Marcos sets August deadline for Marawi hospital reopening

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the new Marawi City Hospital must be fully operational by August, as part of his administration's continuing efforts to rebuild critical infrastructure in the city nearly eight years after the 2017 siege.

- By ARGYLL GEDUCOS

"We are giving the contractors and all of the government agencies a deadline of August na mabuksan na 'yung hospital para makapag-serbisyo na sa taumbayan (for the hospital to open so it can serve the people)," he said during his inspection of various facilities in Marawi City on Monday, June 23.

"Pagka nabuksan na 'yung ospital, halimbawa, eh babalik na ako rito para (Once it's opened, for example, I will return because) I want to ribbon cut by August," he added.

The 100-bed primary care hospital will help address the need for accessible medical services in the city.

Marcos emphasized the importance of power supply for the facility, saying the government is working to ensure it is equipped with a standby generator, a requirement of the Department of Health.

"Ang ospital talagang kailangan – kahit may brownout kailangang patakbuhin 'yung mga makina (A hospital really needs to keep equipment running even during brownouts)," he said.

The President cited progress in restoring basic utilities, noting that coordination with the Department of National Defense has allowed access to land within military camps for developing a new water supply system.

Marcos inspected a new permanent school facility expected to accommodate up to 10,000 learners. He said construction is nearly done, with only the perimeter fence left to install.

"Iyong pangalawang pinuntahan natin 'yun ang bago (The second site we visited is the new one). That will be able to house up to 9,000, almost 10,000 students doon sa mga bagong building (in the new buildings)," he said.