THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region marked a historic milestone on February 27, 2026, with the grand opening of the first-ever Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Center strategically located in the municipality of Mapandan, Pangasinan which will bring fast, accessible, and completely free urgent care services closer to thousands of families in the area.
Regional Director Sydiongco described the event as more than just the opening of a facility—it is the fulfillment of a shared vision.
“Today, we celebrate not only the opening of a building, but the strengthening of hope and access to healthcare for every Pangasinense. This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partner agencies, our dedicated local government units, healthcare workers, and community leaders. Maraming salamat po to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this project happen. This is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for the health of our people,” she stated.
She also emphasized that the establishment of the BUCAS Center reflects the government’s strong commitment to Universal Health Care—bringing essential services closer to communities and ensuring that quality healthcare is not a privilege, but a right. “Healthcare is now closer. Healthcare is now easier. Healthcare is now free.”
The BUCAS Center is designed to manage non-life-threatening but urgent medical conditions—providing consultations, minor procedures, laboratory services, and other ambulatory care—helping decongest hospitals while ensuring patients receive timely and quality treatment and it will be managed by the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC).
R1MC Medical Center Chief Rolando O. Mejia reassured the public that no one should hesitate to seek care.
“We want to make this very clear: anyone who wishes to avail of the services of the BUCAS Center does not need to bring any money. All services here are completely free. Walang babayaran. Our mission is simple — no patient should delay treatment because of financial concerns,” he emphasized.
The facility is expected to significantly ease the burden on tertiary hospitals such as Region 1 Medical Center by managing walk-in urgent cases efficiently at the community level. Residents of Mapandan and neighboring towns including, Manaoag, Urdaneta City, Sta. Barbara and Calasiao, can now access quality urgent care services without traveling far or worrying about expenses.
With the opening of Pangasinan’s first BUCAS Center, DOH Ilocos Region continues to strengthen its healthcare network—ensuring that every Filipino family receives compassionate, responsive, and accessible medical care.
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