TACLOBAN CITY, July 27 -- The provincial government of Eastern Samar has committed PHP676 million to strengthen healthcare services as it pushes for the full implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) program.

Speaking during the 2026 Universal Health Care Summit at the Provincial Capitol Gym on Monday, Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone said the province has earmarked PHP500 million for the major rehabilitation of the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital and secured an additional PHP176 million for medical supplies, drugs and medicines for district hospitals.

Evardone said the investments are intended to improve healthcare delivery despite the province's geographical and financial challenges.

He said Eastern Samar's mountainous terra...