LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The provincial government has earmarked 20 percent of its PhP8.3 billion 2026 annual budget for health. This translates to roughly PhP1.66 billion and which, according to Governor Ramon V. Guico III will establish a “competitive and comprehensive healthcare system” for all Pangasinenses.
As such, the new funding will enhance various programs and projects to include purchase of more state-of-the-art equipment, and hiring of additional medical practitioners.
“The province has committed 20% of its PhP8.3 billion annual budget to healthcare. All of us are part of this grand plan to build a competitive and comprehensive healthcare system in Pangasinan,” the governor said in a recent statement, emphasizing that the allocation is a policy lock-in that guarantees steady funding for hospitals, equipment, and health workers.
“We are investing in your health. Our objective is to make everyone happy because they are healthy,” the governor added.
It can be recalled that local officials and PhilHealth Region I Vice President Dennis Adre have praised Guiconsulta citing it as a model project for other LGUs, noting that the provincial government’s own funds cover the cash incentives, while PhilHealth provides the necessary core outpatient benefits. Quezon City has already expressed interest in replicating the program, underscoring growing national influence.
With the new budget in place, Pangasinan is set to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and moving closer to universal health coverage for the province’s 3.2 million populace.
(Ruby F. Rayat | PIMRO)
