The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) officially began construction on its P675-million Pediatric and Adult Specialty Center during a groundbreaking ceremony held on June 26, 2025, at its Manila compound. The 16-story facility will expand PGH’s capacity to deliver specialized care to both children and adults, with completion targeted for 2027.
Leading the event was PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, alongside top officials, including First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, and UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee.
Upgraded Healthcare Infrastructure
“This new Specialty Center reflects our unwavering commitment to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure,” said PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi.
The new center will feature over 450 inpatient beds, specialized operating rooms, emergency units, intensive care facilities, outpatient clinics, and support areas like a dietary department and staff dormitories. It will also house a 300-seat convention center, improving not only patient services but also PGH’s role in health education and training.
Dr. Legaspi emphasized that the facility is designed to handle both routine and complex medical cases, easing congestion in PGH’s current wards and providing timely, coordinated care. The center will serve as a vital addition to the national health infrastructure.
Wider Access for Filipino Patients
Once operational, the center is expected to reduce patient overflow and waiting times, especially for those with critical pediatric or adult conditions. Its strategic layout allows for integrated care, where emergency, surgical, and outpatient services will be housed in one building to ensure faster transitions and improved treatment outcomes.
“This is a vital step in achieving equitable access to quality care,” Sec. Herbosa said.
This investment is part of the national government's broader push to modernize key public health institutions. By enhancing capacity and introducing advanced medical facilities, PGH aims to uphold its reputation as the country’s premier government hospital while meeting the growing demand for accessible, specialized treatment.
A Step Forward for Public Health
The Specialty Center marks a milestone in PGH’s evolution as a teaching and service hospital. With support from government agencies and the University of the Philippines system, the project reaffirms the administration’s commitment to long-term public health development. It also strengthens the country’s preparedness for future health challenges while continuing PGH’s legacy of serving the underserved.
