In a significant boost to healthcare services in Batangas, today Batangas Medical Center (BatMC) and Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), inaugurated the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) Center. This event, held on July 13, aligns with the Department of Health’s (DOH) 8-Point Action Agenda, aiming to enhance healthcare access and alleviate congestion in tertiary hospitals, marking a noteworthy advancement for the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

The blessing and inauguration ceremony, held at the BatStateU Pablo Borbon Campus, Batangas City, was attended by key figures, including Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of BatStateU The NEU, and Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, Secretary of the Department of Health.

Dra. Maritess Teresita M. Torio, BatMC’s Officer-in-Charge and Medical Center Chief II, emphasized the collaborative efforts and shared vision between BatStateU The NEU and BatMC in bringing the BUCAS Center to fruition during her opening remarks.

In his inspirational message, Dr. Ronquillo highlighted the transformative impact of the BUCAS Center on the community, emphasizing its vital role in advancing public health and fostering community well-being, leveraging its position as the Philippines’ National Engineering University. “This center represents a future where every life is valued, every ailment treated with care, and every person finds a home. We started small, but our vision is grand,” he added.

“The goal of universal health care is access and help for all. Bagong Pilipinas, bawat buhay mahalaga,” Dr. Herbosa shared, underlining the importance of integrating primary care providers and hospitals to ensure seamless care transitions for Batangueño patients. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening the healthcare system of the Philippines.

Dr. Merlita G. Publico, Head of Operations at the BUCAS Center, praised the initiative as a substantial advancement for community health. She acknowledged the late Medical Center Chief III, Dr. Ramoncito Magnaye, for his contribution to the BUCAS Center. His dedication to excellence permeates every aspect of the center’s operations, advancing its mission to provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare services to the community.

The BUCAS Center, housed within BatStateU The NEU, serves students, staff, and the local community, fostering healthcare innovation and delivering comprehensive services, including primary care, diagnostics, treatments, and follow-up care. This visionary joint effort aligns with the DOH’s healthcare strategy in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for all.