The lingap building worth P25 million, constructed at the compound of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), is expected to be completed and will be fully operational this year.
“It’s already constructed. We are just finishing the elevators so hopefully within this year we can open the building and make it more comfortable and convenient for individuals who need assistance,” said Josephine Mitaran, officer in-charge for Lingap para sa Mahirap and Malasakit Center.
The new building will serve as a one-stop-shop that will house health agencies of the government such as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) as well as the Lingap para sa Mahirap, Malasakit Center and Botika ng Bayan.
“It can lessen the effort of going to different agencies and to save more time since all agencies who offers medical assistance are now put together in one area,” Mitaran said.
The construction started in September 2018 inaugurated by then Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go (now an incoming senator).
Upon completion, all mentioned agencies and health centers will transfer from their temporary offices, which according to Go, is not convenient for clients. The four-story building has an area of 300 sq.m. that has a capacity of 100 to 150 people for each floor.
