Republic of the Philippines

Department of Health
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
No. 2024 - ________

SUBJECT: Guidelines on the Availment and Prioritization of Projects for Health

Facilities Enhancement Program Fiscal Year 2025

I. BACKGROUND
The Department of Health envisions to guarantee equitable, sustainable, and quality
health care for all Filipinos. Thus, healthcare facilities all over the country are enjoined in the
further acceleration of the health reform agenda as stipulated in Republic Act (R.A.) No.

T
11223 otherwise known as the Universal Health Care Act and the DOH 8-Point Action
Agenda.

AF The DOH, through the Health Facilities Enhancement Program-Management Office

(HFEP-MO), adopted the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHFDP) 2020-2040
which serves as the blueprint for the rational allocation of resources to make the health sector
investments responsive to the needs of Filipinos and to have access to quality, basic and
specialized health facilities.

For Fiscal Year 2025, the HFEP Budget Proposal shall be prepared and finalized
pursuant to the National Budget Memorandum (NBM) No. 149. of the Department of Budget
and Management (DBM) dated December 27, 2023, Republic Act No. 11959 otherwise
known as “Regional Specialty Centers Act” which was derived from the directives made by
R
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 2022
that emphasize the creation of specialty hospitals, such as lung, heart, kidney, and children's
hospitals outside the National Capital Region, and immediately establish primary care
facilities across the nation. It is also realized that the prioritization of the establishment of
ambulatory and urgent care centers to select provinces in the country further promotes the
D

Health Sector Strategy of the Department.

In order to guide the health facilities in their submission of project proposals for
FY 2025, an administrative order needs to be issued.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Building 1, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, 1003 Manila ● Trunk Line 651-7800 local 1108, 1111, 1112, 1113
Direct Line: 711-9502; 711-9503 Fax: 743-1829 ● URL: http://www.doh.gov.ph; e-mail: dohosec@doh.gov.ph
II. OBJECTIVES

This aims to serve as a reference for the submission, evaluation, and approval of
project proposals of LGUs, National Government Agencies (NGAs), DOH Hospitals
(DOHH), Centers for Health Development (CHDs), other health facilities, and other
stakeholders for the availment of HFEP 2025 Budget.

III. SCOPE AND COVERAGE

This shall apply to DOH Central Office Bureaus and Services, CHDs, Ministry of
Health-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM), DOH
Hospitals (DOHH), National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Government Units
(LGUs), Military Hospitals, and other health facilities and stakeholders such as the

T
Dangerous Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (DATRCs) and Bureau of
Quarantine (BOQ) involved in the processing and submission of HFEP 2025 projects.

For the BARMM, the adoption of this issuance shall be pursuant to RA 11054
AF
(Bangsamoro Organic Act) and subsequent laws and issuances issued by the Bangsamoro
government.

IV. DEFINITION OF TERMS

A. Ambulance - a vehicle designed and equipped for transporting sick or injured patients
to, from, and between places of treatment, by land, water, or air, affording safety and
comfort to the patients avoiding aggravation of illness or injury
R
B. Clearing House - the office/unit that consolidates, reviews, and identifies priority
proposals from DOH Hospitals and DOH hospitals with specialty centers; LGU
hospitals; Primary Care Facilities; and other health facilities, medical equipment, and
Motor Vehicles to be funded for the fiscal year.
D

C. Devolution- refers to the act by which the National Government confers power and
authority upon the various local government units to perform specific functions and
responsibilities.

D. Devolution Transition Plan (DTP)- refers to a strategic document that outlines the
policies, strategies, programs, and activities that are needed for the successful transfer
of functions, personnel, assets, and resources from the NGAs to LGUs as part of the
full devolution of certain Executive Branch functions to LGUs. The preparation and
submission of the DTP are required by the Implementing Rules and Regulations of
Executive Order No. 138, which mandates the full devolution of certain functions of
the Executive Branch to LGUs.

