Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines | October 25, 2025 – For Enriqueta E. Sison, 63, a widow and mother of six from Barangay San Isidro, Koronadal City, each day at the hospital is a challenge she bravely faces. As a patient watcher and farmer by livelihood, she admits that life has been difficult, especially with limited income and rising expenses. But inside the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH), one burden has been lifted from her shoulders.
Sison is among the beneficiaries of the Nutritious Meals Program of the Nutrition and Dietetics Service of SCPH, which provides free, safe, and well-balanced meals to admitted patients.
“The hospital food is delicious and safe,” Sison shared with a smile.
Because of the program, she no longer needs to worry about bringing food from home.
“My family don’t need to produce meals for me while I am at the hospital. This is a huge help for me and my family,” she stressed.
(Dako gid ang bulig sini. Wala na ako nagapadul ong sang pagkaon kay madamo man ang supply, libre pa.)
The program, she said, has greatly reduced their daily expenses, especially now that farming income is barely enough.
She also thanked the Nutrition and Dietetics Service staff for their dedication.
“Thank you for the free hospital food. This is a big help for poor people like me,” Sison added.
(Madamo gid nga salamat sa nutritious meals. Dako ini nga bulig sa amon nga pigado)
The free meals program at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital is funded by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato as part of its commitment to provide compassionate and holistic care to patients.
While PhilHealth covers medical expenses through its case rate packages, the hospital’s locally funded initiatives ensure that patients receive daily nourishment — easing their burdens and reflecting the province’s brand of tama kag maayong serbisyo (right and good service).
