Trends and Spots Blogmag

𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤-𝐭𝐨-𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭

The promotion of Clark as a vibrant sports, tourism and hospitality destination continues as Go Race Philippines, RunRio and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) present the PUMA Philippine Half Marathon Clark and the EastWest Dream Run Clark, a celebration of dreams and milestones for elite and community runners from Luzon and beyond.

Officially launched on August 7, 2026 at the House of Chops in the Clark Freeport, the PUMA Philippine Half Marathon Clark on August 23 is the fourth of the six-city, nationwide race series while the EastWest Dream Run Clark on August 30 is the second stop of a four-leg race series.

Present at the launch were CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes Devanadera, Department of Tourism-Region III (DOT-III) Regional Director Richard Daenos, Run Rio President Rio dela Cruz, PUMA event manager Carlos Dean, Abe Tayag and Jumbo Tayag of Go Race PH , and EastWest Marketing Manager Rayne Loreto.

RUNRIO Inc., in partnership with PUMA Philippines, is set to welcome thousands of runners, fitness enthusiasts and active lifestyle advocates as it brings on of the country’s premier running events to Clark. Venues for the PUMA Philippine Half Marathon Series 2026 also include Iloilo, Davao, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Manila.

Organizers said the PUMA event is more than a race series as it celebrates running while encouraging participants to discover new destinations, experience culture and in turn support domestic tourism throughout the country.

A coveted prize in the PUMA series is the All-City Legacy Medal, awarded to runners who successfully complete all six official race cities in the 21-kilometer category. Aside from the 21-K race, other race categories are 10K and 5K.

Title partner PUMA Philippines continues to showcase its commitment to performance running through its latest innovations, including the PUMA Deviate Nitro 4 and the PUMA Deviate Pure, running shoes engineered to help athletes train smarter and race faster.

Beyond competition, the series strengthens partnerships with local government units, tourism offices, running clubs, and private organizations to support healthier communities and sustainable sports tourism initiatives nationwide.

Registration for the PUMA Philippine Half Marathon Series 2026 remains open through the official Race Roster platform. Registered participants may claim their race kits from August 19 to 21 at participating PUMA stores at the PUMA Caltex MegaStation, PUMA SM City Clark and Sports Central – SM City Pampanga.

Meanwhile, the EastWest Dream Run 2026 head to the Filinvest Mimosa Plus Estate in Clark for the second leg of the four-leg race series, offering participants a unique running experience at the scenic tourism estate.

The event comes at the heels of the successful EastWest Dream Run kickoff in Manila that drew nearly 7,000 attendees.

The Mimosa Plus Estate, known for its tree-lined roads, expansive spaces, lakes, mountain backdrops and a world-class golf course, create the perfect, picturesque race route that runners can look forward to for a refreshing run away from the bustle of the city as promised by organizers through the Dream Run series.

EastWest Chief Marketing Officer Martin Reyes said the event showcasing Clark as top destination for sports tourism aligns with the Bank’s partnership with the Department of Tourism’s Love the Philippines campaign.

“The incredible energy we witnessed in Manila showed us there are thousands of dreamers ready to take the next step toward their goals. We are excited to bring that spirit to Clark and create another memorable experience that inspires participants to keep chasing their dreams,” Reyes said.

Participating EastWest cardholders will be rewarded through the EastWest Dream Run Php500 Rebate Promo, allowing savings on their registration when they use their qualified EastWest credit card.

After crossing the finish line, runners can recharge at the EastWest Horizons Recovery Lounge, a dedicated post-race space where participants can cool down, relax and recover. The lounge offers massage and yoga sessions as part of EastWest’s commitment to delivering a premium race-day experience.

Runners can also look forward to exciting raffle prizes, giveaways and special treats from EastWest and its partners, including Filinvest, Filinvest Land Inc., Visa, Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, Mimosa Plus, EastWest Rural Bank, Nutribullet, Dyson, ConcepStore, Mizuno, Columbia Sportswear, Saucony, Colgate Plax, Ford, Puregold, REV*, Mogu Mogu, Aqua Planet, Chlorelief, Salonpas and DailyFix.

