CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — A delegation of health workers of the Provincial Government of Batangas expressed deep appreciation of the Capitol’s healthcare management and public service delivery systems during a benchmarking visit in Pampanga on June 3.
Among the programs presented was Pampanga’s Zero Balance Billing Program, implemented across its 10 district hospitals and one provincial hospital. The initiative has enabled thousands of patients to receive essential healthcare services without the burden of hospitalization costs.
Provincial officials also highlighted the accomplishments of the Alagang Nanay Preventive Healthcare Program, which has benefited more than 274,545 individuals from 2022 to April 2026. The program provides a wide range of preventive and medical services, including blood extraction, surgical procedures, ENT consultations, ophthalmology services, and dental care.
The Batangas delegation likewise learned about Pampanga’s healthcare financing strategies, including the province’s P1.57-billion PhilHealth collection in 2025, as well as the implementation of a consignment system in public hospitals that helps ensure the continuous availability of medicines, medical supplies, and other essential healthcare resources.
Among the province’s pioneering initiatives showcased during the visit were the country’s first floating clinic, which brings healthcare services to residents of coastal communities, and the Provincial Hospital Clark, the first government hospital established within the Clark Freeport Zone.
The delegates were also afforded the opportunity to personally visit and observe these facilities during the benchmarking activity which, they said, could very well serve as valuable models for strengthening healthcare services in their own communities.
“Sa pag-ikot ko po dito, speechless po ako. Akala ko po nasa private hospital ako, pero nasa government hospital pala ako. Ang mga gamit nila ay branded at de-kalidad. I mean, alam ko rin naman po ang mga tatak ng matitibay at magagandang kagamitan na ginagamit sa mga top hospitals. Dito ko po nakita kung gaano ka-metikuloso ang kanilang pamamahala. Nasa lobby ka pa lang, kahit may sakit ka, parang gagaling ka na agad dahil napaka-cozy ng lugar, maayos, malamig, at komportable—even the wards,” said head of delegation Dr. Gerald Adlay, provincial health officer of Batangas.
Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda emphasized the importance of collaboration among local government units in improving public healthcare services. She reaffirmed the Provincial Government of Pampanga’s commitment to sharing its healthcare innovations, experiences, and best practices with the Provincial Government of Batangas under the leadership of Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, noting that both provinces work toward the common goal of delivering accessible, efficient, and high-quality healthcare services to more Filipinos.
“Pareho kami ng vision ni Ate V. Talagang ang focus niya ay healthcare. Sana makatulong ang mga practices at inobasyon namin upang mas mapabuti pa ang mga programang ginagawa ninyo sa Batangas. Ipo-propose ko kay Governor Vilma na magkaroon tayo ng sisterhood hindi lamang sa healthcare kundi pati sa iba pang aspeto ng pamamahala at pag-unlad. Ang mga taga-Pampanga ay tutulong sa mga taga-Batangas. Pareho ang ating mga probinsya na nagsisilbing sentro sa kani-kanilang lugar at patuloy na umuunlad,” Pineda said.
The governor also highlighted the shared resilience of Pampanga and Batangas, noting that both provinces overcame the devastating effects of the Mount Pinatubo and Taal Volcano eruptions through strong leadership, unity, and perseverance. She said their experiences demonstrate how collaboration and innovation can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and progress, paving the way for a stronger future for their people. Pampanga PIO
