PINAMUNGAJAN, Cebu — A rehabilitation facility in Pinamungajan is moving closer to opening its doors after nearly seven years of dormancy. The New Life Rehabilitation Center is being prepared to serve individuals struggling with substance dependence, with operations targeted for the last quarter of 2026.
A Facility Finally Fulfilling Its Purpose
The facility was built and turned over by Globe Telecom to the Cebu Provincial Government in 2019 for use as a rehabilitation center. Since then, it has remained unused, representing years of unrealized potential. Now, preparations are underway to transform it into a functioning recovery hub.
Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Baricuatro Catalan-Vizcayno confirmed that plans are progressing. The center aims to provide care and recovery support for people facing substance dependence. It offers a setting where they can work toward rebuilding their lives with dignity and professional guidance.
Pre-Construction Conference Sets Priorities
On Monday, October 6, 2026, Capitol officials and personnel visited the facility for a pre-construction conference. The meeting focused on improvements needed before operations can begin. Among the priorities are upgrades to the water supply system and general repairs and renovation of the facility.
The gathering brought together officials from the Provincial Health Office, Provincial Engineering Office, and Dr. Jose Ma. V. Borromeo Memorial Hospital. Representatives from A.T. Dumlao Construction also attended. Their combined expertise ensures that all necessary improvements are properly planned and executed.
Dr. Sheila Faciol, PHO head, led the health office contingent. She was joined by Dr. Miguel Tristan Rebalde, Debra Ann Cortez, and Noelie Mae Yañez, the CPADAD focal person. Engineers Moises Desabille and Michael Vincent Querubin represented the Provincial Engineering Office, while Dr. Glyla Galban, chief of hospital II, represented Dr. Jose Ma. V. Borromeo Memorial Hospital.
A Long-Awaited Service for the Community
For families affected by substance dependence, the facility's opening represents a beacon of hope. Access to rehabilitation services has long been a challenge in many parts of Cebu, forcing families to seek help in distant urban centers or forego treatment altogether. The New Life Rehabilitation Center will bring these services closer to home.
The center is designed to offer structured programs that address both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery. Patients will receive counseling, medical support, and skills training to help them reintegrate into society. The holistic approach reflects modern rehabilitation practices that prioritize long-term wellness over short-term fixes.
Commitment to Dignified Recovery
After years of standing unused, the facility is now being prepared to fulfill its intended purpose. The provincial government's renewed focus on the project signals a commitment to addressing substance dependence as a health issue rather than a criminal one. This shift in perspective aligns with national and global trends in drug rehabilitation.
The planned opening in the last quarter of 2026 gives officials a clear timeline to complete necessary upgrades. Water supply improvements are critical for daily operations, ensuring that patients and staff have reliable access to clean water. Repairs and renovations will create a safe, comfortable environment conducive to healing.
A New Chapter for Pinamungajan
The rehabilitation center's activation could stimulate local economic activity through job creation and ancillary services. More importantly, it offers a renewed sense of purpose for a facility that once seemed abandoned. The community stands to benefit from having a professional rehabilitation center within reach.
As preparations continue, stakeholders remain focused on delivering a facility that upholds the dignity of every patient. The New Life Rehabilitation Center is poised to become a vital resource for Cebu Province, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.
