P20 million allotted for another health center

BAGUIO CITY – (9 March 2021) – The city will be receiving from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) some P20 million for the construction of another health center to enhance the delivery of health care services to the community.

City Administrator Bonifacio dela Peña stated that the local government has to identify the area where the health facility will be constructed as the funds are already available for downloading once all the prescribed requirements are ready.

He said that the area should be wide enough to be able to accommodate parking of vehicles of individuals who want to undergo consultations with health authorities once it will be operational.

For her part, City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo recommended that the proposed health center will be constructed in a 1,000-square meter city-owned property along Marcos Highway to replace the existing Atab Health Center which will be demolished because it will be affected by the ongoing road widening project of the public works department as the same is located within the road-right-of-way.

At present, the Atab district health center is located between the Mount Sto. Tomas Road and the Balacbac Road which serves the health needs of the residents living in the various barangays around it.

Earlier, a 535-square meter titled property was identified as site but the same seems to be distant from the other barangays that it intends to serve as it is located in Bakakeng Norte/Sur, thus, the city tried to locate for other available options.

Currently the city has 16 district health centers that are strategically located in the various districts around the city to service the health requirements of residents living in the cluster of barangays.

City officials are expected to conduct an ocular inspection of the proposed site before the preparation of the plans and specifications of the type of structure that will be constructed. – Dexter A. See