History of Batangas Regional Hospital

The hospital was constructed sometime in 1927, during the administration of Governor Modesto
Castillo. It was thru his first effort-sided by the members of the Provincial Board Atty. Maynardo Farol
and Maximo Sarmiento, by District Engineer Isaias Fernando and Provincial Treasurer Jose Ocampo, that
the establishment of the provincial hospital was realized. It was inaugurated and opened to the public
on the 1st of January 1928 with Dr. Sixto Roxas, a prominent and well-known physician as Chief of the
Hospital.

The hospital has a bed capacity of 30. There were three wards for the charity patients and three private
rooms to pay patients. Besides this, the Resident Physician and the Administrative Office, the operating
room, on the rear portion of the main building. During the incumbency of governor Vicente Noble, upon
the recommendation of the Chief of Hospital, Dr. Roxas a new Nurses' Home was constructed
sometimes in 1935. Then, during the administration of Gov. Vicente Caedo who realized the urgent need
of increasing the bed capacity, two additional wings (pavilion type) porte corchore and a separate
delivery room were constructed in 1941. The expenditures of these projects were covered by funds from
the sweepstakes allotments of the province which were set aside for the above purpose through the
efforts of Gov. Caedo.

The operation of the hospital was suspended upon the arrival of the Japanese, who confiscated all the
equipment and medicines and it resumes its operation temporarily in 1943, and continued throughout
1944. The Nurses Home was burned by the Japanese, but the main building and other structures in the
hospital compound were not subjected to the same fate as the Nurses Home.

In April 1945, upon the arrival of the American Forces of Liberation, the operation of the hospital was
revived by the PCAU no. 11, which furnished and equipped it with all necessary medical supplies,
equipment, surgical instruments, cots and even light and water services. On the 1st of August, 1945, the
hospital with all its contents was turned over to the Commonwealth Government, and all are pre-war
employees were called to service. Dr. Sixto Roxas once more, headed the hospital staff. Improvement of
surplus sepots here in Manila, steel beds and mattresses, which replaced the cots, bedside tables,
folding chairs, electrical sterilizers, etc. The water tanks were installed to insure continuous supply of
water.

Upon the unexpected death of Dr. Roxas on the 28th of March 1948, Dr. Vicente G. Berba was
designated to take charge of the hospital, who finally was appointed permanent Chief of Hospital.

Sometimes during the later part of 1949, rehabilitation work commenced. The Nurses Home was
rehabilitated and was partly financed by the war damage funds amounting to P10, 000.00 and hospital
funds amounting to P482.60. It was completed and occupied on the 1st of May 1949.
The fiscal years 1949-1950 may be described as memorable in the history of Batangas Provincial Hospital
in the sense that it was during this period when all the improvements such as repairs, repainting of
buildings, reconstruction of kitchen and its painting, and acquisition of surgical supplies were realized.

Then the second period may also be called lamentable because it was during this period when all the
necessary improvements made thereon, were all blasted into nothingness by a more stroke of faith. In
the afternoon of February 25, 1950, a bomb explosion occurred in the Philippine Constabulary
Compound situated about two hundred yards of this few seconds, almost completely destroyed the
hospital premises and totally wreaked the Nurse's Home.

Sometimes in May 1950, a delegation of Batangas Residents, which includes Mayors of some towns in
Batangas, Representatives of the Rotary Club of Batangas, Batangas Women's Club, prominent political
leader and civic spirited citizens of Batangas was received by the president in possible through the
efforts of Dr. Olegario Cantos. As a result of the petition of the delegation, a check of P50, 000.00 from
the funds of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes was presented to Dr. Vicente Berba, chief of the Batangas
Provincial Hospital by Dr. Cantos in September 1950. The reconstruction work, including painting and
other improvements was ended in May 1951. It has a bed capacity of 70.

source: Batangas Provincial Library

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL NOW

KNOWN AS THE

BATANGAS MEDICAL CENTER (BatMC)

For the past 85 years, the Batangas Provincial Hospital has never been
static. It is always in the process of change in all aspects. Looking back,
this hospital was constructed sometime in the year 1927 during the
administration of Governor MODESTO CASTILLO. It was through his efforts
that the establishment of a Provincial Hospital was realized. This hospital
was inaugurated and opened to the general public on January 1, 1928 as a
“Provincial Hospital” with a bed capacity of 30, with Dr. Sixto L. Roxas, a
prominent and well known physician of Batangas, as Chief of
Hospital. There were three(3) wards for charity patients and three (3)
private rooms and separate rooms for the Chief of Hospital, the Resident
Physicians and the Administrative Officer. There was an Operating
Room and an Out-Patient room. The Kitchen and Dining were situated at the
rear portion of the main building.

In 1941, under the administration of Gov. VICENTE NOBLE, the bed

capacity was increased and two (2) additional wings(pavilion type) and a
separate delivery room were constructed. This project was funded out the
Sweepstakes Allotment of the province, through the efforts of the provincial
executives.

