CEBU — Residents of Southern Cebu now have access to upgraded emergency care, expanded critical care services, and local breast cancer screening following the completion of major facility improvements at Cebu Provincial Hospital–Carcar City. Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the blessing of the new facilities on September 26, 2026.
A Departmentalized Emergency Room
The hospital's Emergency Room has been transformed from a 10-bed facility into a 30-bed departmentalized unit. Dedicated spaces now serve internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics, and critical cases, allowing for more organized triage and faster treatment. This expansion directly addresses the growing demand for emergency services across Southern Cebu.
Chief of Hospital Dr. Mary Ann Josephine Arsenal emphasized that the upgrade is crucial for saving lives during the golden hour. Patients no longer need to endure long travel to Cebu City for urgent care. The improved ER ensures that trauma and acute illness cases receive immediate attention within their own community.
New ICUs and Mammogram Machine
Two new Intensive Care Units, one for pediatric patients and another for medical cases, now provide critical monitoring for severely ill patients. These ICUs are essential for the hospital's ongoing preparation for Level 2 accreditation, which would allow it to retain more medical and surgical specialists.
A dedicated mammogram machine has also been installed, enabling local breast cancer screening and early detection. Dr. Arsenal noted that mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and aunts can now access this service close to home. A C-arm machine for orthopedic procedures complements existing CT scan and X-ray services.
Serving 1.5 Million People
CPH-Carcar functions as a catchment hub covering 21 municipalities, three component cities, six district hospitals, and 31 rural health units. The hospital reaches an estimated population of 1.5 million people across Southern Cebu. Its expanded capabilities ease referral burdens on the entire regional health network.
Beyond emergency and critical care, the hospital offers hemodialysis, cancer screening, and eye care services. Orthopedic, surgical, obstetric, and gynecological operations continue to serve the community. Patient comfort has also improved with fully air-conditioned wards and private rooms soon to open.
Path to Level 2 Accreditation
The new pediatric and medical ICUs fulfill key Department of Health requirements for upgrading CPH-Carcar from a Level 1 sub-apex hospital to a Level 2 facility. This upgrade will allow the hospital to offer additional services and attract specialists to handle complex cases.
Dr. Nikki Baricuatro Catalan-Vizcayno, Capitol Piso Health Consultant, joined the Governor during the blessing ceremony. Their presence underscored the provincial government's commitment to bringing quality healthcare closer to communities. The investment reflects a broader strategy to decentralize medical services across Cebu.
Leaders and Community Celebrate
Carcar City Mayor Patrick Barcenas, Vice Mayor Perkins De Dios, and Board Members Neneth Reluya, Jojo Bacaltos, and Cesar Baricuatro attended the event. Their support signals strong local backing for the hospital's transformation. The community now enjoys better medical care without the financial and logistical strain of traveling to urban centers.
The provincial government continues to prioritize accessible, responsive, and quality healthcare. These improvements ensure that better medical care is not just available but truly within reach for every Carcaranon and resident of nearby towns.
