Story by Josephine M. Mendoza
CALBAYOG CITY – “We have secured Php50 Million for the site development,” says Samar First District Representative Stephen James Tan, referring to the area where Samar Island Medical Center (SIMC) will be constructed at the Tomalon Estate, Barangay Gadgaran, Calbayog City.
Cong. Tan informed that the construction of the SIMC is supported by the present administration of Samar’s first congressional district for which reason that he worked hard to be able to secure the amount of fifty million pesos for site development. The announcement was made during the initial meeting of the CDC at the Calbayog City Sports Center on August 12, 2022.
The CDC was further informed by the Congressman that the present administration has yet to address the situation of the informal settlers in the area while documents corresponding the donation of the lot and other technicalities in the boundaries still need to be ironed out.
Cong. Tan informed that the construction of the SIMC is supported by the present administration of Samar’s first congressional district for which reason that he worked hard to be able to secure the amount of fifty million pesos for site development. The announcement was made during the initial meeting of the CDC at the Calbayog City Sports Center on August 12, 2022.
The CDC was further informed by the Congressman that the present administration has yet to address the situation of the informal settlers in the area while documents corresponding the donation of the lot and other technicalities in the boundaries still need to be ironed out.
Dr. Kristen Yu of the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office 8, informed that the site development phase of the SIMC area will be under the management of the Department of Public Works and Highways while DOH will take charge in the implementation of the construction phase of the buildings and other facilities required of the medical center.
It can be recalled that Republic Act 11703, “An Act Establishing in the City of Calbayog Province of Samar, A Tertiary Hospital to be known as the Samar Island Medical Center and Appropriating Funds Therefor” was signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in April 16, 2022.
Immediately thereafter, On May 1, 2022, a ground breaking ceremony was conducted on the lot donated by the City Government of Calbayog City.
The records of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Calbayog City provide that an Initial donation of 26,820 square meters is authorized under Resolution No. 2021-24-328 dated September 20, 2021 but which was revised to allow the increase to 34,358 square meters contained under Resolution No. 2022-14-092, dated May 16, 2022.
It can be recalled that Republic Act 11703, “An Act Establishing in the City of Calbayog Province of Samar, A Tertiary Hospital to be known as the Samar Island Medical Center and Appropriating Funds Therefor” was signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in April 16, 2022.
Immediately thereafter, On May 1, 2022, a ground breaking ceremony was conducted on the lot donated by the City Government of Calbayog City.
The records of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Calbayog City provide that an Initial donation of 26,820 square meters is authorized under Resolution No. 2021-24-328 dated September 20, 2021 but which was revised to allow the increase to 34,358 square meters contained under Resolution No. 2022-14-092, dated May 16, 2022.
The increase in area was necessary to meet the requirements of the upgraded capacity from 100 to 300 beds and facilities for other services included in the hospital.
Mayor Raymund Uy, during the CDC, also expressed assurance for the all-out support of his administration for the fruition of the Samar Island Medical Center.
“SIMC will cater to the medical needs of the consituents in the whole island of Samar, its neighboring islands and, of course, Calbayog City for which reason that the present administration sees all the reasons to support the speedy construction of the SIMC,” Mayor Uy said.
Having seen the plans and programs for the SIMC to become fully operational for a 300- bed-capacity within the next 7 years, Cong. Tan also assured that his Office will work closely with the implementing agencies and other concerned offices to speed up works in making the medical center serviceable within the shortest period of time.
The Congressman also shared plans of further enhancing the facilities and services as well as increasing the bed-capacity of the hospital.(CJ/jmm)
Mayor Raymund Uy, during the CDC, also expressed assurance for the all-out support of his administration for the fruition of the Samar Island Medical Center.
“SIMC will cater to the medical needs of the consituents in the whole island of Samar, its neighboring islands and, of course, Calbayog City for which reason that the present administration sees all the reasons to support the speedy construction of the SIMC,” Mayor Uy said.
Having seen the plans and programs for the SIMC to become fully operational for a 300- bed-capacity within the next 7 years, Cong. Tan also assured that his Office will work closely with the implementing agencies and other concerned offices to speed up works in making the medical center serviceable within the shortest period of time.
The Congressman also shared plans of further enhancing the facilities and services as well as increasing the bed-capacity of the hospital.(CJ/jmm)
