Construction has begun for the PHP325 million modern medical center on this island in Surigao del Norte province, an official said Friday.

“Our impossible dream is now a reality. I thought that the legislative measure to convert the Siargao District Hospital (SDH) to Siargao Island Medical Center (SIMC) will not push through because of the pandemic,” Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II said.

On Thursday, House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez led the groundbreaking ceremony for the SIMC in this town, together with Department of Health (DOH) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire and Matugas.

House Deputy Speaker Rep. Vincent Franco Frasco, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, and Presidential son Vinny Marcos also joined the local officials and island residents during the activity.

On Nov. 30, 2020, a proposed measure was filed by Matugas to upgrade the SDH into a level II general hospital with a 100-bed capacity.

On Feb. 11, 2021, then-President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed into law Republic Act 11500 converting the SDH into the SIMC.

“This modern hospital will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and facilities,” Matugas said, adding that the SIMC would also have highly trained and competent human resources to effectively serve the residents of the island’s nine municipalities.

For its medical equipment and facilities alone, the SIMC will have a total allocation of PHP115 million.

“This will be a high-end and state-of-the-art hospital that the people of Siargao can call their own,” Vergeire said as she welcomed the start of the construction of the SIMC.

She said she would return to Siargao Island later this month for the inauguration of the SMIC’s computerized tomography (CT) scan facility.

“The DOH fully supports and works with President Ferdinand R. Marcos (Jr.) in bringing the government’s medical services closer to the people and the communities. The medical services must be accessible, affordable, and available,” Vergeire said.

Positive impact on tourism

Meanwhile, Department of Tourism (DOT) 13 (Caraga) Director Ivonnie Dumadag said the SIMC would have a positive impact on Siargao’s tourism industry, the island being a prime destination for both local and foreign tourists.

“The SIMC complements the direction of the DOT under Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco wherein enhancing the overall tourist experience is one of the priorities, through increased investment in safety and security, health and social services,” she said in a statement.

The SIMC is expected to be completed within the year. (PNA)