Capitol hires 158 nurses, 13 doctors

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 158 new nurses and 13 medical doctors are set to serve Cebu’s provincial and district hospitals after the Cebu Provincial Government formally welcomed them during an onboarding ceremony at the Capitol Social Hall on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

The hiring seeks to address critical staffing shortages in Cebu’s 16 provincial and district hospitals, where demand for healthcare workers has long outpaced supply.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro urged the new batch of health professionals to serve Cebuanos wholeheartedly, reminding them to always carry out their duties with a smile.

Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief Dr. Jocelyn Arcenal likewise emphasized compassion, telling the recruits to treat every patient with a heart, as many already carry the heavy burden of illness.

“Kung mahimo… naa na silay gibati na sakit unya ato pajung pasakitan, so let’s change that and treat our patients with a heart,” Arcenal said.

Of the 13 doctors hired, two are internists, one is an anesthesiologist, and nine are general practitioners. Three of them will be assigned to Camotes Island, where the need for medical professionals is particularly urgent.

For nurses, deployment covers 16 hospitals across the province: CPH Balamban (14), Bogo City (20), Carcar City (11), Danao City (25), Badian (7), Bantayan (13), Barili (7), Daanbantayan (5), Argao (8), Pinamungajan (5), Sogod (6), Minglanilla (3), Malabuyoc (4), Oslob (12), Camotes (11), and Tuburan (7).

Dr. Nikki Catalan, the Capitol’s public health consultant, admitted the newly hired group represents only a fraction of Cebu’s actual manpower needs.

“Kuwang pajud ni ang atong mga hired, this is probably one-fourth (¼ ) or one-third (?) sa kinahanglan,” Catalan said, stressing that more medical professionals are still needed as hospital facilities continue to be upgraded.

Currently, the Capitol estimates that more than 1,600 additional healthcare workers—including doctors, nurses, and utility staff—are needed to fully equip its hospitals.

Catalan highlighted the advantage of direct hiring, noting that there are no middlemen or agencies involved, ensuring transparency and fairness in the process.

The newly hired workers will initially serve under Contract of Service (COS) status, as priority is being given to those who have served for years without plantilla positions.

“They are a big part of the transformation. Every act of service they offer is a step toward the reforms we are building,” Catalan said.

As to compensation, entry-level Nurse I positions will receive Salary Grade 15, amounting to ?38,810 per month. Medical Officer III positions will earn around ?69,000, while Medical Specialists will be paid about ?71,000.

Though competitive, Catalan acknowledged that salaries alone may not be enough to attract more professionals, which is why the Capitol is exploring additional incentives.

“Mao na atong e work on—to better give good incentives with regards to PhilHealth, PAG-IBIG, and SSS… We’re still exploring how to incentivize them more,” she said.

Arcenal admitted that staffing gaps remain but assured that the Provincial Government is taking steps to gradually fill them while complying with national standards.

She said the new recruits would play a crucial role in improving patient care, especially in underserved areas such as Camotes and Bantayan islands.

Among the new doctors is Dr. Louise Albito-Cajita, a former colonel in the military who retired in December 2024 after serving as commanding officer of a military treatment facility.

“For 30 years, I served in the military, but it has always been my lifelong dream to work in government,” Cajita said.

She said her return to public service was driven by her love for service and as a tribute to her late friend, Dr. Rowena Burden, who was also a close friend of the governor.

Cajita will now provide her expertise and service to the constituents of Minglanilla, Cebu. — (FREEMAN)