AC Health is extending its healthcare partnership with Valenzuela City beyond hospitals and dialysis services to address a critical but often overlooked part of public health: identifying developmental difficulties in children early enough to make a difference.
Ayala Corp. donated specialized equipment to the city’s BRIDGE program, or Bridging Referrals, Interventions, Diagnosis, Guidance and Early Detection, which provides early assessment and intervention for children aged zero to five with developmental needs.
The donation, formally turned over at Valenzuela City Hall alongside the signing of a memorandum of agreement, includes an audiometer, pediatric walkers and standing frames, sensory and balancing equipment, learning materials, communication boards, assessment kits, and speech therapy tools.
A temporary BRIDGE facility is scheduled to open this month in Barangay Marulas, ahead of the construction of a permanent center within the ValHealth Ambulatory Surgical Center in Barangay Paso de Blas in 2027.
The program aims to help children with developmental needs build essential skills for learning, social interaction, and everyday activities. It complements the city’s Special Education Center, which serves children above five and is supported by physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and specialized educators.
“Early detection and timely intervention are critical in helping every child reach their full potential,” said Paolo Borromeo, Ayala Corp. chief social infrastructure officer.
The latest initiative broadens AC Health’s collaboration with the city, building on its efforts through hospital and clinics arm Healthway Medical Network to improve access to dialysis and cancer care.
Through Healthway QualiMed Hospital San Jose del Monte, the group equipped and operates a 15-station hemodialysis center at the Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital. Opened in December 2025, the facility can accommodate an average of 350 treatments monthly. The partnership also supported improvements to the emergency hospital.
The collaboration is also set to cover outpatient consultations and chemotherapy services at the ValHealth Ambulatory Surgical Center.
Recognized as Public-Private Healthcare Partnership of the Year at the Healthcare Asia Awards earlier this year, the initiative illustrates how private-sector participation can help local governments extend healthcare beyond conventional hospital services.
“Through Alagang Ayala and AC Health, we look forward to building on this partnership so that more children and families can benefit from the care and opportunities they deserve,” Borromeo said.
