In the middle of the 19 th century, the necessity of founding a charitable institution was felt in the Diocese of Cebu. To this end, a hospital for leprous patients was founded by the Ilmo, Obispo de Cebu, Romualdo Jimeno. It was situated some distance from the city jail. In the year 1864, Bishop Jimeno purchased a small house from Se?or Gabino Veloso, which served as a hospital for both men and women. It was called Casa de Caridad and had two rooms with six beds in each. However, due to lack of occupants, the Casa was forced to close and thus remained closed for several years. But, Providence and fate had other plans.