The funding would strengthen the Department of Health's (DOH) Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Center, particularly its diagnostic capabilities and disease surveillance systems.
Healthcare investment
The Department of Finance (DOF), led by Secretary Frederick D. Go, is facilitating the proposed partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
“Investments in healthcare are investments in our people. By strengthening diagnostic and treatment services, we can help more Filipinos access timely and reliable healthcare while enhancing our capacity to detect and respond to disease outbreaks,” Go said.
The project is expected to benefit communities in Ilocos Norte, Batangas, Pampanga and Bataan, particularly underserved populations near the Luzon Economic Corridor.
Disease detection
The proposed grant would finance improvements in molecular testing for tuberculosis screening and integrate influenza surveillance into laboratory operations.
It would also support training programs for laboratory specialists and other healthcare personnel to strengthen the country's ability to detect, monitor and respond to disease outbreaks.
Expanding healthcare access
Unlike loans, development assistance grants do not require repayment, allowing the government to channel additional resources into priority healthcare programs without increasing its debt obligations.
The initiative supports the government's Universal Health Care program by improving public health infrastructure and expanding access to essential medical services.
The proposed partnership also seeks to strengthen cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea in developing more resilient healthcare systems.
If approved, the grant would help improve diagnostic services and disease monitoring in underserved Luzon communities. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
