ROSALES, PANGASINAN — The Department of Health (DOH), through its newly installed Acting Secretary Edwin M. Mercado, formally accepted the Deed of Donation and official land title for the Conrado F. Estrella Regional Medical and Trauma Center better known by many patients as “Estrella Hospital” during a ceremonial signing and official turn-over ceremony held on September 19, 2026.
The donation of 3,807 square meters of real property was generously provided by the Estrella family, represented by Mr. Victor James Estrella, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III and ABONO Party-list Representative Cong. Robert Raymund M. Estrella that will house the construction of One (1) Seven-Storey Building (Building No. 4), with one basement level for establishment of a Cancer Treatment Facility, a Multi-Specialty Outpatient Department, and the increase in the hospital’s Authorized Bed Capacity (ABC) programmed under a Multi-Year Contractual Authority (MYCA) for Fiscal Years 2027–2029, providing a multi-year framework for the implementation of this major infrastructure project.
Secretary Mercado recognized the family’s philanthropic commitment to supporting the expansion of public health infrastructure and advancing the objectives of Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.
“This generous land donation marks a monumental milestone for the residents of Pangasinan and adjacent provinces,” Secretary Mercado said.
He further emphasized that the establishment and continued development of Estrella Hospital directly support its mandate of “Bringing Quality Healthcare Closer to the People.” The medical center is envisioned to make advanced trauma care, comprehensive diagnostics, and critical interventions more accessible to communities, reducing the need for long-distance travel during medical emergencies.
Conrado F. Estrella Regional Medical and Trauma Center was officially established through Republic Act No. 11558 as a 100-bed capacity Level II general hospital. The institution was named in honor of the late statesman Conrado F. Estrella Sr., who served as Mayor of Rosales, Governor of Pangasinan, and Minister of Agrarian Reform during the administration of President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
Operating under the direct supervision of the DOH, Estrella Hospital has continued to expand its healthcare services for Pangasinan and nearby provinces of Tarlac and Nueva Ecija. Among its recognized distinctions are its accreditation as a Mother and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Health Facility and its clinical training laboratory.
DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III reaffirmed the family’s commitment to human development and social welfare in Pangasinan. “Our family hands over this title not just as a donation of land, but as an enduring covenant of health, safety, and progress for the people of Pangasinan,” Secretary Estrella said. “Our grandfather, Conrado F. Estrella Sr., dedicated his life to empowering rural communities. There is no more fitting tribute to his memory than ensuring that every ordinary Filipino in Pangasinan and neighboring communities has immediate access to quality medical facilities.”
Following the land transfer ceremony was the blessing and inauguration of the medical center’s newly expanded operational wings, marking another milestone in the continuing development of Estrella Hospital.
The event concluded with a technical hospital tour and an inpatient ward visit, during which health officials were able to personally view the hospital’s care facilities, emergency trauma spaces, and healthcare information technology systems.
The land donation strengthens the foundation for the hospital’s continuing expansion and supports its mission of providing accessible, responsive, and quality healthcare services to the people of Pangasinan and neighboring communities.
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