‘More health facilities, more choices and better access for iKalingas’: OPHO Dr. Tandingan backs stronger public-private health partnerships

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Provincial Health Officer Dr. Edward Tandingan welcomed stronger collaboration between the government and private health sector, saying the expansion of healthcare facilities and services gives iKalingas more choices and better access to essential healthcare.

Tandingan made the statement during the inauguration of the Abundant Grace of God Maternity Center (AGGMC)–Pinukpuk Extension in Cullayangan, Junction Pinukpuk on September 19, 2026, where he underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding healthcare services, particularly for women and children.

He expressed appreciation for the presence of private healthcare providers in Kalinga, saying their services complement those of government health facilities and contribute to improving healthcare access across the province.

Tandingan said the government and private health sectors should not be viewed as competitors but as partners working toward a common goal of making healthcare more accessible to the public.

“Dakkel nga pagyaman tayo ditoy Kalinga nga adda ti private health sector. It complements the government health sector. We are not saying that one is better than the other, but definitely, nu ad-ado ti health facilities with all the different health services, ket ad-adu ti choices. And I think, sumaysayaat met didiay access ken ti magun-od met ti kakailyan,” he said.

He added that having more healthcare facilities and service providers gives residents greater options based on their needs and circumstances.

Tandingan also reminded health workers and healthcare partners that they are not only providers of services but also potential clients who need access to quality healthcare.

“And amin tayo—remember that we are not always the health providers; we are also the clients, and as clients, we also need services,” Tandingan said.

He expressed hope that the new maternity center would reach more families in Pinukpuk and neighboring communities, particularly women who may face challenges in accessing maternal healthcare.

Tandingan further affirmed the Provincial Health Office’s openness to working with private health institutions and other partners to strengthen healthcare delivery throughout Kalinga.

The inauguration of the AGGMC–Pinukpuk Extension marks another effort to bring maternal health services closer to families in Pinukpuk and nearby communities, complementing existing government health programs and facilities.

AGGMC’s years of service to Kalinga families

The newly inaugurated Pinukpuk Extension adds another location for AGGMC’s maternal healthcare services, bringing care closer to women and families in Pinukpuk and surrounding communities.

AGGMC has been serving Kalinga families since 2007. Its main facility is located in Magsaysay, Tabuk City, and the organization describes it as the first licensed birthing home in the province.

According to AGGMC’s official website, its midwives have provided prenatal care for more than 10,000 pregnancies, assisted nearly 4,000 women in childbirth, and trained more than 50 local and foreign midwives since the center opened its doors.

The organization also operates the Tinglayan Extension in Mar-o, Bugnay, which was established to bring maternal services closer to remote communities. AGGMC’s own history notes that the sister clinic in Tinglayan opened in 2012.

PhilHealth’s 2026 list of accredited maternity care package providers includes both AGGMC–Tinglayan Extension and Abundant Grace of God Maternity Center Inc. in Tabuk, both classified as private providers.

The Provincial Government of Kalinga also previously supported the Tinglayan Extension with an ambulance in 2023 to help improve emergency transportation for pregnant women in geographically difficult-to-reach communities.

Through its main center in Tabuk and its extensions, AGGMC continues to provide maternal and related health services closer to families, particularly those in communities where distance can make access to healthcare more challenging.