that every parent knows when a child is ill," Marcos said.
"This is why I have directed the establishment of regional specialty hospitals across the country to improve the overall healthcare system nationwide," he added, noting the timely completion of the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center.
The hospital is part of the first phase of the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center. It will open its doors to patients on Aug. 1, 2026.
According to the President, the zero-balance billing program will also be implemented in the hospital.
"This is only the beginning. After this Medical Center, more modern facilities will rise within the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center complex, such as the Renal Center, the Cardiovascular Center, and the Cancer Center," Marcos vowed.
The Chief Executive was accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during the hospital's inauguration.
They toured the medical center to inspect its Integrated Operating Room, specialized outpatient consultation area and advanced diagnostic facilities, including an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled X-ray system and a 128-slice CT scanner.

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President Marcos Pampanga Healthcare DOH hospitals Jose B. Lingad Children\'s Medical Center
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