From left: Gilda Fridegotto (IFC PPP Transaction Advisory), Atty. Aris Gulapa (Gulapa Law), Kristina Diza (PPPC), Executive Director Ma. Cynthia Hernandez (PPPC), Dr. Jose Rafael Marfori (Special Assistant to the Director for Flagship Projects, UP-PGH), Dr. Gerardo Legaspi (PGH Director).

UP-PGH held the Investors’ Conference for the Cancer Center, a build-transfer-operate (BTO) project to expand and enhance PGH-operated public services.

March 2, 2023 — The University of the Philippines’ Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) held a well-attended Investors’ Conference on the much-awaited development of a new 300-bed comprehensive cancer hospital at PGH’s main complex at the UP Manila campus.

The conference drew attendance of over 160 representatives from 64 local and international entities in 12 countries across the spectrum of hospital operators, construction companies, equipment suppliers, financiers, and other important stakeholders. Held on Wednesday March 1, the conference was conducted both in person at the UP-PGH Guazon Hall and online.

Half of all the 300 beds will exclusively serve underprivileged Filipinos—providing advanced, integrated, and affordable oncology care services to those who cannot otherwise access the kind of treatment available in private hospitals.

“The conference marks an important step forward in the implementation of this major project,” said Dr. Gerardo “Gap” Legaspi, Director of PGH. “There was an active participation from a wide range of prospective bidders and this was highlighted during the vibrant question-and-answer session. We at PGH hope to see a sustained interest throughout the tender process.”

The project was approved by the National Economic Development Authority Board (NEDAB) early February which promptly set in motion the process of informing the prospective bidders.

The project will be implemented as a 30-year Build-Transfer-Operate concession under the BOT Law, wherein PGH will obtain the services of a partner to design, finance, build, and equip the facility; then operate selected portions. Half of all the 300 beds will exclusively serve underprivileged Filipinos—providing advanced, integrated, and affordable oncology care services to those who cannot otherwise access the kind of treatment available in private hospitals.

The selection of the private partner conducted by the UP-PGH will be completed through an open, competitive, single-stage tender and is expected to commence shortly. 

The conference was supported by the PPP Center and the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group), a lead transaction advisor.

During the conference, PPP Center Executive Director Ma. Cynthia C. Hernandez indicated that the current administration strongly supports a PPP pipeline in the health sector— highlighting that “the project is timely in meeting the growing health needs of the Filipino people.”

I Dr. Raffy Marfori, Office of the Director, UP-PGH