LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – In line with Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s directive to transform Pangasinan provincial hospitals into economic enterprises, the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO) led by Dr. Tracy Lou T. Bitoy, recently convened with hospital chiefs, administrative officers, accountants, and bookkeepers from 14 government health facilities in Pangasinan.
The discussion focused on strengthening and improving healthcare services in the province, with PHMSO determined to support the goals of the present administration’s goals of stabilizing operations and expanding medical services while keeping medical services affordable and accessible to all Pangasinenses.
As emphasized by Dr. Bitoy, the “Zero Balance Billing” policy will be continued to ensure no patient is left behind due to financial constraints.
During the meeting, a five-year business plan for hospital development was presented by Ms. Filipina B. Monje, CPA, MBA, CEO, CESO V, and Ms. Loida Arlene L. Ringor of Landbank of the Philippines discussed the creation of a feasibility study for health projects. Plans include establishing specialty hospitals for heart, cancer, maternal and child health, and rehabilitation.
Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, has crafted several provincial resolutions supporting the plan including Provincial Resolution No. 787-2025, directing committees to study and make recommendations on hospital conversion; Resolution No. 785-2025, authorizing Governor Guico to enter into a Deed of Usufruct with the Department of Health; and, Resolution No. 786-2025, approving the renewal of Memoranda of Agreement with private entities for hospital facilities and equipment.
If plans materialize, Pangasinan government hospitals becoming economic enterprises is expected to bring increased autonomy, improved efficiency, enhanced revenue generation, expanded services, better quality of care, increased accountability and potential for public-private partnerships, attracting private investors and partners to boost resources and expertise further improving healthcare services.
(Ruby F. Rayat | PIMRO, photos courtesy of PHMSO page)
