ANGELES CITY — A new chapter in surgical care has begun in North Luzon as Sacred Heart Medical Center officially launched the region’s first da Vinci Xi Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program on June 30 at Clark Marriott Hotel, marking a historic milestone in bringing world-class, minimally invasive surgical technology closer to patients across Central and Northern Luzon.
The program was inaugurated through the hospital’s first successful robotic-assisted surgical procedures, performed by Sacred Heart Medical Center’s certified robotic surgeon together with an internationally recognized robotic surgery proctor. The milestone positions the hospital among a select number of healthcare institutions in the Philippines offering the latest generation of robotic-assisted surgical technology.
For decades, many patients from Central and North Luzon requiring highly specialized minimally invasive procedures had to travel to Metro Manila to access advanced surgical care. With the arrival of the da Vinci Xi Surgical System at Sacred Heart Medical Center, patients can now receive cutting-edge treatment much closer to home, reducing the burden of travel while expanding access to complex surgical procedures.
The da Vinci Xi Surgical System represents one of today’s most advanced platforms for minimally invasive surgery. Controlled entirely by the operating surgeon, the system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into precise, real-time movements of miniaturized instruments while providing a high-definition, three-dimensional view of the surgical field.
The technology enhances precision, dexterity, visualization, and control, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures through smaller incisions while supporting improved patient outcomes.
“Innovation has never been our destination. Better patient care has always been,” said Dr. Maria Josefina Tan, medical director of Sacred Heart Medical Center. “Every investment we make is guided by one purpose—to provide safer, more precise, and more compassionate care for our patients. Bringing the first da Vinci Xi Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program to North Luzon reflects our commitment to making world-class healthcare more accessible to the communities we serve.”
The hospital emphasized that robotic-assisted surgery does not replace the surgeon. Instead, it serves as an advanced surgical platform that enhances the capabilities of experienced specialists.
“This technology does not replace the surgeon—it empowers skilled hands with greater precision,” said Dr. Siripong Cheewatanakornkul, one of the program’s international robotic surgery proctors. “The most important element in robotic-assisted surgery remains the surgeon, supported by a highly trained and coordinated surgical team.”
The launch underscores Sacred Heart Medical Center’s long-term investment in advanced healthcare technologies, clinical excellence, and continuous medical education. Beyond acquiring the technology, the hospital has invested in comprehensive surgeon training and multidisciplinary team development to ensure the safe and effective delivery of robotic-assisted procedures.
To commemorate the milestone, Sacred Heart Medical Center hosted “The Future of Surgery is Here,” an exclusive Surgeons’ Leadership Forum attended by surgical leaders, specialists, and healthcare professionals.
The forum explored the future of robotic-assisted surgery in the Philippines, surgeon training, program development, and the expanding role of surgical innovation in improving patient care.
As healthcare continues to evolve, Sacred Heart Medical Center reinforces its commitment to making advanced medical technology more accessible outside Metro Manila.
By establishing North Luzon’s first da Vinci Xi Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program, the hospital brings globally recognized surgical innovation closer to the patients and communities it proudly serves. Because the future of surgery is no longer somewhere else. The future of surgery is here.
For inquiries and appointments, patients may contact Sacred Heart Medical Center at 0917-524-5101 or (045) 624-5607, or visit the hospital’s official social media pages.
About Sacred Heart Medical Center Sacred Heart Medical Center is a leading private healthcare institution in Angeles City, Pampanga, dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care through clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate service. Guided by its commitment to “Alagang Galing sa Puso,” the hospital continues to expand access to advanced medical services for Kapampangans and communities throughout Central and Northern Luzon. Press release