Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Mary Ann Maestral described Negros Occidental’s expansion from zero to 24 Licensed Primary Care Facilities (PCFs) as a “powerful start” to the province’s implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC) program.
Speaking at the Negros Occidental Universal Health Care Summit 2026 at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City on Tuesday, April 28, Maestral said that establishing PCFs in 24 of the province’s 31 local government units (LGUs) is among the highest achievements in the country.
The DOH will work closely with Negros Occidental to ensure that these PCFs are not just licensed—but fully functional, adequately staffed, and consistently delivering quality services, she said.
Maestral emphasized that this transition requires continuous capacity building for primary care teams through Purok Kalusugan, aligning service packages with PhilHealth, and strengthening health promotion.
“Every patient we prevent from being admitted is a victory for the system,” she said, highlighting the goal of providing care before a patient even needs a hospital.
The undersecretary lauded the province’s deployment of pharmacists across all 31 LGUs, and urged local chief executives to hire additional community health workers to optimize team-based care.
On innovation, Maestral pointed to the telemedicine linkage with the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) as a “glimpse of the future.”
“The DOH commits to expanding telehealth systems, ensuring that technology becomes an equalizer—not a privilege,” she said.
She lauded Negros Occidental for proving that UHC is an achievable reality.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, in his speech, said that the province reached 24 licensed PCFs in just 20 months.
“This is not just a number. It represents access. It represents the presence of care where it is needed most,” Lacson said.
The governor reaffirmed the province’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce — from doctors to barangay health workers.
Lacson stressed the need to ensure health is treated as a right rather than a privilege for every Negrense.
Dr. Girlie Pinongan, Provincial Health Officer, added that they have worked tirelessly toward the UHC dream.
“Guided by our commitment to the people, we refuse to settle for the bare minimum because we know that lives depend on us,” Pinongan said.*
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