The Philippine Heart Center (PHC) is a government-owned and -controlled corporation under the Department of Health, dedicated to providing specialized cardiovascular care, advanced research, and professional training in the field of heart health. Established in 1975 under Presidential Decree No. 673, the PHC was created to address the growing number of Filipinos suffering from cardiovascular diseases—then and now one of the country’s leading causes of death. The center has since become a national referral institution, offering comprehensive cardiac services accessible to all, especially indigent patients.
The rationale behind PHC lies in the need for a premier institution capable of delivering top-tier heart care while advancing knowledge through research and education. Its main goals are to reduce cardiovascular mortality, develop Filipino medical experts, and raise public awareness on heart health. Understanding what PHC does empowers the public to access life-saving services and encourages preventive care, which is essential for a healthier nation. This guide will walk you through what the PHC is, its service offerings, programs, values, and how it serves as an institution for accessible heart care in the country.
What is PHC?
The Philippine Heart Center (PHC) is a premier tertiary medical institution located in Quezon City, known for its specialized services in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating patients with cardiovascular conditions. The hospital features an 800-bed capacity and is equipped with cutting-edge facilities including cardiac catheterization laboratories, open-heart surgery operating rooms, and intensive care units specifically designed for cardiac patients. Its size alone is enough for it to be able to cater to over 14,000 patients annually, including around 3,300 who undergo heart surgery.
Beyond its medical services, the PHC is committed to research and innovation in cardiology, making it a leader in both clinical practice and academic excellence. It has a multidisciplinary team approach, where cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals collaborate to provide patient-centered care. It also houses training programs and fellowships that help shape future cardiovascular specialists in the Philippines.
History
The Philippine Heart Center was established on February 14, 1975, through Presidential Decree No. 673 signed by then-President Ferdinand Marcos. It was founded under the leadership of former First Lady Imelda Marcos as part of her vision to provide world-class healthcare facilities in the country. The hospital was originally called the Philippine Heart Center for Asia and was designed to be a center of excellence in cardiovascular care, education, and research. Architect Jorge Ramos designed the building, which became an iconic structure representing modern healthcare infrastructure at the time. Over the decades, PHC has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized institution, offering state-of-the-art treatment and training for heart diseases.
Mission, Vision, and Objectives
The operation of the Philippine Heart Center is guided by the following mission and vision statements:
Mission
“To offer comprehensive cardiovascular care supported by education and research, accessible to everyone.”
Vision
“By 2028, PHC aims to be the leading institution for cardiovascular care in the Philippines—self-sufficient, globally recognized, and responsive to national health needs.”
Key Objectives
The institution is designed as such to achieve the following institutional goals:
- Provide compassionate and expert patient care
- Deliver world-class education and training to medical professionals
- Conduct internationally recognized research
- Share information to the public through scientific and lay channels
Core Values
The PHC adheres to five primary values that guide its daily operations:
- Patient-Focused Care: Prioritizing patient well-being through attentive and skilled service
- Compassion: Treating patients with understanding and empathy
- Integrity: Acting with professionalism and ethical standards
- Respect: Valuing every individual in all transactions
- Excellence: Continuously improving in all areas of medical service, education, and research
Mandate and Purpose
The core mandate of the Philippine Heart Center is to deliver high-quality heart care to Filipinos and patients from other countries. Founded through Presidential Decree No. 673, the institution was designed to address the growing cases of cardiovascular disease in the country. Today, it continues to operate with a commitment to saving lives and providing assistance to patients who may not otherwise afford specialized treatment.
Logo
The Philippine Heart Center (PHC) logo prominently features a stylized red heart at its core, symbolizing the institution’s primary focus on cardiovascular health and patient care. Encircling the heart is a blue outline that forms a shield-like shape, representing protection, trust, and the hospital’s commitment to safeguarding life. The intertwined design elements convey the unity of science, compassion, and service, which are central to PHC’s mission. The color red also evokes urgency and dedication, particularly in treating heart-related conditions, while the blue tones reflect professionalism and integrity. Overall, the logo embodies PHC’s identity as a specialized, compassionate, and world-class heart care institution in the Philippines.
Organizational Structure
The Philippine Heart Center (PHC) follows a hierarchical organizational structure headed by a Medical Director who oversees overall operations and strategic direction. Under the Medical Director are key departments such as Medical Services, Nursing Services, Administrative Services, and Finance, each led by division chiefs or department heads. These departments coordinate to ensure seamless patient care, research, training, and hospital management, with medical staff and specialists working closely in interdisciplinary teams. This structure allows for efficient decision-making, accountability, and collaboration across clinical, academic, and operational functions within the institution.
Core Programs
Represented by its four-heart logo, the Philippine Heart Center operates through four main programs:
- Patient Care: Providing diagnostic, surgical, and rehabilitative services for cardiovascular conditions
- Education and Training: Offering training for medical staff including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals
- Research: Focusing on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment innovation
- Public Information: Educating the community about heart health and risk factors
Facilities and Technological Advancements
The PHC also continues to modernize its facilities to match international standards. Its infrastructure, designed by architect Jorge Ramos, reflects a brutalist design and was initially funded using a significant portion of the national health budget.
The hospital uses cutting-edge medical technologies and modern surgical procedures. From advanced diagnostic imaging to minimally invasive cardiac procedures, the Center is equipped to handle complex cases with precision.
Specialty Services and Medical Packages
The PHC offers various diagnostic and surgical packages tailored to patient needs. Some of these include:
- Cardio-Pulmonary Examination (CPE): 24 or 48-hour comprehensive check-ups
- Cardiovascular Check-Up (CVCU): 24 or 48-hour heart screenings
These executive health packages are geared towards preventive care and general wellness. Patients with chronic conditions are advised to consult with their attending physicians for customized treatment plans.
Training and Research Excellence
PHC is not just a hospital—it is also a center for medical education and innovation. It runs consistent training programs for healthcare professionals, many of whom become leading experts in cardiovascular care.
The institution is internationally acclaimed for its research initiatives, which contribute to the global body of knowledge in heart disease treatment and prevention.
Public Service and Accessibility
PHC also remains committed to serving all sectors of society, especially those who cannot afford expensive treatments. Financial assistance is available for eligible patients, and the Center maintains transparency in costs and services.
International Recognition and Legacy
As a medical institution, the PHC is well-known in the country. Not only did they host legendary cardiovascular surgeons including Christiaan Barnard and Denton Cooley, but they have also been awarded Qmentum International Gold Accreditation by Accreditation Canada International for excellence in hospital practices from 2014 to 2017.
The Center itself has a long history, and it can only be described as a blend of ambition and achievement, with its origins tied to the Marcos administration’s infrastructure drive during his term. Despite historical controversies, the hospital’s lasting contribution to healthcare in the Philippines remains evident.
Video: Understanding the Philippine Heart Center
PHC stands as the premier institution for cardiovascular healthcare in the Philippines. Through patient care, education, research, and community outreach, it lives out its mandate to serve the Filipino people. Whether you’re seeking preventive screenings, advanced surgery, or public health information, PHC remains a trusted source of heart care that combines scientific advancement with social responsibility. Regardless of who is looking for medical assistance or financial support, the center continues to provide accessible options, making heart care within reach for every Filipino. Learn more about it by watching this video from Signify:
Contact Information
For more information or for inquiries and other concerns, you may reach out to them via the following:
- Location: East Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila
- Website: www.phc.gov.ph
- Phone: (+632) 8925-2401 to 50