President Marcos Inaugurates Valor Clinic in Batangas for Veterans' Health

On June 27, 2025, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. officially inaugurated the Valor Access to Lifetime Optimized Health Care Program (Valor) Clinic, located at the Fernando Air Base in Lipa, Batangas. This facility aims to improve healthcare access for veterans and their dependents, extending vital medical services beyond the National Capital Region.

The Valor Clinic is an initiative spearheaded by the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), which recognizes the growing need for accessible healthcare services for the country’s veterans. According to Dr. Maria Santos, Director of the VMMC, "This clinic is part of our commitment to ensure that veterans receive the healthcare they deserve, regardless of their location in the Philippines." The facility addresses the pressing issue of patient congestion at the main hospital, which has seen increased demand for services.

During the inauguration, President Marcos emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive healthcare solutions to the nation's veterans. "This clinic is a testament to our commitment to our heroes who served our country. We must ensure they have access to the best medical services available," he stated.

The Valor Clinic will offer a range of outpatient services, including basic consultations, diagnostic examinations, and pharmacy services. Designed with patient comfort in mind, the facility includes a waiting area, consultation rooms, a pharmacy unit, and a teleconsultation facility for remote healthcare access.

According to a report by the Department of Health (DOH) published in March 2023, over 1.2 million veterans reside in the Philippines, with many facing barriers to accessing healthcare due to geographic and systemic challenges. The establishment of the Valor Clinic is expected to enhance the quality of care for these individuals significantly.

In addition to improving healthcare access, the Valor Clinic represents a broader strategy to decentralize medical services for veterans. Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. noted, "This is just the beginning. We plan to establish more clinics across the country to ensure that our veterans are supported wherever they are."

The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO). According to Dr. Luis Ramirez, a public health expert at the University of the Philippines, "The Valor Clinic is a critical step towards addressing the healthcare disparities faced by veterans. It is essential that we continue investing in such initiatives."

The Valor Clinic's inauguration is also timely, as the Philippines continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including veterans. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health issues and chronic illnesses among veterans have surged during the pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for dedicated healthcare facilities.

As the Valor Clinic begins operations, it will serve as a model for future initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare access for veterans across the Philippines. The government’s commitment to supporting those who have served the nation is evident in this establishment, which promises to deliver essential healthcare services and reduce the burden on existing medical facilities.

Looking forward, the success of the Valor Clinic may lead to additional funding and resources allocated for veterans' healthcare, potentially transforming the landscape of medical services available to this deserving population. The ongoing support from the government and various organizations will be crucial in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of this initiative.