Grab your slots to be part of these big events.
PUMA Half Marathon https://tinyurl.com/PumaPhilippineHalfSeries
EastWest Dream Runners https://raceroster.com/events/2026/116383/eastwest-dream-run-2026-clark Learn more >> https://www.eastwestbanker.com/dream-run-2026

Photos: Erlin M. Due

𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

Runners from across the Philippines and around the world are set to experience a world-class marathon in one of the country's fastest-growing sports tourism destinations as the Singlife One Clark International Marathon was officially launched on August 4, 2026 at the SM City Clark.

Set on September 20, 2026 at the Clark Parade Grounds, the Singlife One Clark International Marathon offers participants the opportunity to race through the wide, scenic roads of the Clark Freeport Zone, one of the Philippines' premier destinations known for its modern infrastructure, lush green spaces, and international accessibility.

The international marathon, presented by SM Supermalls and organized by RUNRIO Inc., the country's premier marathon series organizer, in partnership with Go Clark PH as local counterpart, is the sixth leg of the Singlife Philippine Marathon Majors (PMM).

The launch gathered members of the media, local government officials, running communities, sponsors, and partners to unveil this year's race and reinforce Clark's position as one of the country's premier destinations for major sporting events.

Present at the launch were Run Rio President Rio dela Cruz, Singlife CEO Lester Cruz, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Tourism Officer Ian Paulo Mejia, SM City Clark Mall Manager Grace Gavino, and Go Clark PH Race Director Jumbo Tayag.

Organizers promise to deliver a race experience while promoting Clark as one of the Philippines’ leading destinations for sports tourism and international events.

As the official title sponsor, Singlife is committed to promoting healthier lifestyles through running while providing every registered participant with complimentary Singlife insurance coverage, beginning prior to Race Day, which is included in their race registration, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

"The Singlife Philippine Marathon Majors continues to redefine the marathon experience by bringing world-class races to destinations that showcase the very best of the Philippines. Clark offers the perfect setting, with its fast race course, modern infrastructure, and accessibility, for runners chasing personal bests while discovering one of the country's premier tourism and business hubs," RUNRIO President Rio de la Cruz said during the launch.

The Singlife One Clark International Marathon will feature four race categories: 42 Kilometers, , 21 Kilometers, 10 Kilometers, and 5 Kilometers.

Registered participants will receive race inclusions such as a race singlet, race bib, finisher medal, finisher towel, and loot bag while 21KM and 42KM finishers will also receive an exclusive finisher shirt.

Participants will compete for over P1.2 million in cash prizes. All registered runners will also have the opportunity to win a brand-new BYD Seagull through the event's grand raffle.

Age category champions will likewise earn eligibility to participate in the prestigious TCS Sydney Marathon, opening the door to an international marathon experience.

More than a race, the Singlife One Clark International Marathon celebrates Clark's emergence as a premier destination for sports, tourism, and lifestyle.

By bringing together elite athletes, recreational runners, and fitness enthusiasts from across the globe, the event aims to further strengthen Clark's reputation as a world-class venue for international sporting events while creating meaningful economic opportunities for the local community.

Be part of the Singlife One Clark International Marathon. Registration is now open at runrio.com or through the official Race Roster registration page. For updates and announcements, visit the Philippine Marathon Majors website and follow the Singlife One Clark International Marathon, Go Race PH on Facebook and Instagram.

Register here: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/129863/singlife-one-clark-international-marathon-2026?fbclid=IwdGRjcATfHpRjbGNrBN8ehWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHlUjPm_kdWF1MUafp5V6h3bBlXZAlqFcF9oxC2PSkmeWvPbBy6tz6oIL9Dxn_aem_gcAzSpmGja55-UZar5XtsA

Photos: Erlin M. Due

𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭

Around 113 dermatologists from Central Luzon gathered at the Clark Marriott Hotel in the Clark Freeport Zone on August 1-2, 2026 to get updates on new trends and emerging technologies in their practice.

Organized by the Central Luzon Chapter of the Philippine Dermatological Society (CLPDS), the program, titled CORE: Evolution in Dermatologic Practice, was designed to provide current, evidence-based knowledge and practical skills across a broad range of clinical and procedural topics.

CLPDS President Dr. Suzein Manalo said CORE stands for Clinical Updates, Outcomes, Research, and Evidence-Based Dermatologic Practice which is the objective of the two-day activity -- to provide updates on current trends including adverse drug reactions, pharmacotherapy, probiotics, the latest in regenerative medicine such as biostimulators and fillers and hands-on training in ultrasound, nail biopsy, and chemical peels, among others.

