In pursuit of improving its healthcare services and facilities, while addressing the persistent occurrence of pneumonia and other lung-related illnesses in Region 10, the Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARSMC) has undertaken critical governance steps to develop healthcare strategies, strengthen infrastructure capacity, and align its initiatives with a people-centered care framework.
During a Public Revalida on August 12 with the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), MHARSMC achieved the Initiated Status and bagged a Silver Trailblazer Award under ISA’s governance framework, the Performance Governance System (PGS). The Public Revalida is a democratic exercise that validates a public institution’s completion of the four stages of the PGS. Enrolled institutions include the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of Health, among others.
Pneumonia and other lung-related illnesses have long been among the top ten causes of morbidity and mortality in Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental. In response, MHARSMC has committed to positioning itself as the leading medical center in Region 10, proactively addressing the spread of these diseases. With its vision of becoming an 800-bed apex hospital, MHARSMC is building comprehensive capabilities in Lung and Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine (IDTM), while driving innovations in people-centered care through a strong governance framework.
In her revalida presentation, MHARSMC Medical Center Chief II Dr. Jennifer Lynn Urbiztondo emphasized various strategy roadmaps in service, infrastructure, training, and linkages, and as well as highlighted early wins and eager plans moving forward into the PGS pathway. This was commended by the Panel Vice-Chair, Dr. Fe Esperanza Espino.
“I think with their presentation, all the documents became clearer. It’s the presentation which makes things better because you can see which areas they want to focus on,” the former Department Head of the Parasitology Department of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine said.
Pneumonia remains to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in their area, with an average of 1,630 cases recorded annually over the past five years. Considering the persistent occurrence of lung-related illnesses plaguing the region, Dr. Urbiztondo has ensured that, alongside strengthening capabilities and services, structural transformations remain equally essential to deliver them.
“By 2026, our new administrative building will be completed, freeing up office spaces in the main hospital for additional wards. This will bring us closer to our target of becoming an 800-bed facility by 2028,” she added.
Additionally, MHARSMC has recognized the need to establish more linkages and partner hospitals, believing that a connected health system is essential in the achievement of people-centered care, as emphasized by one of the panelists, Dr. Virginia Delos Reyes from the Lung Center of the Philippines. Dr. Urbiztondo highlighted some of its early wins with regard to establishing more linkages, advancing the full implementation of a two-way referral system across its catchment areas.
“[We have begun] with our MOA with Lanao del Norte and, most recently, a referral manual developed for Misamis Occidental. Complementing this is the BUCAS Center in Plaridel, a 13-bed infirmary located 60
kilometers from Ozamiz. Since opening in March 2024, it has served nearly 600 patients a month.”
Despite its many achievements, MHARSMC acknowledges the challenges it continues to face and highlights how these obstacles have become opportunities for innovation. On the issue of infrastructure gaps, which remain heavily dependent on funding, Dr. Urbiztondo explained that if financial resources prove difficult to secure, the hospital’s strategy includes the phased implementation of its developmental plan.
“By working on our finances, optimizing our revenues, and cost-cutting measures, also probably, from allotting a certain portion from our income to be able to phase the income of our project, I think that would be our first step,” she emphasized.
Another risk raised during the panel evaluation was the shortage of manpower. Dr. Urbiztondo noted that several resignations were due to employees seeking better financial opportunities abroad. To mitigate this, MHARSMC underscored the importance of accrediting residency training programs across major departments, positioning this as a key step in strengthening the development and retention of its staff and personnel.
“With our robust recruitment and retention programs, we were able to handle it. At present, we are still good,” Dr. Urbiztondo said.
In the closing minutes of the panel evaluation, Panel Chair and Tondo Medical Center Chief Health Program Officer, Dr. Jeffrey Castillo, challenged MHARSMC to define how it can demonstrate to the rest of Mindanao and the Philippines that it is a true multispecialty and referral center as it continues to strengthen its strategic positioning.
Dr. Urbiztondo reiterated that trust is built through consistent, high-quality, accredited healthcare delivered by skilled, respectful professionals. Open communication, transparent operations concerning costs, plans, options, and risks, and a patient-centered approach are crucial to solidifying our reputation as a trusted multispecialty center.
Following the conferral of its PGS Initiated status, MHARSMC was also honored with its first Silver Trailblazer Award. Accepting the recognition on behalf of the hospital’s management and staff, Dr. Urbiztondo expressed her deep gratitude.
“We only aimed for the PGS conferment, but to receive the Silver Trailblazer award is an achievement. This is not just a milestone for us but a life-changing experience, a pivotal moment. It is a formal testament to the power of teamwork and the belief that, with collective effort, nothing is impossible,” she said in her acceptance speech.
“With ISA’s guidance, let’s demonstrate to everyone that we could make our medical center great and with Serbisyong Kasaligan, MHARSMC imong kauban!”
