BANTAYAN ISLAND, Cebu — Bantayan District Hospital has reached a historic milestone, successfully performing its first eight surgical procedures in just three days from July 23 to 25, 2026. The newly operational operating room means island residents no longer need to make the costly and time‑consuming journey to mainland Cebu for essential operations.
A Major Leap for Island Healthcare
The hospital’s operating room became fully functional after the delivery of new surgical equipment and the deployment of a dedicated medical team. Surgeon Dr. Delvin Marquez led the initial surgeries, performing five minor procedures on the first day alone. These included the excision of a forehead mass, the removal of a left foot mass, and three wound debridement procedures.
Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan, tasked by Governor Pamela Baricuatro to oversee reforms across Capitol‑run hospitals, described the development as an important milestone. He noted that it demonstrates the hospital’s growing capacity to respond to urgent surgical cases without immediately requiring patients to travel. The achievement underscores the administration’s commitment to improving public healthcare in Cebu’s island communities.
Emergency and Specialized Surgeries Achieved
On July 24, the hospital recorded another first by successfully performing an emergency STAT appendectomy. Dr. Marquez led the operation, with Dr. Pascual Gongon as anesthesiologist and Dr. Jochico as first assistant. The same day, obstetrician‑gynecologist Dr. Anna Maureen Sios‑e performed a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure with anesthesia support from Dr. Gongon.
The surgical team continued its momentum on July 25, completing a mesh hernioplasty. Dr. Marquez again served as the primary surgeon, supported by Dr. Gongon and Dr. Deco Tagadan as first assistant. The range of procedures—from minor excisions to emergency abdominal surgery—shows that the hospital is now equipped to handle diverse surgical needs.
Life-Changing Impact on Island Residents
For Bantayan Island’s thousands of residents, the absence of local surgical services has long been a heavy burden. Acute conditions like appendicitis required a long boat and land trip to Cebu City or Danao, risking life‑threatening complications during transport. Families also faced significant financial strain from travel, food, and lodging expenses.
Now, with the operating room fully operational, emergency and elective procedures can be performed within the community. This not only saves lives but also preserves household incomes. The hospital’s expanded capacity is expected to significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life across the island.
Leadership and Continued Reforms
Governor Baricuatro has made healthcare a central priority of her administration, and the opening of the Bantayan operating room is a direct result of that focus. Dr. Catalan and the Capitol health team have been working to upgrade facilities, deliver equipment, and recruit specialists to previously underserved district hospitals.
The success in Bantayan follows other recent improvements, including a pathologic nursery and expanded pediatric coverage. These reforms are transforming district hospitals from basic infirmaries into capable medical centers. The operating room’s first week of surgeries is a powerful proof that accessible, quality healthcare can be delivered to every corner of the province.