The program integrated expert-led lectures, live demonstrations, and interactive discussions to enhance the dermatologists’ clinical decision-making, promote safe and effective patient care, and support the application of emerging therapies, technologies, and research in everyday dermatologic practice.

On Day One, speakers presented basic skills in the dermatology practice and workshops on various topics such as Integrating Ultrasound to Dermatologic Practice, Procedural Workshop: Nail Diagnostic and Dermatologic Techniques for Challenging Facial Areas, and the New Science of Chemical Peels and Biometric Peptides.

While Day Two, Medical Dermatology and Aesthetic and Procedural Dermatology was discussed by speakers.

Led by Manalo and CME (Continuing Medical Education) Chairperson Dr. Camille Tuazon, the event aims to equip dermatologist with evidence-based skills while strengthening the camaraderie within CLPDS.

Aside from the lectures and workshops, event sponsors also featured their skin care products and advanced equipment at the event.

At the same time, Manalo reminded the public to ensure safety when buying online products.

“Verify if the products being sold are registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must be prescribed by licensed and certified dermatologists,” she said.

Text & photos: Erlin M. Due
Contributed photos: CLPDS
Philippine Dermatological Society - Central Luzon Chapter

Tennis star Alex Eala is the first Filipino to win a Women's Tennis Association (WTA) title in the championship at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open.

Congratulations and mabuhay ka Alex! 🇵🇭

SS courtesy Mubadala DC Open

𝐆𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄. Miss Supranational Philippines Katrina Llegado gave fans and supporters a sneak peek of the Gumamela-inspired national costume designed by Kapampangan designer Mich Viray of Casa Moda that she will be wearing at the Miss Supranational 2026 competition on July 31 in Poland. The dress pays homage to one of the popular flowers of the Philippines.

📸katrina Llegado FB

𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐍𝐄𝐀𝐊 𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐊 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐌𝐈𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐀

Filinvest staged First Access on July 29, 2026 to give tenants, guests and media an exclusive sneak preview of the Filinvest Malls Mimosa at the Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City in the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

Branded as Clark's new address for a boutique experience, Filinvest Malls Mimosa is a thoughtfully curated and well-planned shopping, dining and leisure destination with everyday essentials and a lifestyle mall where meaningful moments come together in the heart of the leisure resort.

Filinvest Hospitality Corporation CEO Francis Nathaniel C. Gotianun and Filinvest Malls executive officers led guests on the tour which included Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Agnes VST Devanadera, other CDC officials, guests and media.

The next destination in Clark awaits.

The Filinvest Malls Mimosa is set to open in March 2027.

📸contributed photos

𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬

The Hann Foundation, Inc. (HFI) donated a fully-equipped Mobile Blood Donation Vehicle to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Pampanga-Angeles City Chapter in a ceremonial turnover at The Club of the Hann Reserve in New Clark City in Tarlac on July 28, 2026, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing public health and strengthening community partnerships.

The turn-over was led by Hann Foundation Executive Director Ana Christi G. Galura; Hann Philippines, Inc. (HPI) Vice President for Real Estate and Property Development Agnes “Neki” Liwanag; HPI Golf Operations Manager Tim Neil; PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon; PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang; PRC Pampanga-Angeles City Chapter Chairman of the Board Alfrito Mah; and, other officials and representatives of the involved organizations.

The mobile blood donation bus is expected to expand the capacity of the PRC to conduct bloodletting drives to ensure a steady blood supply for patients across Pampanga and Central Luzon. The donation addressed a longstanding challenge faced by the PRC Pampanga-Angeles City Chapter — the absence of a dedicated vehicle exclusively for mobile blood donation activities, often limiting the number of blood donation drives that could be conducted.

The HFI donation has been customized as a complete blood donation facility on wheels, equipped with modern and essential medical equipment compliant with PRC standards to bring safe, efficient, and accessible blood donation services to LGUs, schools, business establishments, and even remote locations.

The initiative supports the PRC in reaching more blood donors across the provinces for a stable and adequate blood supply as every day, thousands of Filipinos rely on blood transfusions for emergency care, surgeries, childbirth and other critical conditions.