2
E. Health Facility - refers to a government-owned infrastructure that provides healthcare
services such as diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, palliative, and/or other related
health services.

F. Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHFDP 2020-2040)- is a macro plan

of health infrastructure and equipment that is intended to guide implementers and
ensure that investments are evidence-based. The PHFDP followed a needs-based
approach that accounts for the future burden of disease in projecting the needed health
facilities in the country. It is anchored in a primary care-oriented and integrated
healthcare system as envisioned by the UHC Act.

G. Primary Care Facility (PCF) -refers to the institution that primarily delivers primary
care services which shall be licensed or registered by the DOH (RA 11223 IRR)

T
H. Ambulatory Care - a government or privately owned institution which is primarily
organized, constructed, renovated or otherwise established for the purpose of
providing diagnosis and treatment of outpatients whose recovery, under normal and
AF
routine circumstances, will not require inpatient care.

I. Medical Equipment - an instrument, equipment and/or machine that is used for

medical purposes, such as the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions

J. Medical Transport Vehicle - refers to motor vehicles designed and equipped to

transport patients and/or provide medical services such as land ambulances, sea
ambulances, mobile dental vans, mobile clinics, patient transport vehicles, etc.
R
K. Motor Vehicle - refers to vehicles, powered by a single or series/coupled motors and/or
engines, that is used to transport people, cargo, or both, either by land, air, or water.

L. Site Availability (Equipment) - refers to the availability of the infrastructure such as

building, room/s, areas, etc. with the required dimensions and/or floor area, utilities
D

such as electrical supply and water supply, ventilation, shieldings (where applicable),
and other required fixtures for the proper installation of a medical equipment,
including the availability of human resource complement.

M. Site Availability (Infrastructure) - refers to an area/lot, owned by the

Agency/Facility that is complete with the documentary requirements such as
certifications and plans, cleared of obstructions, and with right of way, and is available
for the implementation of infrastructure projects.

3
V. GENERAL GUIDELINES
The HFEP 2025 Budget Proposal shall focus on the following priority areas to
ensure its proper alignment with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan
(PHFDP):

● Construction/Upgrading of Specialty Centers, and Apex Hospitals;

● New Construction/Upgrading of Primary Care Facilities situated in the
Universal Health Care Integrations Sites and GIDA
● Construction of Ambulatory Care Units/Facilities
● Completion of existing projects previously funded by HFEP;
● Infrastructure, Equipment, and Motor Vehicle needs of DOH Managed
Facilitiesother healthcare facilities
● Infrastructure of other DOH Funded and Managed Facilities

T
A. Legal Framework

The Project Proponents shall align HFEP requests with the laws, regulations,
AF and plans namely:

1.
2.
Republic Act No. 11223 entitled “Universal Health Care Act of 2019”
Republic Act No. 11959 entitled “Regional Specialty Centers Act”
3. Philippine Health Facility Development Plan 2020-2040
4. DBM National Budget Memorandum no. 149 dated 27 December 2023
providing for the National Budget Call for FY 2025
5. 0-10 Point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan
6. Public Investment Program (PIP) and Approved FY 2025-2027 Three-Year
R
Rolling Infrastructure Program (TRIP) of NEDA
7. DOH Green and Safe Health Facility Manual

B. Project Proponents for HFEP 2025

D

The following organization/entity may submit project proposals for HFEP 2025
budget :
1. DOH Hospitals and/or other Health Care Facilities
2. DOH Central Office and/or CHDs
3. Local Government Units
4. National Government Agencies (NGAs), Military Hospitals

C. Eligible Project Beneficiaries for HFEP 2025

4
 The following health facilities qualified for funding under HFEP 2025, which fall
under priorities set by this issuance, and do not have concurrent approved funding from
other sources for the same proposed project and work scope:

1. Health facilities owned by the DOH such as hospitals, medical centers, drug
abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers, blood service facilities, laboratories,
psychiatric facilities, quarantine stations, and special or temporary emergency
health infrastructure, other DOH managed facilities;

