South Cotabato, Philippines — Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said the province’s free hospitalization program will continue beyond his term, stressing it no longer depends on one leader.
“Kahit sino pa man ang gobernador, sigurado akong magiging sustinable ang ating free hospitalization” Tamayo declared, emphasizing a vision anchored not on politics, but on long-term systems and infrastructure.
At the core of this vision is an aggressive expansion of healthcare facilities across the province.
All LGUs in the first district now have infirmary hospitals. The second district is expected to complete coverage this year, while several facilities are already operating in the third district.
Tamayo said once all LGUs have healthcare facilities, the system can sustain the program regardless of leadership changes.
The institutionalization of these services, he said, ensures continuity, stability, and accessibility for all residents.
At a time when healthcare costs continue to rise nationwide, South Cotabato’s model stands out as a bold and replicable approach, transforming free hospitalization from a campaign promise into a lasting public service framework.
Amid rising healthcare costs, the province’s approach positions free hospitalization as a long-term public service.
