MATAG-OB: A PHP12-million Super Health Center will rise in this town as part of the government's effort to upgrade public health services in the fourth-class municipality. Mayor Bernardino Tacoy expressed gratitude to the national government for approving their request to establish the health facility, which will serve the town's 21 villages.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tacoy officially requested the establishment of a Super Health Center from the Department of Health (DOH) in 2023 to ensure the delivery of health services for Matag-ob residents. The project is now set for implementation following the DOH's release of the budget to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The DPWH issued the notice to proceed with the project on January 13, 2025. The local government is currently completing the demolition of an old structure at the project site within the municipal hall complex, which must be cleared before construction can officially commence.

Despite some disagreements with Leyte 4th district Representative Richard Gomez, who prefers the facility to be built in Sta. Rosa village, Mayor Tacoy remains hopeful about the project's timely completion. Tacoy argues that the town center is the optimal location for accessibility, citing a landslide-prone area on the road to Sta. Rosa identified by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Representative Gomez, speaking at a planned project groundbreaking in Matag-ob, claimed credit for facilitating the project's funding. However, Mayor Tacoy, who was in Manila at the time, did not permit the groundbreaking due to the unprepared site and the absence of DOH officials.

The DOH aims to construct similar facilities nationwide to alleviate congestion in regional and provincial hospitals. These centers will allow patients to receive diagnostic exams and appropriate referrals, addressing gaps in the current patient referral system and healthcare access inequities.

As part of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), which supports the Philippine Health Agenda 'Boosting Universal Health Care,' funds will continue to be provided to local governments for health infrastructure and medical equipment over the coming years.