KORONADAL CITY, Philippines โ The South Cotabato provincial government will receive a fresh โฑ200 million grant from Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation to expand hospital infrastructure in the province, officials announced following a coordination meeting in Manila on January 29, 2026.
The funding, formalized under what provincial officials described as a transparent, non-political partnership, will support three public health projects: a โฑ100 million three-storey extension of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital, โฑ50 million for the Koronadal City Infirmary Hospital, and โฑ50 million for a district hospital in Tantangan, the municipality nearest the provincial capital.
Permits to construct have already been secured from Department of Health Region XII, following coordination with the Integrated Provincial Health Office, the provincial hospital, and the local governments of Koronadal and Tantangan. Detailed designs and programs of work are now being prepared.
From classrooms to hospitals
The latest grant builds on an earlier education partnership with Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation. Melco Foundation funded the construction of 40 one-storey school buildings, or 80 classrooms, across South Cotabato. The completed school project, launched in February 2024 at Tupi Central Pilot School, addressed classroom shortages in geographically isolated and disadvantaged barangays.
That initiative involved Melco Foundation, Premium Leisure Corp., Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), the provincial government, the Municipality of Tupi, and DepEd South Cotabato, and was completed in compliance with national building standards.
Provincial officials said the successful delivery of the school buildings prompted Melco Foundation to deepen its engagement with South Cotabato, citing the provinceโs adherence to good governance and its ability to deliver agreed outcomes.
Melco and the role of private partners
Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of Melcoโs Philippine operations, including City of Dreams Manila, and supports programs in health and social welfare, including medical missions and public health partnerships.
Sagittarius Mines, Inc. helped facilitate the partnership by connecting Melco Foundation with the provincial government. The company acted as a bridge rather than a beneficiary, officials said.
SMI is the holder of a contract with the national government for the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project in Tampakan, South Cotabato. The operations have yet to begin.
Once operational, the project is expected to generate local government revenues from excise taxes and fund community programs through the Social Development and Management Program. The revenue could further support health, education, and infrastructure in host and neighboring communities.
Governor Reynaldo Sucayan Tamayo Jr., now on his final term, thanked private partners for their support.
The provinceโs partnerships have been built without personal or political conditions and focused on improving services, particularly in remote areas, he said. (Image: Contributed Photo)
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