RDC-CAR endorses Kalinga Provincial Hospital for transfer to national management

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC) has endorsed the transfer of Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH) and four other provincial hospitals to the Department of Health (DOH) following its approval of a resolution proposing the renationalization of these facilities.

The approval was made during the 4th Quarter Regional Social Development Committee meeting on November 18, 2025, at the RDC-CAR Chairperson's Office in Baguio City. Various stakeholders attended the meeting to discuss challenges in the healthcare system in the Cordillera region, particularly the persistent barriers to quality and timely health services in remote and underserved communities.

DOH-CAR Regional Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan said, via PIA-Cordillera, that the RDC endorsement still requires congressional approval, as the transfer needs the passage of a national law.

The hospitals identified by the RDC for the transfer include KPH, Abra Provincial Hospital, Besao District Hospital, Benguet General Hospital, and Potia District Hospital. Once finalized, these facilities are expected to receive comprehensive support, including enhanced infrastructure, additional healthcare personnel, modern medical equipment, and better operational resources.

However, during the 3rd Quarter RDC-CAR meeting on September 10, 2025, the Philippine News Agency reported that the five hospitals initially recommended for conversion were Anastacia Rafael Sagel Memorial Hospital in Mountain Province, Benguet General Hospital, Ifugao Provincial Hospital, Abra Provincial Hospital, and Kalinga Provincial Hospital.

Pangilinan added that some district hospitals were also recommended, including Paracelis District Hospital in Mountain Province and Mayoyao District Hospital in Ifugao.

Currently, only four hospitals in the Cordillera are directly managed by the DOH: Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Luis Hora Medical Center in Mountain Province, and Far North Medical Center and Conner District Hospital—both located in Apayao.

With the addition of these five hospitals under DOH management, the region’s total DOH-run facilities would increase to nine, allowing LGUs to focus on smaller district and rural health facilities while supporting the development of provincial Health Care Provider Networks to improve healthcare access.

Meanwhile, KPH, according to PhilHealth, is classified as a Level 1 hospital with a 100‑bed capacity under its current DOH accreditation and is recognized as the province’s core referral public hospital. The transfer is expected to ensure better access to quality healthcare for iKalingas, especially those from remote and underserved communities.