By BERNADETTE REYES, GMA News Published May 16, 2026 1:40pm + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. Stressing the need to decentralize the delivery of specialized healthcare, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Saturday led the inspection of a brain and spine center at the Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) in Tuguegarao City.In his speech during the event, Marcos noted that most specialty centers are located in Metro Manila, making it difficult for those living in provinces to avail of specialized services."Mahirap talaga makapunta sa Maynila lalung-lalo na ang may sakit. Kaya natuto na tayo. Sabi ko maglagay tayo ng specialty center sa iba't ibang lugar para naman [kung] mangyari ang kagaya ng COVID ay hindi na tayo naghahanap ng ospital," Marcos said.(It's really difficult to go to Manila, especially for those who are sick. We've learned our lesson. I said, let's have specialty centers in different areas so that if we have a COVID-like situation, we don't have to search for a hospital.)According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the brain and spine facility is the first of its kind in northern Luzon. It is equipped with an acute stroke unit, operating room complex, neurology ward isolation room, neurophysiology unit, and neurology outpatient services, including modern medical equipment for specialized care.Marcos said the CVMC has seven specialist doctors, as well as 28 nurses and allied health professionals serving patients in Cagayan province and the Cagayan Valley region.In-patients who avail of basic or ward accommodation at CVMC can expect not to pay out-of-pocket expenses as the hospital observes zero balance billing, the PCO said.Residents of Cagayan province receive rice aid from the government during the visit of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. to Tuguegarao City on Saturday, May 16, 2026 BERNADETTE REYES/ GMA News Rice, scholarshipsMeanwhile, Cagayan will also benefit from the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang program, wherein the national government is working hand in hand with the local government by giving additional funds aimed at helping targeted individuals.Under the program, qualified beneficiaries will receive 10 kilos of rice six times a year."Kahit papaano, 'pag may sampung kilong bigas ay makakatulong tayo. Hindi tayo makakaranas, hindi natin mababalitaan, hindi natin makikita na masyadong maraming nagugutom," Marcos said.(In a way, we are able to help with 10 kilos of rice. We won't experience, see, or hear news about many people going hungry.)Each barangay will receive P200,000 through the program. Part of the fund will be utilized to give presidential scholarships to qualified students."'Yung kalahati ng dalawang daang libo na 'yan dapat gamitin para magbigay tayo ng scholarship sa mga estudyante natin," the President said.(Half of the P200,000 should be used to provide scholarships to our students.)Marcos said more funds will be allocated next year should the program prove to be successful. — VDV, GMA News