Guimaras Breaks Ground on New Outpatient Center

JORDAN, GUIMARAS—Governor JC Rahman A. Nava led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital (DCGNPH) Outpatient Care Center, marking a major milestone in the province’s healthcare development on January 23, 2025.

The four-story facility, designed by hospital architecture firm John Ryan Santos+Partners, aims to enhance medical services and improve patient care efficiency. The groundbreaking coincides with the 50th anniversary of the DCGNPH.

“Finally, natuman gid man!” Nava exclaimed, celebrating the start of the PHP 167-million project. He emphasized that strengthening healthcare services is a top priority under the Kabataan FIRST program.

“Ang handum naton nga mahagan-hagan ang referrals sa probinsiya kag siyudad sang Iloilo. We really want to deliver the best possible healthcare for our constituency—not just infrastructure and equipment, but through the right personnel,” Nava said.

The outpatient center will include a primary care facility, pharmacy, radiology, minor surgery services, a dialysis station, an ambulatory surgical clinic, and a physical therapy and rehabilitation unit.

The project is also part of Guimaras’ preparation for the full implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC). Other healthcare improvements include PHP 30 million for Nueva Valencia District Hospital and PHP 55 million for the Buenavista Emergency Hospital outpatient care facility.

Funding and Timeline

The PHP 167-million project is funded by the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) of the Department of Health (PHP 90 million), Sen. Pia Cayetano through the Department of Public Works and Highways (PHP 20 million), and the Provincial Government (PHP 57 million).

The center is expected to be completed by the first semester of 2026.

Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development Regional Director Dr. Anabelle Yumang lauded Guimaras officials for prioritizing healthcare, citing the importance of accessible services.

“This four-story outpatient complex ensures that quality healthcare will be accessible to Guimarasnons. It also prepares the hospital for Level II expansion, addressing the critical 20-minute travel time to mainland Iloilo for urgent cases,” Yumang said.

Architect John Ryan Santos praised the project’s swift progress.

“When we had the chance to contribute to a public healthcare facility, we immediately offered our services for free. Seeing this project materialize in just a year is heartwarming,” Santos said.

A Community Effort

Vice Governor John Edward Gando credited the project to the collective efforts of Guimarasnons and the province’s leadership.

“Dugang ini nga tikang padulong sa mas masanag nga palaabuton. The continuous progress of Guimaras is grounded in our collective determination as Guimarasnons,” Gando said.

The ceremony was attended by Congresswoman Ma. Lucille L. Nava, DPWH-Guimaras District Engineer Randolfo Melosantos, the 10th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, municipal mayors, DCGNPH personnel led by Chief of Hospital Dr. Allain Babao, and department heads of the Provincial Government of Guimaras.

The new outpatient center represents a significant leap in Guimaras’ healthcare infrastructure, ensuring better medical services and paving the way for the province’s continued development.