A VISION that began in the 1980s with the late Congresswoman Tessie Aquino-Oreta now stands tall in the heart of Malabon — the San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital, a 200-bed institution that continues to bring healing and hope to thousands.
Tessie Oreta’s legacy was never just about legislation. While House Bill No. 107, which she authored, eventually became Republic Act No. 6864 and created the original Saint Lorenzo Ruiz Municipal Hospital, her real achievement was bringing humanity into public service.
MakaTAO — a blend of her initials and makatao (humane) — was not just branding; it was a way of leadership.
The hospital started as a humble 10-bed facility focused on women’s health. But it quickly earned a reputation for compassionate, quality care in a city that sorely needed it.
In 2019, the vision expanded further. Thanks to RA No. 11289, authored by Congressman Ricky Sandoval, the hospital evolved into a full-fledged general hospital.
Today, it serves not just Malabon but neighboring cities as well — a true lifeline in Northern Metro Manila.
But the story doesn’t end there.
Tessie’s son, Congressman Antolin “LenLen” Oreta III, carried that same passion when he served as Mayor.
He didn’t just maintain his mother’s legacy — he expanded it.
Oreta built the Malabon City Hospital and established Super Health Centers in Catmon, Potrero and Longos — all of which now serve as vital access points for everyday health needs of ordinary Malabonians.
Health wasn’t a talking point for the Oretas — it was a mission.
Their story reminds us: when political will meets compassion, real, lasting change is not only possible — it’s inevitable. MakaTAO lives on. One hospital bed at a time.
