On 19 July 2021, Dr. Rogelio Garcia Memorial Hospital officially transitioned to Adventist Medical Center Iligan (AMCI)-Tupi Branch. During this inauguration, AMCI sent half of their department heads and several other staff to serve in a free clinic that decorated its soft opening.

The shift began when the heirs of Dr. Rogelio Garcia Sr. and his wife, also a doctor, pledged their lofty support for the church’s mission by turning over to South Philippine Union Conference (SPUC) their family-owned hospital in Tupi, South Cotabato.

Initially, the Garcia siblings expressed their desire to donate Dr. Rogelio Garcia Memorial Hospital to Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM). Pastor Rene S. Rosa, president of SMM then relayed the news to Elder Roger Caderma, president of SPUC, who expressed gratitude for the family’s willingness to give their best for the Lord.

The transaction was finalized on April 8, 2021 as SPUC and SMM officers, together with Dr. Edgar Claude Nadal, president of AMCI, and his co-officers visited the hospital in Tupi and convened with Dr. Rodman Garcia, one of the Garcia siblings.

Arrangements were then made that Garcia Memorial Hospital be endorsed to the management of a much bigger and more experienced institution--the Adventist Medical Center Iligan. It was also recommended that the nurses and staff of the new Tupi branch will be manned by AMCI for the meantime.

Dr. Nestor Molleda, AMCI Vice President for Operations, said the plan is to open an X-ray and Hemodialysis Center and develop the pharmacy and laboratory next year. 

AMC  - Iligan Tupi offers free clinic on its Soft Opening Day

Formerly Dr. Rogelio Memorial Hospital, now Adventist Medical Center Iligan (AMCI) Tupi Branch offered free consultations on its opening day on July 19, 2021.
Besides checkups, circumcision and giving of pediatric medicines were also afforded to grateful parents all without charge.

As many as half of the department heads of AMCI were sent to supervise the free clinic that attended 180 gratified patients on the first day and another 40 the day after.
Dr. Edgar Nadal, AMCI President, plans to make AMCI Tupi branch a Level 1 hospital by having at least an Operating Room (OR), Outpatient Department (OPD) and X-ray and Hemodialysis departments to cater for more patients in the area next year.

The newly inaugurated hospital in Tupi, South Cotabato hopes to perform its share of ministry by administering healthcare in an Adventist way.

By Darryl Ectin