Milestones or Mirages? Herbosa’s Fight for Equitable Healthcare in Capiz and Beyond

By Louis ‘Barok’ C Biraogo – January 17, 2025

IN THE humid January air of Capiz, as the ceremonial ribbon was cut at the newly launched BUCAS Center, the cheers and applause painted a picture of progress. Secretary Teodoro Herbosa of the Department of Health (DOH) stood front and center, heralding this moment as a milestone on the path to Universal Health Care (UHC). With promises of equitable access to healthcare and state-of-the-art facilities, Herbosa’s initiatives seem to strike all the right chords.

Yet, beneath the surface of this hopeful narrative lies a more complex story—one of ambitions, limitations, and unanswered questions.

The Promise of Progress: Is Herbosa Bridging the Healthcare Gap?

The newly launched BUCAS Center and Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital in Capiz promise to address glaring healthcare inequities in the region. For the Capiznons, who often travel long distances to access even basic medical care, these facilities offer a glimmer of hope. The province, marked by a chronic lack of healthcare infrastructure, has struggled with poverty, poor transportation, and limited professional manpower.

Herbosa’s strategy to decentralize healthcare services by partnering with local government units (LGUs) and establishing affordable centers is a bold step. But is it enough? The Capiznons’ struggle extends beyond physical access. Financial barriers remain a significant hurdle, with many unable to afford even subsidized services. The promise of universal healthcare must grapple with the stark reality of underfunded local governments and overburdened medical workers.

Image Building or Genuine Progress?

The timing of this initiative raises its own set of questions. The event is part of what appears to be a broader PR campaign for Herbosa, whose tenure as DOH Secretary has been marked by a series of highly publicized launches and ribbon-cuttings.

While these events showcase his commitment to UHC goals, critics argue they may serve as distractions from deeper systemic issues. For instance, what measures are in place to ensure these facilities remain operational and sustainable? Without adequate staffing, equipment, and funding, the new hospital and BUCAS Center risk becoming symbols of good intentions undone by poor execution.

The Cost of Progress

Herbosa’s rhetoric emphasizes equity, but implementing such transformative changes comes at a significant cost. Where is the funding for these initiatives coming from? The DOH budget, while substantial, is finite. Meanwhile, the healthcare needs of Filipinos continue to grow, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the influx of returning overseas workers.

Moreover, how will these facilities address the shortage of healthcare professionals willing to work in rural areas like Capiz? Without a robust plan to attract and retain medical workers, the success of these initiatives remains precarious.

The Evolving Leadership of Teodoro Herbosa

Despite these challenges, Herbosa’s vision deserves acknowledgment. His tenure reflects a willingness to confront long-standing inequities in the Philippine healthcare system. The BUCAS Center initiative is not without merit; it reflects an understanding of the barriers faced by underserved communities. Herbosa’s pragmatic approach—working closely with LGUs—has the potential to transform healthcare delivery, provided it is supported by sustained investment and accountability.

Looking Ahead

As the crowds dispersed after the hospital’s soft opening, the lingering questions remained. Will this facility deliver on its promises, or will it join the ranks of underutilized government projects? For Herbosa, the answer will define not just his legacy, but the health and well-being of countless Filipinos.

In the end, progress is not merely measured by the opening of facilities or the cutting of ribbons. It is seen in the lives saved, the diseases prevented, and the trust restored in a healthcare system that has too often left its most vulnerable behind.

In taking this first bold step, Secretary Herbosa reminds us that building a healthier Philippines is not just a government duty—it’s a shared commitment. The road is uncertain, but every step we take together brings us closer to the goal.