By Mariela Angella Oladive
The West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC) commenced the development of a PHP3.2-billion extension with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 15-storey medical arts and multi-specialty building, graced by First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Engr. Sonny Boy Oropel, Regional Director of Public Works and Highways, detailed the project’s scope, including a 42,951 square meter floor area and an initial PHP500 million fund from the 2023 General Appropriations Act.
“The medical center will feature 10 state-of-the-art operating rooms, a large hospital bed capacity to meet various medical needs and emergencies, with 360 beds in total. This includes 186 beds for wards, 123 private rooms, and 51 beds designated for intensive care units,” Oropel said.
In anticipation of emergency needs, a helipad is planned for the roof deck.
The building’s design mirrors that of the Philippine General Hospital, aiming for a Phase 1 completion between April 2024 and August 2025, and full completion by December 2030.
The project receives substantial support from Ako Bicol Partylist’s Zaldy Co and Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin.
Speaker Romualdez underscored the project’s impact on healthcare and medical education in the region, expecting the expansion to significantly contribute to the healthcare sector.
The groundbreaking event saw the attendance of Commission on Higher Education and WVSU Board of Regents chairman Prospero de Vera, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, WVSUMC leadership led by Dr. Joselito Villaruz, along with several Iloilo lawmakers, including Reps. Michael Gorriceta (1st District), Ferjenel G. Biron (4th District), Raul C. Tupas (5th District), Julienne L. Baronda (Iloilo City, Lone District), and Uswag Ilongo Partylist Rep. Jojo Ang, as well as Undersecretary Terrence Calatrava of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV).
The Speaker acknowledged their support and thanked them for their contributions to the project.
The WVSUMC expansion follows the current administration’s recent construction of a 20-storey Cancer Center building in Quezon City.
