MANILA – The Department of Finance (DOF) said 28 million underserved Filipinos in communities near the Luzon Economic Corridor are expected to benefit from improved diagnostic and treatment services under a proposed USD12 million (approximately PHP724 million) grant from the government of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines.
In a statement on Friday, the DOF said Finance Secretary Frederick Go is facilitating the proposed partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for the project.
The proposed grant would support the modernization of the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Center’s diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including enhanced molecular testing for tuberculosis (TB) screening and the integration of influenza surveillance into laboratory operations.
It would also fund the training of laboratory specialists and personnel to strengthen the country’s capacity to detect, monitor, and respond to disease outbreaks.
The project is expected to benefit communities in Ilocos Norte, Batangas, Pampanga, and Bataan.
“Investments in healthcare are investments in our people. By strengthening diagnostic and treatment services, we can help more Filipinos access timely and reliable healthcare while enhancing our capacity to detect and respond to disease outbreaks,” Go said. (Anna Leah Gonzales/PNA)
BETTER HEALTHCARE. The inauguration of the first fully functional Bagong Urgent Care & Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) Center of the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Banna, Ilocos Norte on July 17, 2026. The Department of Finance said Friday (Nov. 6) that 28 million underserved Filipinos in communities near the Luzon Economic Corridor are expected to benefit from improved diagnostic and treatment services under a proposed USD12 million (approximately PHP724 million) grant from the government of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines. (PNA photo by Leilanie Adriano)
