Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

4014

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A BICOL REGIONAL HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER
(BRHMC) EXTENSION IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF POLANGUI, PROVINCE OF
ALBAY, PROVIDING FOR A TWENTY-BED EMERGENCY FACILITY AND A
GERIATRIC CARE UNIT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) in Daraga, Albay, is the
region’s premier government hospital. However, its distance from western Albay
municipalities such as Polangui, Libon, Oas, Pio Duran, Guinobatan, and Jovellar limits the
accessibility of critical health services to thousands of families. Travel time to Legazpi City
can take more than an hour under normal conditions, and even longer during floods or volcanic
unrest, resulting in delayed treatment of life-threatening conditions.

This bill therefore proposes the establishment of a BRHMC Extension in Polangui,
Albay. The extension will initially focus on two urgent and underserved areas of health care:

1. Emergency Services. — A 20-bed emergency facility will provide first-line response
for trauma, maternal emergencies, pediatric complications, and other urgent cases. This
ensures that residents in the western part of Albay no longer have to travel long
distances for critical care.

2. Geriatric Care. — With the country’s aging population and the high vulnerability of
senior citizens in disaster-prone areas like Albay, the Extension will also host a
dedicated Geriatric Care Unit. This unit will provide inpatient and outpatient care,
preventive health programs, rehabilitation, and palliative services tailored to older

persons.

By combining emergency capacity with geriatric specialization, the BRHMC
Extension in Polangui strengthens the province’s healthcare delivery network, addresses gaps


in urgent and elderly care, and ensures more equitable access to medical services for
underserved communities.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

RAYMO) SALCEDA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

4014

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A BICOL REGIONAL HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER
(BRHMC) EXTENSION IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF POLANGUI, PROVINCE OF
ALBAY, PROVIDING FOR A TWENTY-BED EMERGENCY FACILITY AND A
GERIATRIC CARE UNIT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Establishment ofa BRHMC Extension. There is hereby established a Bicol
Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) Extension in the Municipality of Polangui,
Province of Albay, which shall operate under the supervision of the BRHMC in Daraga, Albay.

SEC. 2. Scope of Services. The BRHMC Extension in Polangui shall initially provide
the following:

(a) A Twenty-Bed Emergency Facility, designed to cater to urgent and life-threatening
cases including trauma, maternal and neonatal complications, and other emergency conditions;
and

(b) A Geriatric Care Unit, dedicated to the health needs of senior citizens, providing
preventive health services, inpatient and outpatient care, rehabilitation, and palliative services
for older persons.

The Department of Health (DOH) shall have the authority to expand the scope of
services in the future, consistent with the mandate of BRHMC as a regional referral center.

SEC. 3. Appropriations. The Secretary of Health shall include in the Department's
program the operationalization of the BRHMC Extension in Polangui, Albay. The funding
requirements for its personnel, equipment, and maintenance shall be charged against the current
year’s appropriations of the Department of Health. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary
for its continued operation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 4. Implementing Rules. Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act,
the Secretary of Health shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act.


SEC. 5. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,