NEWS

By James Patrick Cruz | Rappler | April 15, 2025 5:03 pm

Reelectionist Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna says the project is ‘debt-free’

MANILA, Philippines – The old building of the Ospital ng Tondo in Manila will be demolished to give way to a six-story hospital.

Construction of the first phase of the P200-million project officially began on Monday, April 14, with a groundbreaking ceremony led by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, Vice Mayor Yul Servo, and 2nd District Representative Rolando Valeriano.

The new building will feature the following:

• Ground floor: Pharmacy, X-ray, emergency room, and clinics for dental, ophthalmology, OB-Gyne, and pediatrics
• Second floor: Two operating rooms, post-anesthesia care unit, and storage rooms
• Third floor: Supply rooms, laundry area, and additional storage
• Fourth floor: Lobby, female ward with 8 beds, male ward with 8 beds, a 2-bed ward, and a solo room
• Fifth floor: 8-bed ICU, 8-bed pediatric ward, isolation room, and a 2-bed ward
• Sixth floor: Clinics for chemotherapy, rehabilitation, psychiatry, ENT, and doctors’ offices
• Roof deck: Multi-purpose area

“This health infrastructure project is debt-free and the result of close collaboration between my administration and Congressman Rolan Valeriano,” Lacuna said.

Lacuna has been a vocal critic of her predecessor and former ally, Isko Moreno, over the large debt that the city of Manila incurred during his term. The loans were supposedly used to finance several infrastructure projects.

Moreno’s camp, however, pointed out that Lacuna was the vice mayor and was part of the city council that approved the loan. In response, Lacuna clarified that she was merely the “presiding officer” and that decisions on how the loan would be spent ultimately rested with the local chief executive.

Lacuna, a medical doctor who once served as a dermatologist at the hospital, said she envisions Ospital ng Tondo evolving into a specialized orthopedic center or a hospital specializing in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Lacuna and Moreno are running for city mayor.

While the hospital is under construction, regular clients will be referred to the health centers. Patients who need higher medical care will be transferred or referred to other city-run hospitals such as Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, Gat. Andres Bonifacio Medical Center, and Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center.

Source: Rappler

.