• GILBERT P. BAYORAN

The Abelardo & Remedios Bantug Memorial Hospital (ARBMH) main building at Bandung Village Phase 1 in Barangay VII, Victorias City, which was inaugurated on February 3, is considered by Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez as a major milestone in delivering accessible and quality healthcare to every Victoriasanon.
The newly renamed facility, which was previously the Immaculate Conception Health Center, and managed by the Victorias Kaayong Lawas Foundation, reaffirms the city’s commitment to advancing medical services for future generations, Benitez said in a statement.
The 25-bed capacity health care facility features an emergency room, laboratory, X-ray, ultrasound, and ECG, among other facilities.
Covering 1,100 square meters for its first two phases, the Department of Health-accredited primary care facility is set to expand services, including minor surgical procedures, a clinical laboratory, pharmacy, birthing and dental services, and a Type I ambulance unit.
Once fully operational, ARBMH will serve not only as a primary healthcare provider but also as a halfway station for patients requiring stabilization before transfer to tertiary hospitals in Silay, Bacolod, or Cadiz.
Ann Rose Gicana, Executive Director of the Victorias Kaayong Lawas Foundation, Inc., said that the inauguration realizes one of Mayor Benitez’ top priorities – a facility that not only handles emergencies and outpatient consultations but also serves as a critical waiting station for tertiary care under the province’s One Hospital Command.
Gicana added that the ARBMH is dedicated to carrying forward the compassionate mission of the late Mayor Remedios Bantug, ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for the poorest citizens.
Maria Remedios Hermilinda Bantug, representing the benefactor’s family, expressed gratitude to Mayor Benitez for leading the facility’s operation.
Bantug honored their late Lola Idiong’s enduring love for Victoriasanons, highlighting the hospital’s mission to provide quality healthcare.*