The project supports Republic Act No. 7719, or the National Blood Services Act of 1994, which promotes voluntary blood donation to ensure availability of safe and adequate blood for Filipinos and contributes to the goals of the Universal Health Care Act, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Good Health and Well-being, and the Philippine Development Plan by strengthening healthcare delivery through meaningful public-private partnerships.

The HFI-donated vehicle adds to the five mobile blood donation buses currently operated by PRC nationwide, a significant addition that will expand lifesaving blood collection services across the country.

HFI Executive Director Ana Christi G. Galura said the project aligns with all the Four Pillars of the foundation on Health, Education, Environment and Culture by way of bayanihan, helping fellow Filipinos have access to quality and safe blood supply.

“Despite national and international issues concerning us all, let us remember that we do not need to be in business or politics to make a difference. By donating blood, we can be of help and be an everyday hero to Filipino patients in need. We can help save lives,” Galura said, adding that by combining innovation with humanitarian purpose, HFI hopes to contribute to the continuing advancement of mobile blood donation services in the Philippines.

Hann Philippines, Inc. Vice President for Real Estate and Property Development Neki Liwanag pointed out that the Mobile Blood Donation Vehicle removes barriers, reaches more communities, and inspires more Filipinos to give the priceless gift of life.

“Hann Foundation is honored to invest in partnerships that create healthier and more resilient communities. Beyond the donation of a new mobile blood facility, this reflects HFI’s broader commitment to advancing public health through sustainable partnerships,” Liwanang stressed.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang accepted the donation on behalf of the PRC.

For his part, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon reminded everyone that preparedness saves lives and that we must always be ready, not only for everyday emergencies but also for major disasters, including the 'Big One’, when thousands may need blood transfusions.

“We sincerely thank Hann Foundation for its commitment to humanitarian service and disaster preparedness. This Mobile Blood Donation Vehicle strengthens our readiness by bringing blood collection closer to our communities, ensuring no Filipino, regardless of economic status, is denied life-saving blood when they need it most,” Gordon said.

Established in 2017, Hann Foundation, Inc. is the corporate social responsibility and social development arm of the Hann Group. Guided by its four Pillars of Care, the Foundation develops sustainable programs that improve lives, strengthen communities, and create meaningful social impact throughout Central Luzon.

The Hann Group, which includes the Hann Casino, Swissôtel Clark, Clark Marriott Hotel, Widus Hotel Clark, and Hann Reserve in New Clark City, continues to champion inclusive growth by combining economic development with impactful social investments benefiting the surrounding communities.

The Philippine Red Cross is the premier humanitarian organization in the country, committed to providing quality lifesaving services that protect the life and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations by ensuring the availability of safe and quality blood for patients and healthcare institutions across the Philippines.

📸 Ric Gonzales

𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

The Sacred Heart Medical Center in Angeles City marked a significant milestone in its cancer care services with the unveiling of the Tan Song Bok Cancer Institute, alongside the ceremonial blessing and ribbon cutting of its newly expanded Chemotherapy Unit and new Multispecialty Clinics that has strengthened the hospital’s commitment to patients across Pampanga and Central Luzon.

The event represents more than the opening of additional facilities or the introduction of a renewed institutional identity. It reflects the Cancer Institute’s continuing evolution toward a more integrated, multidisciplinary, and patient-centered model of oncology care.

Guided by the campaign message “Cancer Care, Made More Complete”, the Tan Song Bok Cancer Institute brings expanded treatment capacity, coordinated medical expertise, and supportive services around one shared purpose: accompanying every patient through one connected cancer journey — from diagnosis and treatment to recovery, survivorship, comfort, and continuing support.

“We have transformed from a pioneer cancer institute into an integrated, multispecialty oncology center. Yet we bring forward the same heart, the same commitment, and the same unwavering quality of care and compassion that have defined us since Day One,” Sacred Heart Medical Center Medical Director Dr. Maria Josefina Tan said.

The expanded Chemotherapy Unit is designed to serve more patients in an environment that
supports clinical safety, comfort, privacy, and compassionate care. Complementing the unit are new Multispecialty Clinics which strengthen collaboration among cancer specialists and related disciplines involved throughout the patient journey, making for an integrated approach that recognizes facing cancer takes more than one treatment, one specialist, or one moment of care.

The new name honors Mr. Tan Song Bok, fondly known as Tatang Ric, the founding father of Sacred Heart Medical Center who aspired to make specialized cancer treatment more accessible to patients in Pampanga and nearby provinces, saving many who previously had to travel to Metro Manila to seek care.

