By Christopher Hedreyda
SANTA CRUZ, Laguna – Anchoring on the provincial government’s priority to strengthen healthcare services, the Laguna Medical Center (LMC) here is set for a major expansion with the construction of a four-storey facility, Governor Sol Aragones announced following her meeting with Senator JV Ejercito.
Once completed, the expansion will increase the hospital’s capacity to 300 patients, helping to ease overcrowding in the province’s main public hospital.
During a joint inspection on August 14, Senator Ejercito confirmed that the remaining available space within the hospital grounds may be utilized for the new building.
“The foundation was initially designed for only two storey. But it really needs to be four storey because the hospital is already congested. We need to have it checked and retrofitted so we can maximize its capacity,” the senator explained.
Ejercito, principal sponsor of the Universal Health Care Law, assured his support for the provincial government’s efforts to expand and upgrade public hospitals across Laguna.
“Provincial hospitals often face challenges with limited equipment and facilities, which is why Governor Aragones and I need to work closely together here in Laguna,” he added.
Since assuming office, Governor Aragones has been personally inspecting district hospitals to assess their needs—not only to provide reliable healthcare for patients but also to ensure that health professionals are equipped and properly compensated.
“I go around because I want to see what’s still lacking and what else needs to be improved in our hospitals,” Aragones said during a routine inspection in Calamba City.
“It shows the heart of the people who are willing to help. Many want to contribute, but they just don’t know the problems. That’s why it’s important for us to identify the challenges—because every problem has a solution,” the governor added.
Aragones expressed her gratitude to the national government, local leaders, donors, and other partners who continue to support her health programs, stressing the importance of unity and compassion in strengthening the healthcare sector.