2. Health facilities that are owned by LGUs such as, primary care facilities,
infirmaries, hospitals, public laboratories, dental clinics, blood service facilities,
and special service delivery units within its hospitals, health facilities falling
under Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) pursuant to

T
DBM-NBM No. 142, Item 2.4.3 on Expenditure Management Framework, and/or
located in the Universal Health Care Integration Sites;

3. Health facilities owned by other National Government Agencies (NGAs) and

AF State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

D. Scope of HFEP 2025 Budget Proposal

The HFEP 2025 budget proposals consist of the following capital outlay allocations:

1. Funding assistance for infrastructure:

a. Completion of existing projects previously funded by HFEP (ie. DOH
Hospitals and DOH hospitals with specialty centers; LGU hospitals;
R
Primary Care Facilities; and DOH managed facilities);
b. Construction/Upgrading of Apex hospital/Specialty centers;
c. New Construction and/or Upgrading of health facilities situated in the
UHC Integration Sites and location included in GIDA list;
d. Infrastructure, Equipment, and Medical Transport vehicle needs of
D

other healthcare facilities (i.e. Ambulatory care, DATRCs, Blood

Facilities, BOQs, etc.)
e. Multi-Year Contractual Authority (MYCA).
2. Funding assistance for purchase of medical equipment (Same scope as
provided in Section V.D.1)
3. Funding assistance for the purchase of a Motor Vehicle ((Same scope as
provided in Section V.D.1; Ambulance can be either land or sea).

E. Exclusions

The following are excluded from the HFEP 2025 Recipients:

5
 1. Private and non-governmental organizations owned health facilities;
2. Approved budget for infrastructure, equipment, and/or motor vehicle projects
under different funding sources of government, non-government or foreign
agencies. Medical Equipment Costing below Php 50,000 based on the COA
Circular 2022-004 dated 31 May 2022;
3. Individually procured goods such as office supplies and equipment, drugs,
medicines, medical supplies, health facilities’ appliances and furniture (e.g
wheelchairs, cabinets, sofa, and other non-medical related furniture) which are
not included in the infrastructure project;
4. Scholarship grants and training courses;
5. Computers, projectors, and other IT equipment;

T
6. Information systems software, books, other printed materials and other
information materials;
7. New construction projects located in the property under a lease agreement.For
new construction infrastructure proposals in new locations where the property
AF is under a Lease Agreement

VI. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES ON THE AVAILMENT AND PRIORITIZATION OF

HFEP 2025

A. Submission of Project Proposals and Documentary Requirements

1. Project Proposals for DOH health facilities. Proposals must be duly signed
by the chief or director of the hospital or facility concerned, it shall be
R
submitted directly to the HFEP-MO.

2. Project proposals for health facilities owned and/or administered by

National Government Agencies must be endorsed and duly signed by their
respective head of the facilityagency heads and shall be submitted directly to
D

the Secretary of Health.

3. Projects proposals for LGU-owned and/or administered health facilities

must be duly signed by both the Local Chief Executive and the Hospital Chief,
Hospital Administrator, Provincial/Municipal Health Officer, or the Head of
the health facility in accordance with the Local Investment Plan for Health
(LIPH). Furthermore, proposals shall be submitted directly to the concerned
Center for Health and Development (CHD).

4. Projects proposals for the Bureau of Quarantine Stations and Dangerous

Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (DATRCs), must be

6
 duly signed by the Chief of Hospitals or Directors and shall be submitted
directly to the Bureau of Quarantine Central Office (for BOQ proposals) and to
concerned Universal Health Care - Policy and Strategy Cluster (UHC-PSC)
(for DATRC Proposals), then to Health Facility Development Bureau (HFDB).

5. Other project proposals (e.g. proposals from legislators, other NGAs etc.)
submitted to concerned UHC-PSC and shall be forwarded to the HFEP-MO.

