More than 100,000 freeport workers and nearby residents stand to benefit from the Pampanga Provincial Hospital-Clark, which is set to become operational in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The state-of-the-art facility will offer 143 beds, including 17 private rooms, 16 semi-private rooms, and 110 ward beds. The hospital aims to improve access to healthcare in the region, especially for workers and low-income families.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, during a recent site inspection, affirmed the Department of Labor and Employment’s support, noting that healthcare is essential to worker welfare and productivity. “When a worker gets sick, the whole family is affected. This facility embodies President Marcos’ vision for a whole-of-government approach to inclusive development,” he said.

TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez highlighted the hospital’s potential as a training ground for future healthcare professionals, aligned with the President’s call for modular and ladderized training programs. “This will be a model site for developing skilled health workers while delivering quality care,” Benitez said.

The Pampanga Provincial Hospital-Clark was funded through a joint effort of the provincial government, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and Clark Development Corporation. Of the P465 million spent on construction, the provincial government contributed P205 million, DOH P100 million, and PAGCOR P160 million. An additional P158 million will be allocated for medical equipment.

This initiative showcases a successful collaboration between national and local government units to improve public health infrastructure in Central Luzon.