Capiz Medical Center to open by end-October

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The new Capiz Medical Center in Barangay Lanot, Roxas City, is expected to open before the end of October, Gov. Fredenil Castro said Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Castro said some medical equipment has already begun to be transferred from the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH) on Arnaldo Boulevard.

He said the new medical facility will be under the supervision of the Department of Health (DOH).

Castro encouraged students taking medical courses to consider applying for jobs at the hospital and contribute to health care in the province.

House Bill 377, authored by Capiz 2nd District Rep. Jane Tan Castro, was filed in Congress in June 2025 to convert RMPH into the Capiz Medical Center.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO), led by Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Ramon Alex Nolasco, recently coordinated with the Regulatory, Licensing and Enforcement Division of the DOH Center for Health Development Western Visayas in Iloilo City to process regulatory and licensing requirements for the hospital’s planned operation.

The process is intended to ensure compliance with regulations and licensing standards before the hospital becomes fully operational.

Provincial officials said the facility is also expected to strengthen the provincewide health system and expand Capizeños’ access to quality health services.

Under House Bill 377, the proposed Capiz Medical Center would be managed by the DOH as a Level III hospital.

The proposal envisions increased bed capacity, expanded diagnostic services, additional medical equipment, residency training for doctors and specialized services.

The facility is also envisioned as an apex hospital serving Capiz, Aklan, Romblon, Masbate and northern Iloilo.

Castro said he would not claim sole credit for completing the hospital, stressing that the project was made possible through the collective efforts of the people of Capiz since construction began in 2012.

He said his administration happened to oversee the project as it neared completion and became operational, disputing claims that suggested otherwise.

Records from the Provincial Engineer’s Office showed that during Castro’s administration, the project secured PHP 350,000,000 from the DOH and another PHP 90,000,000 under the General Appropriations Act.

Provincial officials said the additional funding was needed to complete several remaining components amid rising construction material costs.

Former Gov. Victor Tanco initiated the project in 2012 with PHP 124,800,000 from the DOH and PHP 100,000,000 from the Capiz provincial government.

In 2018, during the administration of former Gov. Tony del Rosario, another PHP 150,000,000 was allocated by the DOH with the assistance of Castro, who was then the representative of Capiz’s 2nd District.

During the administration of former Gov. Esteban Contreras, the province secured another PHP 100,000,000 for the project.

Castro earlier said an additional PHP 50,000,000 was released on top of PHP 100,000,000 intended for medical equipment and supplies from the DOH.

Engineer Ma. Theresa Cervales of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 6, who is in charge of the project, said a request had also been made for PHP 650,000,000 from DOH savings to complete remaining works needed for hospital operations.

The hospital is currently operating its BUCAS Center following a soft opening while finishing work on the ground-floor area of the medical center continues.

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