The Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region continues to strengthen hospital emergency readiness in Northern Luzon with the turnover of Ilocos Norte’s first centralized Medical Oxygen Automatic Gas Manifold and Vacuum System with Central Piping at the Doña Josefa Edralin Marcos District Hospital and the opening of the medical ward building on February 26, 2026.
The modern oxygen delivery system marks a major upgrade in patient care and hospital safety for the province, ensuring that life-saving oxygen is delivered continuously and efficiently to patients who need it most.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco emphasized that the new system represents far more than an infrastructure upgrade.
“This system is more than steel pipes and machinery — it is a lifeline for patients. For individuals suffering from severe pneumonia, respiratory distress, trauma, and other critical conditions, uninterrupted oxygen can mean the difference between life and death,” Sydiongco stated.
“With this system in place, we are strengthening our hospitals not only for today’s needs but also for future health emergencies. We are ensuring that no Ilocano patient is left waiting for oxygen when every second matters,” she added.
The newly installed automated manifold system replaces the traditional reliance on oxygen tanks that require manual monitoring and frequent replacement. Through a centralized piping network, oxygen can now be delivered directly and continuously to hospital wards, emergency rooms, and critical care areas.
The integrated vacuum system also supports surgical and emergency procedures by providing stable and reliable suction capacity—enhancing both safety and efficiency in hospital operations.
With the system now fully operational, healthcare workers can devote more time to patient care while reducing the risks, delays, and logistical challenges associated with manual oxygen tank handling.
The project, funded through the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) 2025 with a total investment of ₱22,312,970, sets a new benchmark for hospital infrastructure in Ilocos Norte.
According to Sydiongco, the Doña Josefa Edralin Marcos District Hospital is the first health facility in the province to implement this advanced oxygen delivery system and now stands as a model for health facilities across the Ilocos Region.
The milestone underscores the DOH’s continuing push to modernize provincial hospitals and bring equitable, high-quality healthcare services closer to communities.
The project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the DOH – Ilocos Region, Ilocos Norte 2nd District Representative Angelo Marcos Barba, and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s health system.
As hospitals continue to evolve in response to modern healthcare demands, initiatives like this ensure that every patient has faster access to life-saving care when it matters most.
“With this system in place, we are strengthening our hospitals not only for today’s needs but also for future health emergencies. We are ensuring that no Ilocano patient is left waiting for oxygen when every second matters,” she added.
The newly installed automated manifold system replaces the traditional reliance on oxygen tanks that require manual monitoring and frequent replacement. Through a centralized piping network, oxygen can now be delivered directly and continuously to hospital wards, emergency rooms, and critical care areas.
The integrated vacuum system also supports surgical and emergency procedures by providing stable and reliable suction capacity—enhancing both safety and efficiency in hospital operations.
With the system now fully operational, healthcare workers can devote more time to patient care while reducing the risks, delays, and logistical challenges associated with manual oxygen tank handling.
The project, funded through the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) 2025 with a total investment of ₱22,312,970, sets a new benchmark for hospital infrastructure in Ilocos Norte.
According to Sydiongco, the Doña Josefa Edralin Marcos District Hospital is the first health facility in the province to implement this advanced oxygen delivery system and now stands as a model for health facilities across the Ilocos Region.
The milestone underscores the DOH’s continuing push to modernize provincial hospitals and bring equitable, high-quality healthcare services closer to communities.
The project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Health – Ilocos Center for Health Development, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, Angelo Marcos Barba, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s health system.
As hospitals continue to evolve in response to modern healthcare demands, initiatives like this ensure that every Ilocano patient has faster access to life-saving care when it matters most.
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