NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
Senate
of tlje CtiT>’
23 JJL 13 All 56
SENATE
s.B. No. 2305
RliCEiVtO BV:
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LEVEL II GENERAL HOSPITAL 
IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BASILISA, PROVINCE OF DINAGAT ISLANDS, 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Access to healthcare is a fundamental right for every Philippine Citizen. Article 
XIII, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution states that "the State shall adopt an 
Integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor 
to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at 
affordable cost." However, the Municipality of Basilisa has faced, and continues to 
encounter, significant challenges in providing adequate and accessible healthcare 
institutions for its residents. The lack of a Level II General Hospital, or any ample 
medical establishments for that matter, has forced the people of the Dinagat Islands 
to travel many hours in order to seek help, mostly travelling by boat. Therefore, it is 
of most vital importance that we aid these citizens and fulfill their medical needs on 
the same island as where they reside.
The establishment of a Level II General Hospital in Basilisa will significantly 
enhance the availability and accessibility of healthcare services in the region. The 
hospital will provide a comprehensive range of services such as an Adult Intensive 
Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care, and a High-risk Pregnancy Unit with a surgically- 
capable team to handle trauma cases and operate caesarean sections; being the only 
facility on the island to have said services. This ensures that residents can have a 
diverse array of medical complications treated at the hospital.
As it stands, the closest governmental hospital which the critically ill people of 
Basilisa refuge to is Caraga Regional Hospital located in Surigao City, a part of a whole 
new province all-together. Whereas, patients In need of specialized surgery voyage to 
the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao city, taking up to 8 hours.
The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. Accessed online on 11 July 2023 through the 
website https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the- 
phiiippines/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-article-xiii/


This travel burden not only inconveniences the people of the Dinagat Island 
but it can also cost them their livelihood. The creation of a Level II hospital will alleviate 
the stress and inconvenience experienced by the people in the region and will reduce 
the risks associated with transportation, especially during medical emergencies. Local 
residents, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses, will benefit from having 
access to critical healthcare services within their municipality.
The Covid-19 Pandemic has also highlighted the critical Importance of a robust 
and resilient healthcare system capable of responding efficiently and being adaptable 
towards public health emergencies. This unprecedented global crisis has exposed the 
vulnerabilities in many healthcare infrastructures worldwide, emphasizing the need for 
investment in medical facilities, especially in more health-care deficient areas.
Furthermore, the creation of this health facility will strengthen Basilisa's ability 
to respond to natural disasters and calamities. This hospital will serve as a primary 
healthcare establishment during times of environmental crisis, providing immediate 
medical attention and emergency relief services to affected individuals. This, in turn, 
will greatly enhance the municipiality's disaster preparedness and boost the well-being 
of its residents in times of crisis.
The forming of a Level II General Hospital in the Municipality of Basilisa, 
Province of Dinagat Islands, is a critical step towards providing accessible and quality 
healthcare services for the people. This act will address the current medical issues 
faced by residents, reduce travel burden. Increase the island's preparedness for future 
natural hazards and, consequentially, decrease the overall mortality rate within the 
region. By establishing this institute, the government demonstrates its commitment to 
improving the health and well-being of the people of Dinagat Islands, which 
contributes to the overall development of the municipality and province.
For the foregoing reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
J^EE R. MARCOS


Ol tl5C
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENAT
S.B. No.
23 JUL 13 All 56
RECEIVED
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LEVEL II GENERAL 
HOSPITAL IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BASILISA, PROVINCE OF DINAGAT 
ISLANDS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
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Section 1. Establishment of a Level H General Hospital in the Province of 
Dinagat Islands. - There shall be established and maintained, under the direct 
supervision of the Department of Health, a general hospital with Level II capacity in 
the Municipality of Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands, to be known as the Ruben 
E. Ecleo Sr. General Hospital.
Sec. 2. Appropriations. - The Secretary of Health shall immediately include 
the department's program the operationalization and maintenance of the Ruben E. 
Edo Sr. General Hospital the initial funding of which shall be charged against the 
current year's appropriations of the Department of Health, and thereafter, the 
succeeding funding such as but not limited to the amount necessary for the capital 
outlay and the continued operation of the general hospital shall be included in the 
annual General Appropriations Act.
Sec. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within six (6) months 
following the effectivity of this Act. The Department of health shall promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
Sec. 4. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation.
Approved,