By: Alex Galang
ZAMBALES — The proposed Subic General Hospital has moved to the Senate following its approval in the House of Representatives, bringing the measure closer to the establishment of a Department of Health (DOH)-run Level III hospital in the Municipality of Subic.
Senate Committee on Health Chairperson Sen. Risa Hontiveros sponsored House Bill No. 7979 in the Senate on Wednesday. The measure, principally authored by Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun, seeks to establish the Subic General Hospital to serve residents of the district and nearby communities.
The bill’s passage in the House marks the completion of the initial legislative phase, while its presentation in the Senate begins the next stage of deliberations.
“Isang hakbang na naman ang ating tinatahak para mas mapalapit sa katuparan ang pangarap na Subic General Hospital,” Khonghun’s office said in an announcement.
“Matapos maaprubahan sa Kongreso, simula na ngayon ang proseso sa Senado tungo sa susunod na hakbang—ang tuluyang pagpasa nito bilang batas,” Khonghun said.
Better access to healthcare
The proposed hospital is intended to provide more comprehensive medical services to residents of Subic, the entire 1st District of Zambales and neighboring towns and communities.
“Layunin ng panukalang ito na magkaroon ang ating mga kababayan ng dekalidad, accessible, at mas komprehensibong serbisyong pangkalusugan, sa isang ospital na pamamahalaan ng Department of Health (DOH),” the congressman added.
A Level III hospital would provide a broader range of medical services, including intensive care, specialty services and advanced diagnostics, reducing the need for residents to travel to other provinces for treatment.
Khonghun’s office also thanked Hontiveros and the Senate Committee on Health for prioritizing the measure.
“Malaking hakbang para sa mas maayos, mas accessible, at mas abot-kayang serbisyong medikal para sa ating mga kababayan! Maraming salamat po sa Senate Committee on Health, sa pangunguna ni Senator Risa Hontiveros, sa pakikiisa at suporta sa adhikaing ito para sa mga Zambaleño,” Khonghun said.
Senate deliberations next
The bill will undergo committee hearings, deliberations and plenary debates in the Senate before it can be enacted into law.
If approved, the proposed Subic General Hospital would become a major DOH health infrastructure project in Zambales, expanding access to public hospital services in the province’s 1st District and surrounding communities.