THE incomplete Mega Health Center in Sitio Macanhan, Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, has drawn national attention after being featured on the television program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho last Sunday, Nov. 16.
The segment spotlighted the two-story facility as one of several health projects across the Philippines that have been left unfinished or abandoned, a costly and vital infrastructure failure that has generated public frustration.
The stalled P65 million project
The facility, budgeted at nearly P65 million, was initiated in March 2024 and designed to be a crucial, decentralized healthcare hub.
It was intended to offer essential services including emergency services, outpatient care, laboratory testing, and dialysis treatment.
The primary goal was to dramatically improve local health access and, critically, help decongest the overcrowded JR Borja Hospital, a major issue for the city’s healthcare system.
The project was scheduled for completion within nine months.
However, construction stalled after the contractor, Nurben Engineering, allegedly abandoned the site.
Today, only steel beams and a partial framework remain, serving as a visible symbol of government inefficiency to Barangay Carmen residents whose urgent need for comprehensive health services remains unaddressed.
The facility’s appearance on national television amplified this local dissatisfaction.
City vows to fast-track rebid
In response to the public outcry and media exposure, city officials have initiated a rebidding process.
Jade Adecer, the City Information Officer, assured the public that the office of City Mayor Rolando Uy is moving to expedite the construction by fast-tracking the rebidding process.
The city government is aiming to finish the Mega Health Center by mid-2026.
“Ipa prioritize gyud sya pag rebid,” said the City Information Officer.
Adecer also pointed out the importance of completing the facility, noting that it will significantly help decongest the JR Borja Hospital.
