Historical Background

In the year 1992, an officer of the development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) suggested to the
administrator of St. Paul University, Tuguegarao to purchase the land and building foreclosed by the
bank, and make it into hospital. St. Paul University pursued the suggestion since they also needed a
clinical laboratory for their allied medical academic programs. It was done through the initiative of
Sister Angela Barrios, SPC who was currently the president of the University.

Before the purchase, the building was operated as a hospital called Cagayan Valley Medical Center.
It was owned and managed by a corporation of doctors. After three years of operation, the said
hospital was foreclosed due to financial difficulties. For sometime it was also used to house the
Bureau of Lands Office. A few years after, the building was permanently closed.

Upon the approval of the Provincial Council of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, the property was
purchased by the Administration of St. Paul University Philippines.

The building was assessed, and plans were drawn for converting it into a hospital. The floor plans
approved by the Department of Health were completely new. The main structure remained the
same. However, the roofing, plumbing and electrical system were completely changed.

On February 24, 1994 ST. PAUL HOSPITAL TUGUEGARAO was blessed by HIS EXCELLENCY
ARCHIBISHOP DIOSDADO TALAMAYAN. The hospital officially opened its doors and services to
the people of Cagayan Valley and neighboring provinces on August 26, 1994. The Department of
Health issued a license to operate it as 24-bed primary hospital.

Just like any beginnings, the hospital experienced the pangs and toil of new birth. Since the hospital
was not yet known to most people of Tuguegarao and neighboring towns, patients came in trickles.
Sometimes there was only one patient, sometimes two or more. The hospital was hardly surviving.
In 1995, with the outbreak of Dengue Fever, the hospital was most often fully occupied. From then
on, there was a progressive increase in the number of patients admitted in the hospital.

With whatever meager income the hospital had, it was imperative to upgrade its facilities. This was
made possible through the help of some funding agencies who granted funds for purchase of
specific hospital. In 1996, St. Paul Hospital was granted a license by Department of Health to
operate as secondary hospital and was also accredited by the Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation (formerly MEDICARE).

As time passes by, the hospital has gained the confidence of its clientele and could hardly cope with
demands for more rooms. There was also a progressive increase of young medical specialists
returning to Tuguegarao thus opening of more services was deemed necessary.

In 2001, the following equipment were purchased: an Ultra Sound Machine, (with 2D Echo,
Peripheral Vascular and transvaginal capabilities) and a Treadmill Stress machine. These greatly
aided in prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.

The following year 2002, the Intensive Care Unit and the Hemodialysis Unit were opened. This was
followed by the opening of an additional 18-bed ward, which greatly helped to accommodate the
increasing number of patients who need hospital care and treatment.

Due to the increasing number of special diagnostic procedures, a new X-ray Machine (with
fluoroscopic capabilities) was purchased in 2003. Also, an 8-Viewer Negatoscope was installed in
the Diagnostic Imaging Department. After a year, the Endoscopy Unit was opened. New endoscopic
equipment was purchased and installed in the department.
On May 2004, St. Paul Hospital Tuguegarao was granted a license to operate as a Tertiary Level
Hospital by the Department of Health. It was also accredited as a Tertiary Level Hospital by the
Philippine Health on November 2004.

Construction of the new building started on February 8, 2006. Last July 30, 2007, the Sacred Heart
Annex was blessed and consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It can accommodate and house
23 private rooms, the Nursing Service Office, Human Resource, Conference Room and a Student
Lounge. It was formally opened to receive patients on August 8, 2008.

St. Joseph Annex is in full swing. It was blessed in December 2007 and can accommodate 24
private rooms and the hospital Chapel. Last August 26, 2008, the third floor was blessed. It houses
an 8-bed Intensive Care Unit. Notre Dame Unit which has 19 private Rooms, an ICU lounge, Holy
Family Unit with 50-ward beds.

Wing A of the ground floor opened last January 2009. This area includes the Pharmacy, Emergency
Room and OPD and the Diagnostic Imaging department Wing B is still under construction.