A Major Leap for Public Healthcare in Laguna 

On May 2, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act No. 12208, officially establishing the Calamba General Hospital in Calamba City, Laguna. The passage of this law marks a critical step in decentralizing healthcare services, bringing advanced medical care closer to communities in Southern Luzon, and easing the burden on Metro Manila’s overcrowded hospitals.

RA 12208 is a response to the urgent need for a tertiary-level public hospital in a rapidly urbanizing region. Laguna, especially Calamba, has seen a sharp increase in population due to its industrial zones and proximity to Metro Manila. However, healthcare infrastructure has lagged behind. The new hospital is poised to address that gap.

What RA 12208 Means

RA 12208 provides for the establishment of Calamba General Hospital under the direct supervision of the Department of Health (DOH). It is mandated to serve as a tertiary hospital, which means it will offer specialized services including surgery, intensive care, diagnostics, and inpatient care. The law ensures:

• DOH funding for infrastructure, equipment, and personnel

• Integration with local and regional health networks

• Access to universal healthcare via PhilHealth accreditation

• Referral linkages with nearby primary and secondary healthcare providers
  
  

Senator Bong Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, and Congressman Joaquin Chipeco Jr. championed the measure, citing the need to boost regional health capacities.

Why Calamba Needs This Hospital

Calamba is the regional center of CALABARZON (Region IV-A), an economic powerhouse but with strained healthcare resources. Patients from surrounding towns often travel to Metro Manila for treatment, causing congestion at national hospitals like PGH and Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

The Calamba General Hospital will:

• Decongest Metro Manila hospitals

• Offer affordable, accessible public healthcare

• Serve as a training and research center in coordination with medical schools

• Improve emergency response and disease control in Region IV-A
  
  

Healthcare Impact and Economic Potential

Aside from its direct health benefits, the hospital will create employment for healthcare workers, foster medical research, and help retain local talent. It also aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which prioritizes equitable healthcare access and regional development.

This development complements other health reforms such as the Universal Health Care Law (RA 11223) and Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), accelerating the push for a resilient, inclusive healthcare system.

Next Steps: Implementation

The law requires the DOH to coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the construction and operationalization of the facility. Local government units will play a supporting role in land acquisition, staffing, and community integration.

Though no timeline has been announced for completion, the groundwork for funding and site development is underway. Public consultations and DOH planning sessions are expected to begin in late 2025.

A Win for Southern Luzon

RA 12208 not only builds infrastructure but also empowers the people of Laguna with hope — hope for quality healthcare within reach, hope for faster emergency response, and hope for a healthier future for generations to come.

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