Basilan governor praises new hospital bills but urges caution

DAVAO CITY (July 8) –Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman applauded the regional parliament’s health committee for advancing two bills that would create new hospitals in Tipo-Tipo and Maluso.

According to Hataman, the move “brings much-needed healthcare services closer to our people,” especially in far-flung areas where residents currently must travel long distances for care. For example, Tipo-Tipo villagers now go over 22 kilometers to reach the nearest hospital in Lamitan

Provincial officials note that establishing local Level-I general hospitals will significantly improve access to medical care and relieve overcrowded facilities.

Basilan has no hospitals in Tipo-Tipo or Maluso today. Local lawmakers say a Tipo-Tipo hospital would “improve the delivery of health services” and serve patients who cannot afford travel to distant cities

The original bills envision 25-bed Level-I hospitals, helping meet BARMM’s health mandate and share the load of over-burdened facilities

Both measures have cleared the Bangsamoro Parliament’s health committee (July 2024) and are pending plenary approval. Public hearing agendas confirm BTA Bill No. 104 (establishing a Level-I general hospital in Tipo-Tipo) and Bill No. 105 (for Maluso) were discussed in mid-2024

The Bangsamoro Organic Law (RA 11054) requires the regional government to provide “comprehensive and integrated” health services to all residents

BARMM officials have cited this mandate in arguing for new hospitals to uplift rural health coverage.

Hataman, however, also cautioned against an immediate transfer of these hospitals to local government units (LGUs). The current versions of the bills include a “sunset provision” that would hand management to Basilan’s LGUs after a transition period. Hataman warned that many island municipalities lack the fiscal capacity to sustain hospitals without ongoing support.

He urged the Parliament to consider the long-term implications: devolving operations too soon might hamper service delivery unless stable funding is ensured. (He expressed support for the original bills authored by former MP Amilbahar Mawallil, which had provisions aimed at securing resources.)

The Bangsamoro Parliament building in Cotabato City – BARMM’s seat of government. The regional assembly is currently deliberating hospital bills for Tipo-Tipo and Maluso

Governor Hataman appealed for thorough dialogue between the Basilan provincial government and BARMM authorities before final votes. Ultimately, he said, all stakeholders share the goal of “ensuring every Basileño has access to quality healthcare.” The Bangsamoro Parliament will now work on finalizing the bills. If passed into law, the new hospitals (funded by BARMM’s budget) will mark a major step toward better health access in Basilan’s remote towns