KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — In a bid to ensure that all residents have access to essential healthcare services, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. is pushing to institutionalize the zero-billing policy under his administration’s free hospitalization program before the end of his term in 2028.
This aims to sustain free hospitalization services across the province through the proposed institutionalization of the policy, in close coordination with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
During a recent “Governor Meets the Press,” Tamayo emphasized the need for legislative backing to secure the program’s continuity.
“Ngayon, kinakailangan ng ordinansa mula sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan upang ma-institutionalize ito at matiyak na magpapatuloy ang programa kahit matapos ang aking panunungkulan,” the governor said.
He stressed that the passage of an ordinance is crucial to formalize the policy and ensure that it will continue to benefit the public even beyond his term.
Meanwhile, Board Member Ervin B. Luntao, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Health, Nutrition, and Sanitation, said the proposed measure is currently under review and deliberation to ensure effective and quality healthcare delivery for the people of South Cotabato.
It can be recalled that upon assuming office on July 1, 2019, Governor Tamayo immediately implemented the Zero Balance Billing Policy. Since then, thousands of residents have benefited from free medicines, medical consultations, and hospitalization services across the province.
With the move to institutionalize the policy, the provincial government aims to secure long-term access to free healthcare services, ensuring that quality and affordable medical care remains a sustained priority for all South Cotabateños.
