Hospital in Guba ensures consistent water flow
Guba Community Hospital in Cebu City Now Has Direct Water Connection
The Guba Community Hospital in Cebu City's upland barangay Guba has finally received a direct water connection from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD). This development, announced by Mayor Nestor Archival on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, marks a significant improvement in the hospital's services and promises better care for the residents of Guba and nearby communities.
Mayor Archival requested the MCWD and a nearby surface water supplier to install outlets in every barangay traversed by MCWD and GE Hydro pipelines earlier. The water line installation project resumed under Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia after the dismissal of former Mayor Michael Rama in October 2024.
During his inspection of the hospital on Saturday, Aug. 9, Mayor Archival checked the new water connection, the delivery of an x-ray machine, and 35 sets of beds and mattresses. Concerns over high water pressure damaging the pipes were immediately resolved during the project.
The hospital has faced water scarcity since it was built 20 years ago, relying on rainwater, deep wells, pumps, and deliveries from water tankers from the Cebu City Hall. A collapsed wall at the hospital's back portion, caused by heavy rains and resulting in flooding, was also observed during Archival's inspection. Repairs have been ordered.
With a steady water source, new medical equipment, and supplies, Archival hopes the hospital will be fully operational by September, reducing referrals of non-critical patients to other facilities such as the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC). The hospital has a deep well, but the aquifer does not provide enough water consistently. Mayor Archival plans to remove one unit and upgrade the system based on the original design.
A notable aspect of this development is the hospital's upcoming ability to process PhilHealth claims, generating revenue to sustain its operations. However, the hospital currently uses a single-phase electricity system, and two three-phase units have been delivered, which could incur higher installation costs. Mayor Archival asked the Metropolitan Cebu Water District to fast-track the water connection work upon assuming office last June 30, leading to its completion about two weeks ago.
For years, the hospital depended on rainwater collection and water tanker deliveries by the Department of Public Services. With the new water connection, the hospital is now well-equipped to serve its community effectively, ensuring a steady water supply for patients and staff. This investment in the hospital, as Mayor Archival stated in a Facebook post on Aug. 9, is an investment in the health and future of the Guba community.
