Cebu: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday provided PHP5 million in financial assistance for the facility upgrade of a provincial hospital in Cebu and led the turnover of medical equipment and medicines to other hospitals in the province. Marcos oversaw the distribution of assistance during his visit to Cebu Provincial Hospital (CPH) in Balamban town, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

According to Philippines News Agency, during his visit, President Marcos personally handed over PHP5 million in financial assistance to Cebu Provincial Hospital-Balamban to aid in the improvement of the hospital's facilities. Beyond the financial support, Marcos also delivered 20 wheelchairs and PHP60,000 worth of medicines from the Philippines Charity Sweepstakes Office to CPH-Balamban.

President Marcos toured several facilities of CPH-Balamban and evaluated the implementation of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) Program. As of January 14, data from the Presidential Communications Office indicated that approximately 120 patients have been admitted at CPH-Balamban. The 2026 national budget has earmarked PHP17.39 billion for the ZBB program.

Additionally, Marcos distributed an x-ray machine and an ultrasound machine to CPH branches in Bogo and Danao cities, the Daanbantayan District Hospital, and the Juan B. Dosado Memorial Hospital. Claire Castro mentioned that Marcos plans to launch the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program in Cebu, aiming to enhance Cebuanos' access to essential medicines.

President Marcos Jr. expressed his commitment to the Cebuanos by initiating the GAMOT Program, which seeks to broaden the availability of necessary medications for outpatient treatment in the region.