CEBU — Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito joined Mayor Nestor D. Archival for a walkthrough of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) on August 14, 2026. The joint inspection aimed to assess the facility's current state and identify pathways to finally complete the long-delayed public hospital.
A Site of Persistence and Promise
The visit provided an opportunity for both leaders to see firsthand the progress and remaining challenges of the medical center. They toured key areas of the building, accompanied by CCMC top management. The walkthrough was not merely symbolic; it was a working session focused on practical solutions.
Mayor Archival emphasized the importance of close coordination between the local and national governments. He expressed his administration's determination to finish the hospital and deliver it to the people of Cebu City. The project, which has spanned multiple administrations, now has renewed momentum.
A Champion for Universal Healthcare
Senator Ejercito's presence was particularly significant. He is the principal author of the Universal Health Care Act and serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. His influence over national budget allocations makes his support crucial for securing the remaining funding needed for the hospital.
Ejercito has long advocated for strengthening public hospital infrastructure through programs like the Department of Health's Health Facilities Enhancement Program. His visit signals a commitment to helping Cebu City bridge the financial gap, particularly for essential medical equipment. This collaboration between the local and national levels is key to unlocking the project's full potential.
Overcoming a Decade of Challenges
The CCMC's history is marked by delays, beginning with the 2013 Bohol earthquake that damaged the original structure. Subsequent reconstruction faced contract issues, budget shortages, and technical defects that pushed completion timelines repeatedly. The current administration has worked to reset the project's scope and secure new contractors.
A revised plan now caps the building at seven floors, focusing on making the facility functional sooner. A ₱700-million contract with Dakay Construction is underway to finish the upper floors. Simultaneously, an audit identified the need for ₱400 million in retrofitting on the lower levels.
A Clear Path to Completion
The current roadmap sets ambitious but achievable goals. Structural and architectural works for floors four through seven are targeted for completion by December 2026. A partial opening is projected for the first quarter of 2027, allowing services to move to completed areas while repairs continue below.
The city government is also working to secure ₱300 million for essential diagnostic and medical equipment. This includes MRI machines, CT scanners, and operating room gear. Once fully operational, the hospital will expand its capacity from around 150 beds to between 400 and 500 beds.
A Vision for Cebu's Future
Mayor Archival reiterated his commitment to making the CCMC a stronger, more accessible, and responsive healthcare facility. He framed the project as central to the city's vision of a "Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Cebu 2035." The walkthrough served as a powerful reminder that the long wait may finally be nearing its end.
