Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (pictured centre, left) has opened in Clark, Central Luzon, a new children’s hospital supported by funding from the country’s casino sector.
The Jose B. Lingad (JBL) Children’s Medical Center is said to be the first of several regional specialist hospitals established under Republic Act No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which seeks to expand access to specialised healthcare nationwide.
Also attending the July 24 launch was Enrique Razon (pictured centre, right), chairman and chief executive of Philippine casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp.
The Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc (BCFI) – the social development arm of the casino group – contributed PHP1 billion (US$16.2 million) in seed funding for the hospital’s construction, as well as a further PHP50 million for the procurement of a generator set.
That is according to a press release on the launch event issued by the country’s casino regulator, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor).
The announcement said Pagcor allocated PHP360 million for the project and authorised BCFI to allocate funding for the development.
Pagcor chairman and CEO, Alejandro Tengco (pictured centre, second right), was cited saying the new facility showed how collaboration between the public and private sectors could improve access to quality healthcare.
“This milestone reflects our shared commitment to bringing world-class medical care closer to the Filipino people,” Mr Tengco stated.
Mr Razon noted the project (pictured above) had been completed in fewer than three years, adding it was “a clear example of a successful collaboration between the private sector and the government”.
He added the project was “not a business venture but a contribution” to the nation’s development, “and more importantly, a worthwhile investment for the future”.
The Clark Development Corp donated 4.85 hectares (12.0 acres) of land where the medical complex now stands. The Department of Health will oversee the hospital’s operations.
