Seeking Assistance from the Senate for Mandaue Development Projects

Seeking Assistance from the Senate for Mandaue Development Projects

Mandaue City Pursues National Funding for New Hospital and College Expansion

Mandaue City, a bustling urban centre in the Philippines, is actively seeking funding from the National Government and senators for its two major infrastructure priorities: the new city hospital and the expansion of Mandaue City College (MCC).

In a lobbying visit on August 6, 2025, a delegation from the city, led by Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano, Lone District Representative Emmarie "Lollypop" Ouano-Dizon, and Opao Barangay Captain Nixon Dizon, presented their proposals to Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Bong Go, Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, JV Ejercito, and Lito Lapid, requesting budget allocations for these projects.

The new city hospital, estimated to cost between ₱800 million and ₱4 billion, is a top priority due to the growing demand for accessible public healthcare. The proposed hospital will be Mandaue's first full-fledged public hospital run by the City Government. Rep. Ouano-Dizon has pledged ₱100 million for the hospital, while other senators have expressed willingness to support but without firm amounts yet, as funding depends on the General Appropriations Act (GAA) approval. The Tingog Partylist may also pledge ₱100-150 million. Construction is expected to start in 2026, and the hospital will be built in phases to allow early operation of some floors.

Regarding the Mandaue City College expansion, the project is critical to accommodate the growing student population and offer more academic programs. The estimated cost is about ₱500 million. Like the hospital, construction for the new MCC building is planned to begin in 2026, following funding approval. Senators’ support has also been sought, but concrete commitments remain pending until reflected in the GAA. The City Government will contribute via its annual development fund alongside congressional allocations by Rep. Ouano-Dizon.

While local government funds and congressional pledges, notably the ₱100 million from Rep. Ouano-Dizon, are secured, the majority of the funding for both the new city hospital and MCC expansion awaits national government appropriations through the senators and the GAA. The reception from the senators during the lobbying visit was described as "okay," but the amount of funding they will provide is uncertain.

The new Mandaue City College campus building is critical for supporting the growing student population and improving access to higher education. The second infrastructure project is the construction of a new building for Mandaue City College. Aside from Senate backing, the projects will also rely on counterpart funding from Lone District Rep. Emmarie "Lollypop" Ouano-Dizon through her congressional allocations. The local government will also commit a portion of its annual development fund to the projects.

City Administrator Sally Malig-on stated that the visit was part of the City's efforts to directly appeal for national assistance. The team lobbied for funding support and national partnerships during their visit. Construction for both projects is scheduled to start next year in 2026, subject to funding approval.

1. The new city hospital in Mandaue City, a public healthcare facility run by the City Government, is set to be funded partially by the National Government.
2. Education is a key priority for Mandaue City, as evidenced by their plans to expand Mandaue City College (MCC) with funding from the National Government.
3. In addition to healthcare and education, the City Government is also focusing on personal growth and mindfulness, as indicated by their pursuit of job-search resources and online-education programs for the citizens.
4. The growing student population requires the expansion of MCC, aiming to establish more academic programs and accommodate a larger number of students.
5. The new hospital and MCC expansion projects will not only improve local healthcare and education services but also stimulate productivity and career development in Mandaue City.
6. The City Government and Lone District Representative Emmarie "Lollypop" Ouano-Dizon have already pledged significant funds for these projects, but the majority relies on national funding through policy-and-legislation and senatorial support.
7. The cost of the new hospital ranges between ₱800 million and ₱4 billion, while the MCC expansion would cost approximately ₱500 million.
8. Construction for both projects is planned to begin in 2026, subject to funding approval and national partnerships.
9. The expected operation of the new hospital's early phases demonstrates the importance of lifelong-learning and skills-training to equip medical professionals for the growing demand for accessible public healthcare.
10. With the new hospital and MCC expansion, sports initiatives and leisure activities, such as WNBA, NBA, and NCAA basketball, can contribute to community development and overall well-being in Mandaue City.
11. The City Government's active efforts in lobbying senators for funding support also highlight their commitment to transparency and effective governance, addressing issues like war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and car-accidents to ensure a safer and more secure city for its inhabitants.
12. The success of these infrastructure projects will depend on the general-news coverage, keeping citizens informed and engaged, thus fostering a sense of community and shared goals.
13. Goal-setting and goal-achievement are essential for the City Government, as they strive to uplift Mandaue City through infrastructure development, education, and personal growth, creating an ideal environment for sustainable development and progress.
14. As Mandaue City pursues national funding for its infrastructure projects and ventures into new territories, such as online-education and car-accidents awareness programs, the city will continue its lifelong-learning journey, embracing innovation and resilience in the face of challenges.

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