Medellin, Cebu Mayor Hails Gov. Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. as the "Father of Cashierless Hospitals" in the Philippines

During his oathtaking ceremony on June 27, 2025, newly-elected Medellin, Cebu Mayor Edwin L. Salimbangon paid tribute to South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., recognizing him as the “Father of Cashierless Hospitals in the Philippines.”

Mayor Salimbangon praised Governor Tamayo’s bold and compassionate leadership, particularly his pioneering zero billing policy, which provides completely free hospitalization in all government-run hospitals in South Cotabato. The program—ordered by Tamayo on his first day in office in 2019—has since transformed the province’s healthcare system and gained national attention.

What distinguishes the program is not just its generosity, but its inclusive spirit. Governor Tamayo declared a “no political boundary” policy, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible to everyone—South Cotabateños and patients from neighboring provinces alike.

Now on his third and final term, Governor Tamayo is working to institutionalize the program, embedding it into provincial laws and governance systems to ensure its sustainability and protection beyond his term.

Supporting this institutionalization is a series of major healthcare infrastructure projects:

The ongoing expansion of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City to serve more patients with improved facilities;

Continued upgrades to Polomolok Municipal Hospital and Norala District Hospital to elevate the quality of care;

The planned construction of two additional hospitals: the Koronadal City Hospital and another facility in the Municipality of Tantangan, aimed at decongesting the provincial hospital and improving healthcare accessibility.

Mayor Salimbangon revealed his plan to replicate the cashierless hospital model in Medellin, with further expansion eyed for the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City. He confirmed that he has already initiated discussions with newly elected Cebu Province Governor Baricuatro to explore how South Cotabato’s model can be implemented in Cebu.

“This is not just an inspiration; it’s a working solution that we are ready to adopt in Cebu,” Salimbangon added. “We owe it to our constituents to build a healthcare system that doesn’t ask for payment at the door, but simply opens it.”

With Governor Tamayo’s program continuing to inspire a growing number of provinces and municipalities, South Cotabato’s success story stands as a beacon of what is possible when leadership is rooted in service, equity, and vision.