The submission of the above project proposals shall comply with the documentary
requirements stated in Annex A of this Administrative Order.

B. Screening Process

T
1. The DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs) shall screen the
submitted proposals based on the Local Investment Plan for Health (LIPH)
which are submitted by the LGUs and shall utilize their Regional Health
AF Facility Development Plan.

2. The Chiefs of Hospital or Medical Center Chiefs shall screen their project
proposal in alignment with the PHFDP 2020-2040, DOH Department Order
2021-0001-A, and Annex B-Priority 2.

3. Both the CHDs and Chiefs of Hospital or Medical Center Chiefs shall
strictly follow the criteria set in the on-site validation of infrastructure, medical
equipment, and Motor Vehicle project proposal namely:
R
a. Infrastructure: To consider existing infrastructure conditions, hazard
assessment, lot ownership and availability of land, required basic
infrastructure in the locality such as right-of-way, water supply, and
electrical power supply, among others as stated in Annex A.
D

Furthermore, new construction projects for health facilities shall be

aligned with the PHFDP.

b. Medical Equipment: To consider the current inventory of functional

equipment within the facility, the availability of human resource
complement to operate and maintain the equipment, and electrical
power sources for the additional electrical power requirement of the
equipment, among others as stated in Annex A.

c. Medical transport vehicle: To follow DOH Administrative Order No.

2020-0051 or Guidelines in the Allocation of Ambulances of the DOH.

7
 4. For project proposals for the Bureau of Quarantine Stations (BOQ), the BOQ
Central Office shall submit the said screened proposals to HFEP-MO for
further review.

5. For project proposals for Dangerous Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation
Centers (DATRCs), the concerned Universal Health Care - Policy and Strategy
Cluster (UHC-PSC) shall submit the said screened proposals to HFEP-MO for
further review .

C. Review Process

T
1. The HFEP-MO shall review the vetted project proposals in alignment with the
PHFDP 2020-2040 and directives of the current administration such as the
DOH 8-Point Agenda, Hospital Development Plan(HDP),and including all its
needed requirements for the attainment of the “Proficiency Stage” level of the
AF PGS Certification and prepare a project list as part of the DOH 2025 budget
proposal. It shall also prioritize the funding for infrastructure, medical
equipment, or transport vehicles as classified in Annex B.

2. As part of the HFEP-MO technical review, a Steering Committee and

Technical Working Group (TWG) shall be created for the final screening of
HFEP 2025 Budget Proposals. Also, the TWG secretariat shall endorse the
output to the Cluster Head of Health Regulation and Facility Development
R
Cluster then to the secretary of health for approval.

D. Approval Process

1. The vetted HFEP 2025 Budget Proposals shall be forwarded to Health Policy
D

Development Planning Bureau (HPDPB) for submission to the DBM together

with details of project proposals in the National Expenditure Program (NEP)
Format.

2. Once the final budget proposal is approved by the DBM, the HPDPB shall
furnish Centers for Health Development, DOH Hospitals, and other DOH
health facilities as indicated in the 2025 NEP.

E. Timeline of Submission of HFEP 2025 Proposals

8
 1. Proponents shall submit their Project Proposals on or before February _, 2024
in reference to DM No. 2023-0412 entitled “Guidelines for the CY 2025 DOH
Budget Proposal”

2. HFEP 2025 Project Proposals shall be submitted electronically to HFEP-MO

through Annex C: https://bit.ly/HFEP2025ProposalTemplate

VII. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE

If any part or parts of this Order, should for any reason, be held invalid or declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts hereof shall remain in full force and effect.