The operation of the hospital was temporarily suspended upon the arrival
of the Japanese Imperial Forces who confiscated all its equipment and
medicines. In 1943 the operation resumed temporarily until 1944. The
Nurses Home during that time was burned by the Japanese soldiers, but the
main building and other hospital structures in the compound were spared
from the fire.

In April 1945, upon the arrival of the Liberating American Forces, the
operation of the hospital operation resumed furnished and equipped with all
the necessary medical supplies, equipments, surgical instrument and even
light and water services.

In August 1, 1945, the hospital administration was turned over to the

Commonwealth Government and all pre-war employees were recalled to
service. Dr. SIXTO L. ROXAS, once again, headed the hospital staff.
Improvement of its equipment was Commonwealth Government, all pre-war
employees were recalled to service. Dr. SIXTO made possible by securing
from the surplus depots here and in Manila such as: steel beds and
mattresses, which replaced the cots, bedside tables, folding chairs, electrical
sterilizer, etc. Two (2) water tanks were installed to ensure a continuous
supply of water.

In March 28, 1948, Dr. SIXTO L. ROXAS died, after which Dr.
VICENTE C. BERBA was designated to take charge of the Hospital, and later
on was finally appointed as permanent Chief of Hospital.

In the early part of 1949, rehabilitation of the Nurses Home started

financed partly by war damage funds amounting to Php. 10,500.00 and
out of the hospital funds amounting to Php.4,482.60. After its completion,
the Nurses Home was occupied on May 1, 1949.

Fiscal Year 1949-1950, maybe described as “memorable year” in the

history of Batangas Provincial Hospital considering that during this time
major improvements such as repair, repainting of hospital buildings,
reconstruction and repainting of the kitchen and acquisition of surgical
supplies were realized. However, that same year maybe called
“lamentable” as well. In the afternoon of February 25, 1950, a bomb
explosion occurred in the Philippine Constabulary (PC) Compound situated
about two hundred (200) yards away from the hospital. The newly
constructed hospital proper was almost completely destroyed including the
kitchen and other buildings in the hospital premises.

Sometime in 1950, after the tragic incident damaging almost all the
hospital proper, a delegation of residents of Batangas including Mayors of
some towns of Batangas; representatives of the Rotary Club of Batangas;
Batangas Women’s Club; prominent political leaders and civic spirited
citizens of Batangas went to the Office of the then President Elpidio Quirino.
The reception of the delegation was made possible thru the efforts of Dr.
OLIGARIO CANTOS. As a result of the position requested by the
delegation, funds from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes was given to Dr.
VICENTE G. BERBA, the then Chief of Hospital thru Dr. OLIGARIO CANTOS,
in September, 1950, after which the reconstruction work of the hospital was
started in the middle of November, same year in accordance with
specifications prepared by the District Engineer’s Office. The whole
reconstruction work including painting and other improvements were
completed in 1951. Bed capacity was 70.

As provided for in Circular No. 112 dated April 17, 1953 in

accordance with the new classification of existing hospitals with regard to
bed capacities, the Batangas Provincial Hospital was classified into a
70-Bed capacity hospital.

On July 28, 1953, seven truckloads of hospital equipment

together with one New Ford Ranchwagon Ambulance was given to
this hospital as part of ICA-NEC Aid. Also, the arrival of the MSA-
PHILCUSA hospital rehabilitation aide consisting of beds, cribs, bassinets,
blankets, Infra red and Ultraviolet lamps 100 MA X-ray Unit, laboratory,
dental, EENT, Operating Room equipment, etc. Improvement of the hospital
services to its patients was made possible.

From the Php. 50,000.00 Pork Barrel Allotment of the then Speaker
Jose P. Laurel, Jr., an Out Patient Department (OPD) was constructed at
the west side of the hospital wherein the Dental Clinic, the EENT Clinic, X-
ray, Laboratory, pharmacy, Dispensary are located. The construction of the
Out-Patient Department made available the space formerly occupied by the
Dispensary, laboratory, Laboratory, Pharmacy, and X-ray, as the male and
female wards.
 Expansion of the hospital Mess Hall was made possible by the additional
space now occupied by the kitchen. Three (3) Nurses stations were were
also constructed in line with departmentalization of the hospital.

In 1955, the first hospital water tank was installed, the contents of
which is more or less 5,000 gallons.

In July10, 1962, the then Secretary of Health, Dr. Francisco Q.

Duque, implemented Department Order No. 205-A, series 1962,
which states that “Effective July 10, 1962,pursuant to the provisions of
Section 4 of RA 1243 as amended by RA 2251, the then Batangas Provincial
Hospital was designated as “Training Hospital” On that same year, the
Conference Room of about 200 seat capacity, and the Medical Records
Section and Library were constructed.

In November, 1962, a concrete septic tank of 100,000 gallons was

constructed for the disposition of sewage which is located at the eastern
portion of the hospital compound. In 1968, the fencing of the western
portion of the hospital grounds was done out of the realized savings
of the hospital. In September 11, 1968, Dr. VICENTE G. BERBA retired
as Chief of Hospital. Dr. PEDRO L. SANCIANCO was designated as OIC
and was later on appointed as Chief of Hospital on January 5, 1970.

