KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has ordered the immediate acceleration of the construction of new hospitals in Tantangan and Koronadal City, reinforcing the provincial government’s commitment to accessible and free healthcare for all South Cotabateños.
Governor Tamayo announced that the construction of two hospitals under the province is expected to unclog patients to the provincial hospital as part of the administration’s urgent need to strengthen the healthcare system.
“Within the year, specifically by the second quarter, the construction of all hospitals will begin” [Within the year, within second quarter, maka-start gid ang construction sang tanan nga hospital]” the governor said.
With only about a year remaining in his term, Governor Tamayo emphasized that the groundwork for these critical health facilities must already be laid.
The governor has instructed concerned provincial offices to fast-track all necessary processes to avoid delays, noting that health services should never be put on hold.
“I only have one year left as governor, so the projects must already begin” [sa na lang ka year nga ako ang governor, so dapat ma umpisahan na,]” he stressed.
The construction of the new hospitals in Tantangan and Koronadal is seen as a vital expansion of the province’s healthcare infrastructure, especially amid the growing demand for medical services.
These additional hospitals will directly support the province’s Free Hospitalization Program, the flagship initiative of the Tamayo administration.
The program ensures that South Cotabateños can access hospital services without the burden of medical expenses, reflecting the government’s strong prioritization of public health and social welfare.
At present, South Cotabato operates three provincial hospitals: Norala District Hospital, Polomolok General Hospital, and the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital while he allocated a fund for the operation of the Tampakan Hospital.
While these facilities continue to serve thousands of patients, provincial officials acknowledge that additional hospitals are necessary to decongest existing facilities and bring healthcare services closer to communities.
Governor Tamayo reiterated that expanding hospital capacity is not merely an infrastructure project, but a long-term investment in the people’s well-being.
The accelerated hospital construction, he said, underscores the provincial government’s vision of a healthcare system where quality medical services are accessible, equitable, and free, ensuring that no South Cotabateño is left behind when it comes to health.
