A New Dawn for Healthcare: JRBGH Secures its 2026 License to Operate

IMAGE CREDITS: JRBGH

A Milestone Sealed in Trust

The *LICENSE TO OPERATE IN JRBGH RECEIVED FROM DOH-NORTHERN MINDANAO* marks a monumental chapter in the city’s healthcare journey. JR Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) has **officially received** its License to Operate from the Department of Health for the year 2026, valid from January 1 to December 31. Issued by the DOH–Northern Mindanao Center for Health Development, and signed by Dr. Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi, Jr., this license is not just a legal document — it’s a symbol of trust, readiness, and excellence.  

Owned and operated by the local government of Cagayan de Oro City, JRBGH stands proudly as a Level 2 General Hospital with a remarkable **250-bed capacity**, 16 modern dialysis stations, and three fully equipped ambulance units. The newly secured license also affirms the hospital’s capability to provide critical services such as Dialysis Clinic care and specialized diagnostic procedures, including cutting-edge Computed Tomography (CT) scans. This achievement reflects an unwavering commitment to national health standards and a vision of service that reaches the heart of every Kagay-anon.  

Health Services Rising for the Future

With the license now in place, JRBGH is poised to support Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy’s **RISE Agenda**, a transformative plan aiming to deliver stronger, inclusive, and efficient health services for all residents of Cagayan de Oro. This development is more than compliance — it’s a proactive stride toward a healthier future. The RISE Agenda dovetails perfectly with the hospital’s mission to remain a pillar of accessible and high-quality healthcare for the community.  

Beyond numbers and facilities, this milestone is about people. It’s about ensuring patients can walk through JRBGH’s doors with confidence, knowing that the care they receive has passed rigorous national health checks. Moreover, it’s a renewed commitment to serve, innovate, and adapt to the evolving needs of the city. Step by step, service by service, JRBGH continues to rise — a beacon of hope and healing in Northern Mindanao. 

A New Chapter in Cagayan de Oro’s Banking Landscape

IMAGE CREDIT: BOOM METROCDO

Anticipating a Landmark Opening

There’s an exciting buzz in Cagayan de Oro City. **UPDATE | BDO Masterson Branch to Open January 30, 2026** — a date that promises greater convenience and accessibility for residents in and around Xavier Estates. Nestled at Phase 1, Xavier Estates Subdivision, along Masterson Avenue in Brgy. Balulang, this upcoming **BDO Unibank** stand-alone branch will mark a significant step in bringing banking services closer to the community.  

As of January 9, 2026, the construction is nearing full structural completion. The modern architecture hints at a spacious interior designed for efficiency and comfort. Transitioning away from the limitations of mall-based branches, this location will let customers conduct transactions swiftly, without the need to navigate crowded commercial areas. It’s more than a branch—it’s a beacon of progress for the city.  

A Bank Built for the Community

The soon-to-open BDO Masterson Branch embodies accessibility and service. Operating from **Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.**, it will accommodate a wider range of schedules, making banking more convenient for professionals, entrepreneurs, and families alike.  

Furthermore, this initiative reflects BDO Unibank’s commitment to meet evolving customer needs. By strategically choosing a location in a thriving residential and commercial area, the bank connects more deeply with the local community. From personal banking to business-related services, residents can expect streamlined transactions in a welcoming atmosphere. Indeed, January 30, 2026 will not only unveil a building—it will open doors to stronger financial relationships. 

Bridging Horizons: How the Marcos-Led ₱145.6-B Highway Will Transform Mindanao

Mindanao is on the brink of a connectivity revolution as the **Marcos-Led Council approves ₱145.6-B CDO–Bukidnon High-Standard Highway**. This monumental project, officially named the *Central Mindanao High Standard Highway Construction Project (CMHSHCP)*, promises to reshape travel, commerce, and daily life in Northern and Central Mindanao.  

Funded through **Official Development Assistance (ODA)** from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the ambitious 64.7-kilometer four-lane span will link Cagayan de Oro to Malaybalay. Passing through the Municipality of Tagoloan, the vibrant streets of Cagayan de Oro City, and the scenic highlands of Bukidnon, it will incorporate 47 bridges — nine of which are breathtaking long-span structures.  

From Hours to Minutes: The Transformative Promise of Speed

Currently, traveling from **Cagayan de Oro** to **Malaybalay** can take around 6.5 hours, a journey often slowed by winding roads and traffic bottlenecks. However, with the completion of this newly approved highway, that time will be reduced to just 3.5 hours. This speed upgrade is more than a matter of convenience — it’s a game-changer for business, tourism, and everyday life.  

Shorter travel means farmers can bring fresh produce to markets faster, entrepreneurs can expand their reach, and families can stay connected despite long distances. As ED Council Vice Chair Arsenio M. Balisacan notes, enhanced mobility and market access can help reduce poverty, raise incomes, and build a foundation for sustained economic activity. 

The Highway as a Lifeline for Growth

Beyond faster transportation, the CDO–Bukidnon High-Standard Highway will stimulate regional development in unprecedented ways. By improving logistical efficiency, it will open new opportunities for trade, attract investors, and support tourism in Central Mindanao’s natural and cultural treasures. With 47 bridges connecting diverse landscapes, the project symbolizes not just infrastructure, but unity across communities.  

Moreover, this initiative is part of a broader ₱279.5-billion infrastructure push under the Marcos administration — a clear sign of the government’s determination to accelerate regional growth. This is more than just a road; it’s a lifeline that will connect people, inspire progress, and pave the way for Mindanao’s brighter economic future. 

The approval of the ₱145.6-B CDO–Bukidnon High-Standard Highway is more than a milestone in infrastructure — it’s a testament to how well-planned public investments can truly transform lives. With every bridge built, every span completed, and every kilometer connected, Mindanao moves closer to becoming a hub of opportunity and prosperity.