Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH), the country’s first dedicated cancer specialty hospital, is strengthening its position as a national model for sustainable healthcare through major investments in renewable energy, green building design, and responsible resource management.
Its efforts were recently recognized with the 4-Star Quality Sustainability Award from the Philippine Society for Quality (PSQ), making HCCH the only healthcare facility to receive the distinction this year.
The award honors organizations that creatively apply quality management principles to solve environmental, social, and economic challenges.
In a press statement, Dr. Manuel Francisco Roxas, chief operating officer of HCCH, said the recognition reflects the hospital’s long-term commitment to sustainability as a fundamental pillar of its operations.
“HCCH continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability, guiding its operations with principles of innovation, efficiency, and ecological responsibility,” he said.
A model for climate-smart hospitals
Aligned with AC Health’s broader vision of transforming health for every Filipino, HCCH has embedded sustainability in core decision-making—from facility design to patient care delivery.
One of its most transformative shifts is the hospital’s move to 100-percent renewable energy, allowing it to generate millions of kilowatt-hours of clean energy and sharply reduce both electricity consumption and CO₂ emissions.
This climate-smart approach is complemented by a comprehensive Waste Reduction and Management program. Through enhanced internal protocols and a partnership with Integrated Waste Management Inc., HCCH maintains a 95-percent segregation compliance rate, ensuring responsible disposal practices and consistent monitoring of waste output.
Green building and resource efficiency
HCCH’s physical infrastructure was designed around environmental performance, earning the hospital an EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Preliminary Certified status for Innovative Environmental Design.
The certification reflects substantial savings in energy, water, and embodied energy in construction materials. Water conservation initiatives likewise help reduce overall consumption and support long-term resource efficiency.
Extending impact beyond the hospital
Sustainability at HCCH also extends to social programs and community partnerships. The hospital works with organizations such as the ICanServe Foundation, the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation, and the Carewell Foundation to expand patient support and advocacy efforts.
HCCH also collaborates with the Philippine Red Cross to secure blood supply for oncology patients and partners with the Taguig City Government to deliver specialized cancer services to underserved communities.
It further champions the Working with Cancer pledge of Publicis Groupe and AC Health, promoting compassionate policies for employees and caregivers affected by cancer. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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