GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Department of Health (DOH) allocated an additional PHP148 million for the continuing expansion of the Allah Valley Community Hospital in Surallah town in South Cotabato.
South Cotabato (2nd district) Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez said Friday the funds will be utilized for the construction of additional buildings and facilities as well as the acquisition of modern equipment.
Hernandez said the expansion aims to fast-track the conversion of the facility as the regional hospital for Region 12.
On Oct. 26, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act 11102 that converts the Allah Valley Community Hospital in Barangay Dajay, Surallah into the Soccsksargen General Hospital.
Hernandez, who authored the law, has been pushing for the funding of the hospital’s expansion in the last five years.
The lawmaker said the DOH, through its Health Facilities Enhancement Program, has already released around PHP160 million for the construction of various facilities and purchase of vital equipment for the hospital.
Around PHP95 million worth of facilities have been completed and PHP50 million worth of projects are still being carried out. He added that around P15 million worth of hospital equipment are in the pipeline for acquisition.
“The additional P148 million is still to be carried out this year,” he said.
Hernandez said the establishment of the regional hospital in Surallah town is a huge boost for the province’s health care services.
“What was once only a dream will finally become a reality. This goes to show that with dedication and perseverance, nothing is impossible,” the lawmaker said.
He also lauded President Duterte “for approving this monumental law, giving importance to the improvement of healthcare services in the country.”
