The Davao City Council has commended the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for its recent series of recognitions at both national and international levels, highlighting the hospital’s sustained excellence in public healthcare service.
City Councilor Trisha Ann Villafuerte, chairperson of the Committee on Health, delivered a privilege speech on Tuesday honoring SPMC, describing it as a long-standing pillar of healing and public service for Davao and the wider Mindanao region.
SPMC is a 1,500-bed government tertiary hospital and serves as the primary referral center in Mindanao, accommodating thousands of patients annually, particularly those from indigent and underserved communities.
Villafuerte said she rose “not to argue a bill, not to move a resolution, but to celebrate” the hospital’s recent achievements, which she described as a remarkable season of recognition for the institution.
Among its latest accolades, SPMC was named Most Sustainable and Livable Hospital in the Philippines during the 10th Nation Builders and MOSLIV Awards held on April 22, 2026, at Okada Manila.
Villafuerte paid tribute to the hospital’s workforce, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, emphasizing their role in making SPMC both functional and responsive to patients’ needs.
She also recognized Medical Center Chief Dr. Ricardo B. Audan, who was named Most Visionary Iconic Professional of the Year at the Grand Honors 2026 Asia Iconic Excellence and Innovation Awards in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The councilor said such leadership is rare in public institutions and deserves strong recognition from the local government.
SPMC was likewise cited by the Philippine Hospital Association as 1st Runner-Up, Most Outstanding Hospital (Government Sector, Level 3 category), during ceremonies held at The Manila Hotel on November 19, 2025.
On the international stage, the hospital ranked 29th in the Philippines in the World’s Best Hospitals 2026 list by Newsweek and Statista, further strengthening its global standing.
Villafuerte also noted SPMC’s consistent 5-Green Star Rating under the Department of Health’s Green Viability Assessment for four consecutive years, as well as its inclusion among the Philippines’ Best Employers 2026, ranking 142nd out of 300 companies nationwide.
She said the recognitions reflect not only institutional excellence but also the dedication of its personnel.
“A hospital is only as strong as its people,” she said, adding that the awards belong to all Davaoeños and Mindanaoans who rely on the institution.
Meanwhile, SPMC is slated for expansion to a 2,500-bed capacity following House approval in March 2026, a move aimed at addressing chronic overcrowding as the facility continues to accommodate significantly more patients than its current capacity.
