A specialized facility for children with Down syndrome is set to be built in the Philippines, with construction soon to begin at the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) in Legazpi City, Albay. This initiative, led by the NORFIL Foundation in partnership with BRHMC, aims to provide advanced medical care and essential support for children with the condition.
According to a GMA News Online report, the upcoming Down Syndrome Hub will feature state-of-the-art facilities, modern medical equipment, and a team of specialized healthcare professionals. NORFIL Foundation emphasized that the project seeks to eliminate barriers to healthcare access for children with Down syndrome.
Key figures supporting the initiative include BRHMC Medical Chief Dr. Eric Raymond N. Raborar and Pediatrics Department Head Dr. Mariegella Ciocson. During a recent meeting in Legazpi, project consultant Architect Don de Vera presented the facility’s blueprint to contractors from Metro Manila and the Bicol Region. Engineers and architects from BRHMC, under the Department of Health (DOH), are also involved as part of the Technical Working Group.
The project has secured international support, with funding from the Netherlands-based Paul Foundation and Liliane Fonds, which has been backing the initiative since its early planning stages.
NORFIL Foundation announced that the next major milestone will be the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for March. Once completed, the Down Syndrome Hub will serve as a dedicated center for specialized medical care and developmental support for children with Down syndrome.
