Conversion of provincial hospitals into economic enterprises eyed
THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan, in its September 30 regular session, approved a resolution directing the Committee on Economic Affairs and Ways and Means to study and recommend the possible conversion of the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, district and community hospitals, and other government-owned facilities and services into local economic enterprises (LEEs).
Proposed Provincial Resolution No. 237-2025, authored by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, seeks to maximize revenues and improve services through enterprise-based management of hospitals, colleges, and other facilities operated by the provincial government.
In his sponsorship speech, Lambino emphasized that the move is not privatization but a shift toward better financial systems that allow hospitals and schools to directly reinvest income from reimbursements, tuition fees, rentals, and donations into their operations.
The vice governor also cited the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), which he said could strengthen its programs, accreditation, and faculty development if managed under an economic enterprise framework.
He stressed that no patient will be denied treatment and no student will be deprived of education because of financial incapacity.
Other provinces such as Negros Occidental and Misamis Oriental have already adopted the model, reporting stronger local revenues, better transparency, and improved services.
Lambino urged the Committee on Economic Affairs and Ways and Means to conduct public hearings and engage stakeholders in drafting the necessary ordinance. (Eva Visperas)
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