That desire led to the establishment of a cancer treatment facility integrating chemotherapy and radiation therapy services within the hospital. The Institute evolved through broader clinical capabilities, greater treatment capacity, additional specialties, and a culture of care deeply rooted in competence, commitment, and compassion.

“The Cancer Institute began with Tatang Ric’s sincere desire to bring specialized healing closer to the people of Pampanga and neighboring communities. What started as a commitment to access has evolved into a more comprehensive center where different specialties work together for every patient. More than our facilities, equipment, or growth, his enduring legacy is the culture he inspired — to render care and healing with and from the heart,” Tan Song Bok Cancer Institute Director Dr. Misael Cruz said.

As the Institute celebrates 16 years of service, the unveiling affirms its continuing commitment to making quality cancer care more accessible to patients and families throughout the region.

Sacred Heart Medical Center is a private healthcare institution in Angeles City, Pampanga, committed to providing compassionate, innovative, and quality healthcare through excellent leadership and clinical service.

Guided by its values of Competence, Commitment, and Compassion, the hospital continues to strengthen its specialized programs in cancer care, renal care, maternal and child care, and advanced surgical care.

Through the Tan Song Bok Cancer Institute, Sacred Heart Medical Center provides a growing range of cancer-related services designed to support patients from diagnosis and treatment to recovery, survivorship, and continuing care.

Photos: Erlin M. Due

𝐏𝐁𝐁𝐌 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥, 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐋 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧

A medical center was recently inaugurated in the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga that is seen to bring hope and relief for countless Filipino families with children needing specialized health care services.

No less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the Department of Health–Jose B. Lingad (DOH-JBL) Children’s Medical Center in the Clark Freeport which will bring specialized healthcare services closer to children in Central Luzon and nearby areas.

The Children’s Medical Center was realized through a partnership with the private sector. Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. (BCFI) contributed Php1 billion in seed funding for the hospital's construction and another Php50 million for the procurement of a generator set. Meanwhile, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) allocated Php360 million for the project and authorized BCFI to allocate funding for the project while the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) donated the land where the medical complex stands.

The medical center will provide a wide array of specialized outpatient, in-patient, urgent care, and emergency room services, including Adolescent Care, a High-Risk Pregnancy Clinic, different pediatric medical services such as Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Hematology and Oncology, Cardiology, and Pulmonology.

It also has an Immunization Clinic, Growth and Development Monitoring Clinic, Newborn Screening Referral, and Nutrition Counselling Clinic.

The DOH-JBL Children’s Medical Center is the first facility to open at the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center Complex, a project that aims to establish a comprehensive, world-class specialty healthcare hub in a five-hectare property in the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. The project involves the establishment of more medical facilities including the Renal Center, Cardiovascular Center, and the Cancer Center.

In his speech, Marcos highlighted that with a 120-bed capacity, the facility will cater to more patients needing specialized pediatric care.

“Three years ago, in July 2023, we gathered together here in Clark to mark the beginning of what was then an ambitious vision called the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center. On what was once an empty lot, we built something for our children that can help them grow into healthy adults strong enough to carry our country forward,” Marcos said.

“This state-of-the-art pediatric facility will provide free, high-quality care for children and families from Regions I, II, and III, and neighboring areas as well. Next week, on the first of August, this hospital will open its doors to patients, making specialized pediatric services accessible to more communities,” the President said.

He pointed out that with this children’s hospital in Clark, parents seeking specialized treatment for their children no longer have to travel to Metro Manila or abroad to avail of these services.

“They will be spared the financial and emotional toll of a long journey, of lost income, and time away from home. Instead, they can focus on their child’s healing, recovery, and well-being,” Marcos stressed.

The Chief Executive pledged the government will continue doing its best to ease the burden of the people and provide opportunities to live healthier and more secure lives.

Marcos said the hospital will implement the Zero Balance Billing to ensure no individual will be denied care simply because they do not have the capacity to pay.

“The Zero Balance Billing is also complemented by the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program and the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, which have served millions of Filipinos in need of medical assistance,” the President furthered.

He added that Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits will also be expanded to include the newborn care package, which covers screening, vaccinations, and treatment for premature and small newborns. (PIA REGION 3-PAMPANGA)