The Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH&MC) formally inaugurated the Banna Bucas Center on Sunday, opening a new extension facility designed to bring hospital-level healthcare services closer to residents of Banna and nearby municipalities.

The inauguration was attended by Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba, Banna Mayor Dr. Mary Chrislyn Abadilla, Vice Mayor Carlie Abadilla, Badoc Mayor Virgilio Calajate, Batac City Councilor Winet Quidang, MMMH&MC Chief Dr. Maria Lourdes Otayza, Dr. Jose Orosa, and representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) College of Medicine.

The Banna Bucas Center is expected to enhance healthcare access in northern Ilocos Norte by providing outpatient services, emergency care, and referral assistance, allowing patients to receive basic medical attention closer to their communities and reducing unnecessary trips to the main hospital.

In his remarks, Barba described the facility as a major step toward improving healthcare delivery in rural areas.

“This Bucas Center is a big step toward making sure that Ilokanos don’t have to travel far just to get the medical care they need. With the support of President Bongbong Marcos, Mayor Chrislyn Abadilla, the DOH, MMMH&MC, MMSU, and our LGU mayors in the 2nd District, we are building a stronger and more responsive health system for the people of Ilocos Norte,” Barba said.

Abadilla expressed her gratitude to Barba and the partner agencies behind the project, noting that the facility is expected to help ease congestion at MMMH&MC while enabling patients to access medical services more efficiently.

Officials said the Banna Bucas Center will operate as an extension of MMMH&MC and will work with the MMSU College of Medicine in supporting the training of medical personnel and strengthening healthcare manpower development.

Barba also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting additional health infrastructure projects and partnerships aimed at expanding access to quality, affordable, and responsive healthcare services for more Ilokanos.