Basilan Lone District Representative Mujiv Hataman delivered the keynote address during the Renaming Ceremony of the Basilan General Hospital (BGH) to Basilan Medical Center (BMC), January 7. The event marked a historic milestone to healthcare in Basilan, celebrated with a grand ceremony at the hospital’s main lobby. Under the theme “Towards Better Healthcare for Basilan: A Ceremonial Transition to Basilan Medical Center,” the event showcased the unwavering commitment to providing modern, accessible, and comprehensive medical services for its people.
The program commenced with welcome remarks by Chief Nurse Maria Bernardina Idris. In her keynote address, Medical Center Chief Dr. Sitti Nurussamsi Amilasan extended her gratitude to Representative Hataman for his pivotal role in the enactment of RA 12056, which upgraded the 100-bed capacity Basilan General Hospital to 500-bed capacity Basilan Medical Center. Through the efforts of Representative Hataman the vision of the establishment of the hospital’s license to operate an ICU, NICU, and tertiary clinical laboratory was realized in 2024 as granted by the Department of Health (DOH). She also acknowledged Councilor Candu Muarip for laying the groundwork on the development of a Level II, 100-bed capacity General Hospital. OIC Supervising Administrative Officer Eric Bel Sanico followed with a historical overview of the Basilan Medical Center, highlighting its transformation and progress over the years.
The event reached its peak with the ceremonial unveiling of the BMC’s new logo and name, led by Representative Hataman, DOH Undersecretary Achilles Gerard Bravo, DOH-IX Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes, former DSWD Assistant Secretary Jade Jamolod, and Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, followed by the inspiring singing of the BMC Hymn.
In his address, Representative Hataman expressed heartfelt gratitude to Councilor Candu Muarip, the Department of Health, Senator Robin Padilla, and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go for their significant contributions to the development of the Basilan Medical Center (BMC).
“I know we feel a sense of loss with the transition from BGH, but we should also be joyful as we welcome this new medical center with broader services. I am confident this will greatly benefit the human resources of Basilan Province” Hataman remarked.
Hataman acknowledged the current challenges in staffing, urging the existing team to exhibit patience and resilience. He also encouraged the community to dream bigger for the future. “Let us not settle for a 500-bed capacity. We should aspire for a 1,000 to 1,500-bed capacity hospital, envisioning a time when we are no longer dependent on Zamboanga City or need to transfer patients to Manila.”
Undersecretary Bravo emphasized the need for additional plantilla positions and staffing to elevate BMC as Basilan’s flagship hospital. He announced plans to establish Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers across the province, staffed by BMC personnel. He also detailed upcoming PhilHealth reforms, including the case rate increase, expanded outpatient, dental, and eye care coverage, and more accessible repeat visits. Meanwhile, former Assistant Secretary Jamolod, representing Senator Bong Go, reaffirmed the senator’s commitment to healthcare in Basilan. He assured that the Malasakit Center would assist in transporting patients needing advanced care to Manila.
The renaming signifies more than just a change in name; it embodies a transformative vision for healthcare in Basilan which reflects the collective effort of leaders and stakeholders to elevate the standards of medical services in the province.
The ceremony was graced by high-ranking officials, including Assistant Director Dr. Lenny Joy Johnson-Rivera, and DOH representatives Dr. Augusto Manolo Alpichi and Engr. Domingo. Local officials, including Provincial Administrator Manny Muarip, Legal Officer Atty. Belle Sanson, and Basilan State College (BaSC) President Haipa Salain, were also present. Military and security leaders included 4th Special Forces Battalion Commander LTCOL Adolf Ian Garceron, Deputy Brigade Commander COL Frederick Sales, Acting Fire Marshall FSINSP Vincent Toribio, and Coast Guard Commander CG LTJG Arturo Alamani Jr.
Local government representation included Councilors Candu Muarip, Bimbo Epping, Yusop Abubakar, Jeromy Casas, and Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul, alongside ABC President Abral Abdurahman, LEDIPO Chief Jaime Juanito Rivera, and City Health Officer Dr. Mohrein Ismael VI. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
