ITOGON, Benuet, Philippines  – The Municipal Government of Itogon and SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAPBI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a P4-million donation to support the construction of the Itogon Super Health Center on Monday, October 12 at the Municipal Hall.

The donation supplements the initial P20-million funding secured in 2025 by Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, in coordination with Benguet Representative Eric G. Yap, from the Department of Health (DOH) for the construction of a large-scale, two-storey health facility.

Under the agreement, the one-time P4-million donation will be charged against the corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment for the Binga Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, covering Phases 1 to 3. The amount will be used to fund the construction of the facility’s masonry walls and roofing.

The MOA was signed by Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, Municipal Vice Mayor Dante Alain Xavier D. Godio, and Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) Engr. Imelda F. Nuguid representing LGU Itogon, and Mr. Michael Bon Hosillos, First Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of SNAPBI.

With a planned floor area of approximately 450 square meters, the health center is currently being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera Administrative Region (DPWH-CAR).

According to Municipal Engineer Engr. Michelle A. Busacay, the LGU is awaiting the turnover of the project from DPWH-CAR before proceeding with the utilization of the donation for the intended construction works.

Meanwhile, Municipal Health Officer Dr. Oliver P. Guadaña said that once the infrastructure is completed, the facility will need to be equipped with the necessary medical equipment and supplies to make its services operational. He added that the LGU intends to seek additional assistance from the DOH for the facility’s equipping requirements.

The Itogon Super Health Center is envisioned to provide essential healthcare services, including laboratory examinations, minor surgical procedures, birthing services, dental care, pharmacy services, and X-ray examinations, bringing a wider range of medical services closer to the community.

Mayor Waclin and Vice Mayor Godio expressed their gratitude to SNAPBI for its support, noting that the additional funding will help advance the development of the health facility and contribute to improving access to essential healthcare services for Itogon residents.

The partnership reflects the continuing collaboration between the municipal government and the private sector in strengthening local healthcare infrastructure and bringing more accessible health services to the community. (Capsula & Padcayan, GIP)