BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC) gave its omnibus approval to a resolution proposing for the renationalization of five provincial and district hospitals in the Cordillera region.
The resolution seeks to renationalize the Abra Provincial Hospital, Kalinga Provincial Hospital, Potia District Hospital, Benguet General Hospital, and Besao District Hospital. The move aims to promote local autonomy, responsiveness, and efficiency in the delivery of health services across the region.
During the 4th Quarter Regional Social Development Committee meeting on Nov. 18, 2025, Department of Health Cordillera (DOH-CAR) Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan highlighted the persistent challenges in accessing quality and timely healthcare due to geographic isolation, difficult terrain, and underdeveloped transport infrastructure. These factors particularly affect populations in remote and disadvantaged communities.
Pangilinan noted that the Cordillera region’s health facility network remains fragmented, with many local government unit (LGU)-managed hospitals struggling to meet the minimum licensing and service capability standards set by the DOH.
“In realizing the goals of Universal Health Care, it is paramount to establish capable and adequate Health Care Provider Networks in the region,” Pangilinan stated.
“Improvement and development of existing hospitals in the different provinces should be prioritized, but this is grossly hampered by the meager funds of provincial LGUs.”
The region currently has four DOH-retained hospitals- three Level II hospitals (two in Apayao, one in Mountain Province) and one Level III hospital, the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), which serves as the apex hospital in the region.
DOH-retained hospitals are generally better funded, staffed, equipped, and developed compared to their LGU-managed counterparts, Pangilinan explained.
According to the Center for Health Development-CAR, Regulations, and the Licensing Enforcement Division (RLED), most LGU hospitals face difficulties in complying with minimum requirements for personnel, physical structure, and equipment due to fiscal constraints.
The proposed renationalization is expected to facilitate the development of these hospitals by returning their management to the DOH.
It will also provide fiscal space for PLGUs, allowing them to develop other district hospitals under their jurisdiction and establish Health Care Provider Networks in their respective provinces.
This initiative is also intended to address the gaps in the adequacy of hospital beds in CAR and improve access to higher levels of healthcare for the entire population, especially poor and marginalized families in unserved and underserved areas, Pangilinan said.
Copies of said resolution will be furnished to all Cordillera Congressional Representatives, Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Health for support and appropriate action. **JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR
