A MEMORANDUM of agreement (MOA) was entered into by the Bacolod City Government and the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) for the construction of a Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (Bucas) Plus Center in Barangay 14, at the government center on August 12, 2025.
Mayor Greg Gasataya; Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez; CLMMRH Medical Center Chief Dr. Joan Cerrada; Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Maestral; and Department of Health (DOH)–Negros Island Region Director Dr. Razel Nikka Hao led the signing of the accord.
The City allocated P50 million for the construction of the building on city-owned property in Barangay 14, which will include a multipurpose building to support community programs.
The Bucas Plus Center will offer surgical operations for tumors, breast and cataracts, gynecology and obstetrics services, vaccinations, telemedicine, an HIV clinic extension, cancer screening, tuberculosis screening and management, consultations for diabetes and hypertension, mental health support, dental care, urgent care, treatment hubs, and laboratory tests.
Patients will also have access to medicines through an in-house pharmacy.
Gasataya said it is the commitment of the City that by the end of August, it will start the bidding for the implementation of the project.
He said the target is to finish the project in nine months. The concept was initiated by former mayor and now Congressman Benitez.
“We will ensure to finish the project for the benefit of the people of Bacolod,” Gasataya said.
The mayor noted that it will further improve the health services in the city.
For his part, Benitez said the Bucas Plus Center is one of the programs that will address the overcrowding in CLMMRH’s emergency room.
“This streamlines access to care and aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ‘Zero Billing’ policy, ensuring free services at DOH-managed facilities,” Benitez said.
He added that the center aims to serve multiple barangays, providing rapid care for non-critical cases while easing the strain on hospitals.
The lawmaker noted that the “Zero Billing” framework will cover diagnostics, medications, and emergency services.
The event was also attended by Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella; City Councilors Em Ang, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Homer Ba-is, Celia Matea Flor, and Psyche Marie Sy; along with City Health Office officials, DOH representatives, barangay captains, and barangay health workers. (MAP)