Isabela State University (ISU) engaged in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Southern Isabela Medical Center (SIMC) Cancer Center and the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Center on October 10, 2025 at the ISU Echague Campus Compound.
The proposed projects aim to provide comprehensive cancer care while bridging the gap between primary care facilities and higher-level medical institutions. The BUCAS Center, part of the Department of Health (DOH) “28 for 28 by 28” initiative, is designed to establish 28 centers nationwide by 2028, offering healthcare to 28 million Filipinos.
Supporting the initiative, ISU has extended its support to make these facilities possible. In December 2023, the University entered into a tripartite agreement with SIMC and the Provincial Government of Isabela (PGI), through which ISU committed portions of its Echague Campus, under a Usufruct Agreement, to serve as extension of the SIMC.
The University’s participation is part of its efforts to promote accessible and advanced healthcare for the people of Isabela.
In his message of support, Dr. Boyet L. Batang (University President) expressed hope that as the project moves forward from its groundbreaking, it would not only build structures and facilities but also foster a lasting legacy of humanity, service, and hope. He envisioned the site to stand as a sanctuary where healing begins, compassion flourishes, and life is celebrated each day.
“…may this new beginning inspire us to work hand in hand toward a healthier, more caring, more hopeful future for everyone,” Dr. Batang added.
Key DOH officials who attended the groundbreaking ceremony were Usec. Glenn Mathew G. Baggao (also the concurrent Medical Center Chief II of SIMC), Usec. Randy B. Escolango, and Usec. Gregorio T. Murillo, Jr.
Undersecretary Baggao shared that the Cancer Center will be the first of its kind and the BUCAS Facility the second in the province. He emphasized that these developments aim to expand urgent and ambulatory care services, ensuring fair and accessible healthcare for all. He also paid tribute to health workers, describing them as the heart of the health system who contribute to the progress of saving lives.
Local government officials and community leaders through Hon. Francis Faustino “Kiko” A. Dy (Vice Governor, Province of Isabela), Hon. Faustino “Inno” A. Dy V (Mayor, Municipality of Echague), and Hon. Maria Katrina Jessica G. Dy (National President, League of Barangays), were also in attendance as part of their commitment and participation for the said initiatives.
Mayor Dy regarded the event as a significant milestone not only for the municipality of Echague but also for its neighboring towns. He expressed his vision of the facility becoming a future teaching and training hospital under the management of the SIMC and conveyed his gratitude to the DOH and all partner institutions for their steadfast support in enhancing the town’s health infrastructure.
The establishment of the SIMC Cancer Center seeks to deliver state-of-the-art oncology services, while the BUCAS Center hopes to ensure that urgent care and ambulatory services are regularly available. These centers, to be constructed on ISU’s land resources, are set to improve healthcare delivery, promote early detection and treatment of diseases, and reduce travel burdens for patients across Southern Isabela.
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