The Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Center in Cortes takes a crucial step towards sub-specialization in partnership with the Philippine Heart Center (PHC).
Cong. Edgar Chatto bared this development following the visit of PHC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Avenilo L. Aventura, Jr. on April 7, 2025.
In a lunch meeting with Cong. Edgar Chatto, Aventura shared that he had been part of past medical missions in partnership with the Provincial Government when Chatto was then governor.
He also acknowledged the pioneering establishment of the multi-specialty center through Republic Act 11883.
“Ito pa lang ang nakita kong multi specialty center na set up through a law,” Aventura stated, impressed at the investment for cardiovascular services with the hospital’s setup of 6 operating rooms dedicated for heart surgeries.
Chatto, for his part, shared how the journey of the important hospital project began with a desire to deliver better health services, particularly for specialized medical care, considering Bohol’s geographical location and proximity to medical centers such as the PHC.
“Heart patients have to travel to Cebu and Manila, which puts them at greater risk,” he explained.
Aventura, greatly impressed by the ongoing project, described it as an expansive, cutting edge, high quality multi-specialty hospital.
“As the apex hospital for heart health and heart diseases, we, at PHC, want to know how we can help ensure that the hospital will benefit Boholanos,” he said, citing the need for heart health intervention especially for the island province.
The goal is to decentralize specialization so that only difficult cases will reach PHC, he added.
Partnerships being explored include the conduct of trainings and heart missions as well as technical assistance with operations.
Teams from the Gallares Cortes have undergone training for Operating Room as well as Critical Care with the PHC.
With Gallares in Cortes, specialists can be brought to the province to perform the needed medical procedures, he added.
Alongside the hospital infrastructure, Chatto had also initiated the opening of the Bohol Island State University School of Medicine so that the province will be able to produce its own doctors.
Aside from Cardiovascular Services, Gallares Cortes is working on delivering Oncology, Renal Care and Liver Transplantation Services.
Meanwhile, Cortes Tagbilaran continues its operations and other specializations such as Geriatrics and Orthopedics, among others.
Aventura came along with Executive Assistant Dr. Joseph Patrick S. Amores, Management Services Department Manager Dr. Victor S. Quiñones and Dr. Michael Louis Burdador.
The team was met by Dr. Elliot Tirol, Gallares Cortes medical center chief during the site inspection.
Gallares Tagbilaran medical center chief Dr. Mike Jayoma was also present during the PHC team visit, which coincided with the celebration of World Health Day.