Residents of Dalaguete’s upland barangays and neighboring southern Cebu towns could gain access to hospital services closer to home under a proposal to establish a healthcare facility in Barangay Mantalongon.
The proposed Dalaguete Highlands Farmers Hospital would initially operate as an infirmary before gradually expanding into a Level 1 hospital.
Second District Board Member Stanley Caminero announced the initiative in a Facebook post, saying a resolution had been passed urging the Cebu Provincial Government to prioritize funding and the phased development of the facility.
The hospital aims to serve farmers and other residents in Dalaguete’s mountain communities who may otherwise need to travel to the town center or neighboring municipalities for medical care.
Caminero described the project as a long-standing aspiration that could become reality through sustained planning and government support.
“Sauna, pangandoy ra. Karon, posible na,” he said.
He emphasized the need to begin the groundwork for the project, adding, “Walay mahuman kung walay sugdan. Walay masugdan kung walay plano.”
The proposed facility could also extend healthcare access to residents of neighboring Argao, Badian and Alegria, where distance and transportation costs can make medical care difficult to access.
Caminero credited Gov. Pamela Baricuatro and Dalaguete Mayor Nelin B. Tambis for supporting efforts to advance the proposal.
The project remains in the preparatory stage, with further planning and government action needed before construction and operations can begin.
Meanwhile, Dalaguete has opened a municipal satellite office in Mantalongon to bring government services closer to upland residents.
The office, which has been blessed, is expected to spare residents from traveling to the town proper for local government transactions, saving them time and transportation expenses.
Baricuatro attended the blessing with Tambis, Caminero, fellow Second District Board Member Raymond Calderon, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, barangay captains and municipal department heads.
The Cebu Provincial Government provided P2 million in financial assistance for the satellite office’s construction, according to the municipality’s announcement.
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