Cordova hospital project gains ground

Local

A HOSPITAL once stalled by missing access roads is now edging closer to operation in Cordova as the municipal government pushes renovations and sets a timeline for trial services next year.

Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan said the proposed facility, discussed across multiple administrations, has moved forward after the local government resolved key setbacks, including the lack of a road right of way that previously delayed development.

The project aims to expand healthcare access for residents and ease patient congestion in nearby hospitals in Lapu-Lapu City and other parts of Cebu.

Suan said earlier administrations had initiated construction of the building, but the project stalled due to infrastructure gaps, particularly the absence of proper road access.

“Actually dugay na kaayo ni nga previous pa kaayo ni nga administration, siguro mga tulo ka lain, if i’m not mistaken, tulo ka lain-lain na Mayors nga natukod ni nga building pero ang nahitabo man gud is gitukod una ang building unya walay kalsada, so wala sya‘y right of way,” the mayor said.

He said progress began after he assumed office in 2022 and the local government prioritized securing land for road access.

“So when i assumed the office last 2022 mao na nagpa-allocate ko sa amoang coucilors so amoa gi una nga naka palit gud ug road right of way," Suan said.

He added that coordination with Congresswoman Daphne Lagon led to drainage works and road improvements that made the area accessible.

"Unya with the help of congresswoman Daphne Lagon nabuhatan sya ug drainage mas nindot na kaayo nga kalsada karon. So ready nagyud,” he added.

Suan said the provincial government under Governor Pamela Baricuatro has expressed support for the project, particularly in health services development.

He said renovation of the existing structure will proceed this year with assistance from the provincial engineering office and contractors.

“So karon na ready nagyud ang area, gwapo na kaayo ang kalsada so mao na amoa gi invite si Gov Pam na please see the building for hospital kay niingon man gud sya tabangan… so magrenovate sya. So the whole year ang renovation,” Suan said.

The municipality targets trial operations by the first quarter of next year.

“Then next year, first quarter, mag trial operation mi sa pagkuan sa hospital,” he said.

Suan said funding for hospital personnel remains a key concern, estimating salary requirements for doctors and staff at about 2.8 million.

“Gov, kaya namo nga modala or manage sa hospital, ang concern lang nako is the salary of all the staff, which includes the doctors kay na compute namo it will be 2.8 million,” he said.

He said the municipality seeks provincial support to subsidize operational costs for at least two years while the hospital stabilizes operations.

Afterward, the facility will be integrated into PhilHealth coverage and the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) program.

The hospital in Barangay Pilipog will initially operate as a 10-bed primary infirmary to meet regulatory requirements before potential expansion into a Level 1 facility.

Once operational, it is expected to serve Cordova residents who currently travel to Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Danao for medical care, especially during emergencies.

“Dako gud kaayo,” he said.(MyTVCebu)