VIII. REPEALING CLAUSE

T
Any orders, issuances, rules, and regulations inconsistent with or contrary to this
Order are hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.
AF
IX. EFFECTIVITY

This Order shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation and filing
three (3) certified copies before the Office of the National Administrative Register,
University of the Philippines Law Center, pursuant to Section 3, Book VII of
Executive Order No. 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987.”
R
TEODORO J. HERBOSA, MD
Secretary of Health
D

Annex A:
Basic Documentary Requirements to Clearing Houses

9
(Subject to onsite validation of DOH Hospitals, Centers for Health Development, Other DOH
Health Facilities such as Dangerous Drugs Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers,
Bureau of Quarantine, etc.)

1. Proof of land ownership of the land for the project (any of the following):
a. Deed of Donation; and
b. Transfer Certificate Title

2. Five to Ten-year Hospital Development Plan or Health Facility Development Plan

where the plans for F.Y 2025 are included as well as the Master Site Development
Plan showing the location of the project and detailed space requirement/composition
for each of the buildings with the corresponding area in square meters. Projects should

T
be listed according to prioritization determined by respective proponents;

3. Infrastructure Project Proposals, the following documentary requirements in soft

AF copies MUST be ATTACHED through the TEMPLATE WHICH CAN BE
DOWNLOADED THRU THIS link: https://bit.ly/HFEP2025ProposalTemplate
a. Main documents
i. Updated Master Site Development Plan reflecting the existing
buildings, other structures and the future proposed infrastructure
projects)
ii. Site Devt. Plan (reflecting the existing adjacent buildings/structures and
the proposed building) Minimum scale of 1:200 mtr
iii. Approved Permit to Construct (PTC) issued by the DOH - Health
Facilities Services and Regulatory Bureau (HFSRB)
R
iv. Duly Accomplished Checklist for Site Readiness (Site Photos and CHD
Certification)
v. Project Description or Rationale
vi. Scope of Works or Program of Works, and
vii. Budgetary Cost Estimates;
D

b. Supporting Documents:
i. Geo-hazard map of the proposed project’s location obtained from the
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS),
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA), or Department of Environment and Natural
Resources Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB)
ii. For new construction projects and structural retrofitting: Soil Boring
Test / Geo-technical Test on the exact location of the project. (if
applicable) (for structural design of three stories and above)

10
4. For LGU hospitals with infrastructure proposal entailing an increase in bed capacity: a
Sangguniang Bayan/Panlalawigan Ordinance is required indicating the commitment of
LGU to provide additional MOOE and human resources commensurate to the increase
in bed capacity of the facility. [Bill for the upgrading of Capacity/RA]

5. For all Infrastructure Projects under new construction, completion, renovation,

expansion, and upgrading: all implementing units are to adhere to Green and Safe
Health Facilities Requirements Integration of Climate and Disaster Resilient Measures
in the Construction of Health Facilities pursuant to DM 2023-0252.

6. For all Infrastructure Projects under new construction, completion, renovation,

expansion, and upgrading: all implementing units are recommended to follow the
Green and Safe Health Facility Manual developed by HFDB. The manual can be

T
accessed thru bit.ly/DOHGreenManual

7. Equipment Project Proposals

The following are the documentary requirements:
AF a. Specific name of equipment items,
b. Purpose of the equipment,
c. Technical specifications and quantities of the equipment, and
d. Budgetary cost estimate;
e. Availability of manpower to operate and maintain the equipment
f. Notarized Certificate of Site Readiness (for equipment requiring installation
sites)
No specific product/equipment brand should be included in the proposal. In such
cases, the proposal shall be returned to the proponent for revision;
R
8. Land Acquisition Proposals,
The following are the documentary requirements:
a. Project Proposal Rationale;
b. Technical description of the lot with actual photos of the land with road access;
D

c. Zonal Value of lot from the concerned BIR Office;

d. Certification of no grievance (from informal settlers, legal disputes/ claims);
e. Tax Declaration and Tax Clearance from the Local Registry;
f. Geo-hazard map of the proposed project’s location obtained from the
PHIVOLCS, PAGASA, OR DENR-MGB.
g. Land acquisition for the construction of the extension facility/ annex building
shall be adjacent to the main health facility.

