Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Inauguration of the Department of Health – Jose B. Lingad Children’s Medical Center

Thank you very much to our Health Secretary, Secretary Brix Pujalte Jr.; Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon; Clark Development Corporation President and CEO Agnes Devanadera; PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco; and of course our benefactor, Bloomberry Resorts and Hotel Inc. Chairman and CEO Enrique Razon Jr.; Pampanga 1st District Representative Carmelo Lazatin Jr.; and another one of the strong proponents of this entire project our governor, Pampanga Provincial Governor Nanay Pineda and other officials from the local government units; Medical Center Chief Dr. Monserrat Chichioco and all our partners from the health and of course from the private sector; of course First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos; fellow workers in government; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Magandang tanghali po sa inyong lahat.

Three years ago, in July 2023, we gathered together here in Clark to mark the beginning of what was then an ambitious vision called the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center.

On what was once an empty lot, we built something for our children that can help them grow into healthy adults strong enough to carry our country forward.

In 2020, only half of Filipinos could access primary healthcare within 30 minutes, a reminder of the gaps that remained in our healthcare system.

It was more challenging for patients requiring specialized medical treatment, often available only in the metropolitan areas and many times only in the National Capital Region.

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.

This is why I have directed the establishment of regional specialty hospitals across the country to improve the overall healthcare system nationwide.

I also directed the relevant agencies to ensure the timely completion of the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center.

Today, we have progressed towards that vision with the completion of the first phase of the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center.

This state-of-the-art pediatric facility will provide free, high-quality care for children and families from Regions I, II, and III, and other neighboring areas as well.
Next week, on the 1st of August, this hospital will open its doors to patients, making specialized pediatric services accessible to more communities.

More importantly, it will bring hope and relief to countless Filipino families.

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.

And of course, we are working to bring down out-of-pocket expenses through our program the Zero Balance Billing.

Here in this hospital, I am happy to announce that the Zero Balance Billing program will certainly continue. [applause] And that way, no individual will be denied care simply because they do not have the capacity to pay.

The Zero Balance Billing is also complemented by the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program and the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, which have served millions of Filipinos in need of medical assistance.

Furthermore, we have also expanded PhilHealth benefits, including the newborn care package, which covers screening tests, vaccinations, and treatment for premature and small newborns.

One by one, we are building a better healthcare system that serves every Filipino with dignity.

Ladies and gentlemen, this hope that this hospital will bring will go — hope and relief for countless Filipino families here in Luzon.

Parents seeking specialized treatment for their children will no longer have to make difficult trips to Metro Manila, sometimes even having to go abroad.

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.

We will do our best to lift the burdens from our people’s shoulders and give them opportunities to live healthier and more secure lives.

This hospital was made possible through the support of various institutions—the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc., PAGCOR, the Clark Development Corporation— that shared our vision for better healthcare for our beloved Filipino children.

Together with the national government, their support helped turn this project from a plan into a working hospital for children.

Ladies and gentlemen, I assure you that your government will not stop working to give every Filipino child the chance to grow up healthy and to grow up strong.

It is certainly a comforting thought that somewhere in Luzon, a child who is sick today will visit this facility and will leave feeling better.
And that child will grow up and who knows, that child might prove to be the next leader that this country needs.

Sa bawat batang gagaling dito, may bagong pag-asa na sumisibol para sa kaniyang pamilya, at para sa ating minamahal na Bagong Pilipinas.

Maraming, maraming salamat po.

Mabuhay kayong lahat.

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas. [applause]

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