DPWH builds 15-storey medical arts building in Iloilo City

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has begun construction of a 15-storey medical facility at the West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC). This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a critical hub for medical training and is poised to produce highly qualified professionals ready to tackle future health challenges.

This project is a key part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s healthcare initiative, aimed at enhancing healthcare capacity in the Visayas and Mindanao, and complements the Philippine General Hospital’s role in offering top-tier medical training and services.

The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, House Speaker Ferdinand G. Romualdez, DPWH Undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo, Undersecretary Atty. Anne Sharlyne G. Lapuz, and Assistant Secretary Nerie D. Bueno.

Also present were DPWH 6 Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel, Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto, other Region 6 officials, and local government and West Visayas State University leaders.

The project, a collaboration between DPWH Regional Office 6 and WVSUMC, is backed by an initial investment of ₱500 million from the FY 2023 General Appropriations Act.

The Medical Arts and Specialty Center will span a total floor area of 42,951 square meters, featuring hospital rooms and a training center.

“With 10 state-of-the-art operating rooms, the medical center will have 360 beds, including 186 ward beds, 123 private room beds, and 51 Intensive Care Unit beds,” said Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel.

Oropel further detailed the facility’s design, noting that each floor will serve specific functions to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Plans are also underway to construct a helipad on the roof deck to facilitate the rapid transport of critically ill patients.

The center aims to expand the capacity for general and specialty healthcare treatments, diagnostic services, medical education, and training facilities. (DPWH)