In 1970, the hospital underwent a radical facelift when several pavilions

and the outpatient building were built. That same year, the DOH Reparation
donated a Mitsubishi Generator with 140 KVA, 1800 rpn AND 220 volts. In
1971, the two Operating Rooms was constructed and the renovation of the
Laboratory and X-Ray was realized.

In 1971, there was another extension- a Cancer Pavilion or better

known as “Station IV,or Pay Ward, the funds thru Congressman EXPEDITO
LEVISTE and the funds for its completion came from hospital savings.

In 1972, due to increased admissions of patients, the hospital was

increased from 100 to 150.

In February 5, 1973, the hospital was designated as Batangas Regional

Hospital (Training and Teaching), by virtue of Department Order No. 60-
B, series of 1973 thru Secretary of Health then, Dr. CLEMENTE S.
GATMAITAN. BRH was under the direct supervision and control of
the Regional Health Office No. 4-A.

In 1973, the Training Office was constructed for the Training

Residents and Student Affiliates.
 In 1975, due to increased number of hospital patients, the 150 bed
capacity was further increased to 200.

In 1976, Cong. Expedito Leviste gave to the hospital from his

appropriationsf 3 units of school Pre-Fab for the initial constuction of the
New OPD located in the Southwest portion of the hospital separate from the
main building. The building was named after the Chief Executive of the
province of Batangas former Gov. MODESTO CASTILLO. The building
was identified and called “GOV. MODESTO CASTILLO MEMORIAL
BUILDING, OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT, BATANGAS REGIONAL
HOSPITAL’, to honor an illustrious citizen of Batangas, who had
contributed unselfishly and untiringly, both as an individual and as a public
official. That same year, to improve the water supply system of the hospital,
a 25,000 gallons elevated steel water tank on a 40 feet high steel
tower was erected. Followed next was the construction of a big
Mess Hall and Kitchen for a 200 bed capacity hospital.

In 1977, still there was sign of prosperity when the hospital had
undertaken construction like the Laundry Building, Morgue building, Car
Shed, Nurses Home and Mini-Park, all taken from the hospital savings.

In 1978, still from the Capital Outlay (CO), there were several
renovations and construction: Old Kitchen to Supply Room Office; Stock
Room; Central Supply Room; Delivery Room; Charity Ward Toilet and
Demonstration Room. Also included in the list was renovation of the Nursery
Room - one (1) for pathological Nursery and one (1) for the Non-
pathological or well-baby Nursery;

After nine (9) long years, in December 1987, the DOH released the
amount of Php. 300,00 taken from its Capital Outlay (C0) for the repair and
renovation of the LABORATORY Department.

In early 1988, the repair and renovation of the Medical and Psychiatric
(Mental Clinic) of the hospital out of the Capital Outlay (C0) in the amount of
Php. 250,000.00 was undertaken.

From its humble beginnings, the Batangas Regional Hospital has

metamorphosed into the premiere tertiary government hospital in the whole
of Region IV-A. Excluded from the devolution wave that swept the country’s
health system upon the enactment of the Local Government Code, the
hospital remains under the direct supervision of the Center of Health
Development IV-A (CALABARZON) of the DOH. The hospital serves as the
end referral hospital of lower category hospitals in the area. The has turned
out hundreds of graduates of its residency training programs and they
constitute the majority of consultants of different specialties and
subspecialties in the area.

Information dissemination was never overlooked. Reinforcing this

activity is through radio interviews aimed to generate public awareness on
the different program thrusts of the DOH. Outreach program is a continuing
commitment of Batangas Regional to the people of Batangas in coordination
and cooperation with the civic and religious organizations. For a broader
and effective health provision, the hospital adopted networking with other
government hospitals. Special programs were coordinated to civic and
religious organizations for information dissemination.

In NOVEMBER 19, 2009, at last the long wait was over. By virtue of
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9791, “An Act Amending Republic Act No. 7532 ,
CONVERTING THE BATANGAS REGIONAL HOSPITAL TO THE
BATANGAS MEDICAL CENTER, FURTHER INCREASING ITS BED
CAPACITY TO FIVE HUNDRED (500) BEDS,” was approved and
signed into law by former President GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO.
In January, 2013, under the administration of Dr. RAMONCITO C.
MAGNAYE, Chief of Hospital III, the Batangas Regional Hospital was
renamed as BATANGAS MEDICAL CENTER (BatMC)

1928
7/31/1935

9/25/36
1936

1939
December 23, 1943
December 25, 1947

May 12, 1949

May 12, 1949

December 25, 1951

August 23, 1953

December 23, 1953

December 23, 1955
December 23, 1955
December 23, 1955
Dr. Sixto Roxas
Dr. Vicente G. Berba
Dr. Pedro L. Sanciano

Dr. Alejandro Palines, Sr.

Dr. Julio Mayuga
Dr. Vicente Gahol
Dra. Eleonor Gamo
Dr. Renato Dimayuga
Dr. Ramoncito C. Magnaye