PGH breaks ground on P675M specialty center
First lady Liza Araneta Marcos (fourth from left) leads the groundbreaking for the 16-story, P675-million Pediatric and Adult Specialty Center (Phase 1) at UP PGH in Manila. Joining her are (L-R): From Left to Right: PGH Director Dr. Gap Legaspi; Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan; Health Secretary Ted Herbosa; UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez; DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan; and UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee.
The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has officially broken ground on its newest facility — a 16-story Pediatric and Adult Specialty Center — in a major push to expand access to specialized healthcare for Filipinos.
Located within the PGH complex in Manila, the center is designed to house 450 beds, modern pediatric emergency and operating rooms, intensive care units, and outpatient clinics. It will also include an expanded dietary department that will cater to the entire hospital, as well as dormitories, dining halls, a canteen, and a 300-seat convention center.
“This new Specialty Center reflects our unwavering commitment to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure,” said PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi. “It will allow us to better serve patients who rely on PGH for complex and urgent medical needs.”
Key officials who attended the groundbreaking ceremony included First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, Public Works and Highways Secretary Engr. Manuel M. Bonoan, Manila Mayor Dr. Honey Lacuna-Pangan, UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, and UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael L. Tee.
The first phase of the project is expected to cost P675.5 million. Targeted for completion in 2027, the Specialty Center will serve both children and adults needing advanced care — all within a single integrated facility.
“This is a vital step in achieving equitable access to quality care,” Sec. Herbosa said, highlighting that the project is in line with government’s thrust to improve universal healthcare services.
Backed by the University of the Philippines System, PGH is the country’s largest public hospital. It serves over 600,000 patients annually, many of whom are indigent and rely on government-subsidized medical services.
With construction now underway, PGH officials hope the Specialty Center will be completed and operational by 2027, ushering in a new era for public tertiary care.
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