Perhaps it is the crisp air or the focused energy you feel as you approach the Lung Center of the Philippines. This Quezon City landmark stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to lung health.
The Lung Center of the Philippines first opened its doors on January 16 1981. President Ferdinand Marcos established it through Presidential Decree No 1823. The Lung Center was envisioned as a non-profit. It was also meant to be a non-stock corporation. Architect Gerard Lico called the Lung Center part of the Marcoses’ “edifice complex”. This referred to a compulsion to build grand structures.
Later in 1986 President Corazon Aquino placed the Lung Center under the Ministry of Health. This is now the Department of Health. The goal was to provide specialized healthcare for lung and pulmonary diseases.
The Lung Center of the Philippines faced a major setback on May 16 1998. A fire tragically destroyed much of the building and its equipment. Eleven lives were lost in the early morning blaze. Despite this disaster the Lung Center persevered. It reopened on March 1 1999. A new building was constructed using fire insurance funds.
Today the Lung Center of the Philippines is a 210-bed hospital. It continues to provide crucial services. It also participates in air quality monitoring for Metro Manila.
In recent years the Lung Center has expanded its services. In January 2019 the Duterte administration established a Malasakit Center here. Then on January 23 2024 President Bongbong Marcos launched the country’s first Lung Transplant Program. This program is a collaboration with the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.
The Lung Center of the Philippines stands as a symbol of resilience. It reflects a dedication to providing quality. It also shows affordable medical care for Filipinos.