The Watchers’ Hall at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) was officially inaugurated on Saturday with Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go leading the ribbon-cutting.
The five-story SPMC Pahulayan Building, which has a capacity of 140 people, has an elevator, toilets, washing areas, benches, and a roof deck that can accommodate all the required spaces with a total area of 2,054.84 square meters. It also features complete water and power supply.
The facility, which was funded under the Fiscal Year 2021 Regular Infrastructure Program with an original contract amount of P151.5 million, aims to serve the families and watchers of patients admitted at the SPMC who often come from far-flung areas and cannot afford to spend for accommodations near the hospital.
“Usahay mas daghan ang watchers kaysa patients. In one patient usahay duha o tulo ka watchers especially pag gikan sila sa layo, far-flung areas or outside Davao City. But we have guidelines na “one patient, one watcher,” said Dr. Ricardo Audan, SPMC chief, in an interview.
The Pahulayan building is a brainchild of former president Rodrigo Duterte when he was the mayor of Davao City. It started as a one level building in 2012.
Construction of the five-story building began on November 9, 2021. After two years and four months of construction, the facility was completed on March 17, 2024.
“This five-story facility represents not just a new structure but a strong commitment to support patients and their loved ones. With this building, we can provide a place of rest, comfort, and support, especially for the patient watchers from remote areas who come here hoping to receive the best care possible,” Go said.
Go said supporting SPMC has been his priority.
“Our fellow Dabawenyos and the people of Mindanao deserve accessible, quality healthcare, and I am excited about this development because I know that many more lives will be touched and eased through the services this building offers,” Go added.
The services at the SPMC Pahulayan Building are free of charge.
