PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act 12203 increasing the bed capacity of Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan City from 600 to 1500 on May 8, 2025.
According to the law, the existing professional healthcare services and facilities will be upgraded in order to commensurate the increase in bed capacity.
It also states that the Department of Health (DOH) will also include in its subsidy program the support for the capital outlay requirements for the improvement of the facility.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco congratulated R1MC and acknowledged the collective effort that goes into the passing of the law. “This is a testament to the dedication of various stakeholders, individuals, groups, and government officials who worked towards its realization.”
“We can now provide more health services to indigent Filipinos and provide them quality healthcare at affordable costs or they may even receive it for free through medical assistance such as the Malasakit program and other indigency assistance programs,” she stated.
Sydiongco added that the timing of the passing of RA 12203 was perfect as R1MC is celebrating their Centennial Anniversary this year.
R1MC is a Level 3 DOH hospital in the province and the designated Apex Hospital under the Universal Health Care Act. The RA 12203 was made public on May 14, 2025 and was published through the Official Gazette and in various newspapers.
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