New Bayambang Hospital Helps Boost Pathetic Ph. Tourism

 By Mortz C. Ortigoza, MPA

BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan – The Julius K. Quiambao Medical & Wellness Center, Inc. (JKQ MWC) here is one of the saving graces of the Philippines pathetic hospitality industy as it is poised to be part of the medical and wellness tourism of the country.

“I am confident that JKQ MWC will even jumstart the medical tourism sector in our province and region. Medical and wellness tourism has a high chance of succeeding in our country because, from the perspective of tourists from the First World countries, we have relatively affordable healthcare services. I believe this hospital is positioned to benefit from these positive trends,” said by this town’s former mayor and JKQ MWC Board Chairman Cezar T. Quiambao during the inauguration of the hospital attended by First Lady Liza Marcos, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, and other luminaries.

 

TOP HONCHOS (seated fronting the camera) of the Julius K. Quiambao Medical & Wellness Center in Brgy. Asin, Bayambang answer questions from the members of the media they invited to boost the stocks of the hospital. (From left to right):  Sales, Marketing and Business Development Head Ms. Karen C. Dizon, Administrator Atty. Arnel C. Glorioso, Chief Executive Officer and President Dr. Estrella Quiambao-Glorioso, Medical Director Dr. Dave C. Gamboa, and Chief of Clinics Dr. Nicolas O. Miguel.

Because of the six storey and still expanding hospital due to the increase number of patients that patronized it, JKQ MWC employed 600 workers where 250 are trained doctors like general practitioners and specialists and 350 support staff that range from nurses, healthcare specialists, hospital assistants and others who are well-trained.

The Philippines is No. 7 in snaring foreign tourists in 2024 --sandwitched by backwaters Laos and Cambodia -- with 5.4 million visitors in that year.

The top drawers of visitors in the ASEAN Region are: 1) Thailand (35. 5 million); 2) Malaysia (25 million); 3) Vietnam (17.6 million); 4) Singapore (16.5 million); 5) Indonesia (13.9 million); 6) Cambodia (6.7 million); 7) Philippines (5.4 million); 8) Laos (4.1 million), and; 9) Myanmar (former Burma) (1.06 million), according to ASEAN Skyline.

In 2024, the Philippine tourism industry was a major job generator, providing 6.75 million direct jobs and benefiting millions more through indirect employment, with its share of total national employment recorded at 13.8%. The industry is a vital pillar of the Philippine economy, supporting livelihoods nationwide and growing steadily after the pandemic.

An average foreign tourist spends U.S $2,073 (PhP118, 161) in the Philippines. Over 70% of them were repeat visitors, and the average stay per visitor was over 11 nights, according to the Department of Tourism.

JKQ MWC’s world class equipment is composed of CT scan, 3D ultrasound, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Its Philips magnetic resonance imaging scanner is only two of its kind in the Philippines, according to the media kit given last August 20 this year to reporters in a press conference with the top officials of the hospital.

 “Our patients’ safety and recovery are our top priorities,” said Dr. Dave Gamboa, Medical Director of the hospital. “Our surgical team is composed of highly skilled specialists supported by trained nurses and advanced technology, ensuring that every procedure is carried out with precision and care”.

In line with its mission to provide quality compassionate, and accessible healthcare, the JKQMWC proudly launches its surgery packages, making essential surgical procedures more affordable and convenient for patients and their families. “Acces to surgery should never be out of reach for patients who need it,” said Dr. Estrella Quiambao-Glrorioso, President and CEO. “Our surgery packages were developed to provide comprehensive care at transparent and reasonable costs – ensuring that patients receive excellent surgical treatment without the burden of unexpected expenses”.

During the inauguration of the elegantly built hospital in October 18, 2024, Quiambao said that among the countless hospitals in the province, JKQ MWC billed the least sum from the patient.

“Nabi benchmark na iyan province wide. Sa mga nakapasok dito masabi mo na mas mababa dito kaysa sa other hospitals. Kung nakikita lang sa daan mahal diyan pero dito kinuha mo ang bill mo “mas mababa pala dito tapos mahusay pa ang serbisyo ng mga nurses at mga doctor mahusay pala",” disclosed to this writer by the hospital’s administrator lawyer Arnel C. Glorioso.

JKQ MWC has partnered with the Medical City (TMC), a respected name in the healthcare sector. Headquartered in Pasig City, TMC has the largest healthcare network in the country that is made up of one flagship complex, four provincial hospitals, and 50 clinics in Metro Manila and selected provinces in the country.