Senator Risa Hontiveros Conducts First Official Visit to CLMMRH as Senate Health Committee Chair

Senator Risa Hontiveros, recently named chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, made her inaugural visit to a government hospital on Friday, September 19, at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City. The trip aimed to provide her with a firsthand understanding of the hospital’s current conditions and operations.

During her visit, Hontiveros met with hospital administrators to review CLMMRH’s vital role as the primary referral center for the Negros Island Region. Discussions focused on ongoing and proposed infrastructure developments intended to enhance patient care, including major facility upgrades and expansions, as well as the hospital’s budget plans for 2026.

Expressing her satisfaction with the visit, Hontiveros stated, "I’m pleased that my first engagement in a government hospital took place at CLMMRH, a cornerstone institution in our universal health care system." She emphasized that her observations would inform the Senate committee's efforts to evaluate and strengthen the delivery of public health services.

Following the meeting, the senator toured various sections of the hospital, engaging directly with patients and medical staff to better understand the challenges faced under current conditions. She noted, "This assessment will guide the committee in identifying how we can support the public health service delivery network more effectively."

The hospital, led by Medical Chief Dr. Joan Cerrada, welcomed the senator's visit and expressed appreciation for her commitment to advancing health care services. Dr. Cerrada and her team highlighted the significance of such engagements in fostering collaborative improvements.

Additionally, Hontiveros acknowledged an upcoming milestone, revealing that CLMMRH will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, marking a century of dedicated service in the region.