MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to deepening partnerships with private hospitals, vowing to bring world‑class care closer to every Cebuano. Speaking at the opening of Medical Ancillary Services Week at Chong Hua Hospital on August 10, 2026, she celebrated the unseen professionals who power the healthcare system.
Honoring the Hidden Heroes of Patient Care
Governor Baricuatro told the audience that when people think of healthcare, they often recall the doctor who treated them or the nurse who stayed by their side. Yet behind every diagnosis, every recovery, and every successful operation stands an entire team working with precision and dedication. She praised the laboratory scientists, radiologists, pharmacists, nutritionists, and other support staff who form the backbone of effective treatment.
The governor stressed that these professionals are not merely support services but essential partners in delivering timely, safe, and effective medical care. Their work often goes unnoticed, but without them, doctors would be unable to make accurate diagnoses or monitor patient progress. The event’s theme, “Innovate. Integrate. Inspire. Move MAS 4WARD,” perfectly captured the forward‑looking spirit of the gathering.
A Proven Partnership with Chong Hua Hospital
The governor cited Chong Hua Hospital as a key ally in advancing healthcare across the province. Through this partnership, Capitol‑run hospitals benefit from healthcare leadership development, continuing education, clinical immersion programs, and workforce capacity‑building. These collaborative efforts ensure that public hospital staff gain exposure to advanced clinical standards practiced in premier private institutions.
Chong Hua Hospital Chief Operations Officer Dr. Joanne Cosin welcomed the governor and the provincial health team, which included Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan and Provincial Health Board Secretariat Dr. Miguel Rebalde. The presence of top provincial health officials underscored the administration’s hands‑on approach to building lasting institutional bridges between the public and private sectors.
Investing Billions to Modernize Public Hospitals
The governor’s commitment to partnership comes alongside a massive ₱1.3‑billion investment in the province’s 16 Capitol‑run hospitals. The funds target infrastructure upgrades, modern diagnostic equipment, and the recruitment of hundreds of additional doctors, nurses, and medical technologists. As a result, 15 of the 16 provincial hospitals now offer round‑the‑clock laboratory services, ensuring that even patients in remote areas receive timely test results.
The administration has also prioritized strategic planning among hospital chiefs, chief nurses, and administrative heads to streamline operations statewide. Regular training sessions and equipment modernization aim to reduce patient transfers from rural facilities to overloaded city hospitals. The partnership with Chong Hua Hospital reinforces this goal by providing specialized training that elevates the skills of public health workers across the province.
A Call to Innovate and Integrate
Governor Baricuatro closed her remarks by urging the medical ancillary professionals to continue innovating and integrating their services. She emphasized that quality healthcare depends on the seamless coordination of every department, from radiology and pharmacy to nutrition and cardiology. The private sector, she noted, plays a crucial role in raising the bar through mentorship, technology transfer, and shared expertise.
The Medical Ancillary Services Week serves as both a celebration and a platform for professional growth. This year’s program features workshops, seminars, and collaborative activities designed to strengthen the skills of support teams across the public and private health sectors. The governor’s presence sent a clear message: in Cebu, even the quietest contributors to patient care are seen, valued, and empowered to lead.
