Coron inagurates first medical oxygen plant, aims to strengthen healthcare access

Located at the Coron New Public Market in Barangay Poblacion 6, the plant is expected to provide a steady and affordable supply of medical oxygen, addressing a long-standing gap in the town’s healthcare infrastructure. Prior to its establishment, residents in need of oxygen had to travel to the neighboring municipality of Culion, a logistical challenge that became especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a milestone for our community. We saw how difficult it was for our people, especially during the pandemic, when oxygen was a matter of life and death,” Mayor Marjo Reyes said in a statement.

“Now, we don’t have to look elsewhere. This plant ensures that medical oxygen is available when and where it is needed.”

The project was made possible through funding from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Coron, specifically from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) Fund and the Gender and Development (GAD) Fund.

Though the Coron District Hospital (CDH) falls under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Government of Palawan, the LGU has played an active role in supporting its operations, particularly in facilitating its accreditation with the Department of Health (DOH).

The newly inaugurated facility is part of a broader initiative to improve Coron’s healthcare services. Local officials, led by Mayor Reyes and Dr. Guintapan, are already working on expanding medical capabilities in the municipality, with efforts underway to acquire a CT scan machine and enhance the Rural Health Unit’s (RHU) services.

Vice Mayor Asian Manasseh Lorenzo Palanca, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, local department heads, and representatives from the Coron District Hospital and PhilHealth were present at the event while the blessing and inauguration ceremony was led by Pastor Reynaldo Maarat.