9. Sanggunian Resolution of HR availability Certification from LGU that the appropriate

health or technical personnel (Health human resources) are available for the requested
equipment and/or proposed infrastructure;

11
 10. Medical Transport Vehicle
To follow DOH Administrative Order No. 2020-0051 or Guidelines in the Allocation
of Ambulances of the DOH.
a. Certification of availability of human resource complement to operate and
maintain the ambulance;
b. Letter of commitment to operate and maintain the ambulance;
c. Inventory of the condition and status of existing ambulance;
d. Health demographic data of the catchment population; and
e. Hospital statistics, (if applicable).

Documentary Requirements from Clearing Houses to HFEP-MO

1. Template / Checklist (Annex C)

T
Annex B: Four (4) Priorities of HFEP 2025 Availment and Prioritization
Guidelines

PRIORITY 1: Completion of existing projects previously funded by HFEP

AF (To fund Infrastructure ,Medical Equipment and Medical Transport Vehicle only):

A. Health facilities which aligned with PHFDP and were previously funded through
HFEP that require additional funding or provision of medical equipment and
motor vehicle
B. Health facilities and DOH managed facilities previously funded but non-functional
due to incomplete construction, inadequate utilities (water, power supply, etc), and
lack of required equipment, provided that there is evidence of adequate health
human resources and local budget for MOOE;
R
PRIORITY 2: Construction/Upgrading of Specialty Centers, and Apex Hospitals
(To fund Infrastructure ,Medical Equipment and Medical Transport Vehicle only):

A. Health facilities which require funding for the new construction of infrastructure
projects, and upgrading of DOH Apex Hospitals and Specialty Centers aligned
D

specialty center guidelines

PRIORITY 3: New Construction/Upgrading of Primary Care Facilities situated in

the Universal Health Care Integrations Sites and GIDA
(To fund Infrastructure and Medical Equipment only):

A. Health facilities and areas which require funding for the new construction of
infrastructure projects, and the purchase of medical equipment for the Universal
Health Care Integration Sites (UHC IS) specifically provincial hospitals and rural
health units (RHUs) as stated in DOH Department Memorandum 2020-0414 and
those areas belonging to areas with the poverty incidences, ranked in top third

12
 highest (new construction, completion, repair/renovation, equipping, and
upgrading of UHC IS);
B. Health facilities and areas which require funding for the new construction of
infrastructure projects, specifically rural health units (RHUs) and purchase of
medical equipment for the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas
(GIDA). Please refer to https://gidais.doh.gov.ph/downloads/gidalist2020.pdf to
download the list of GIDA based on DOH Administrative Order No. 2020-0023,
“Guidelines on Identifying Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas
(GIDA) and Strengthening their Health Systems”.
C. Health facilities which require funding for the Construction of Primary Care
Facility Super Health Centers in the remaining strategic areas to fill in the gaps for
RHUs. The intended recipients are: UHC, GIDA, Island Municipalities and Tourist
Destination areas.

T
D. Health facilities which require funding for the upgrading of Level 1 and Level 2
DOH Hospitals in alignment with PHFDP 2020-2040;
E. Health facilities which require funding through establishment or upgrading the bed
capacity of the re-nationalized hospitals as stipulated in Legislations (Republic
Acts)
AF
F. NTF-ELCAC

PRIORITY 4: Infrastructure, Equipment, and Medical Transport vehicle needs of

DOH Managed facilities
(To fund Infrastructure and Medical Equipment only):

A. Health facilities which require funding for the upgrading of other health facilities
(i.e. Dangerous Drug Abuse Treatment Rehabilitation Centers specifically the four
(4) Apex DATRCs, Bureau of Quarantine Stations, DOH Managed Facilities, etc.)
R
in alignment with PHFDP 2020-2040
D

13
Annex C: HFEP 2025 Project Proposals Template:
https://bit.ly/HFEP2025ProposalTemplate

T
AF
R
D

14