Capitol pledges P50M for Mandaue hospital

CEBU, Philippines — With the common goal of improving the healthcare system for their constituents, the Cebu Provincial Government has committed ?50 million in financial assistance to the Mandaue City Government for the purchase of medical equipment for the Mandaue City Hospital.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro announced the funding during the Mandaue City Government’s flag-raising ceremony on Monday, June 29, at the Mandaue Heritage Plaza.

The governor attended the ceremony with Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede, members of the city council, Lone District Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano Dizon, and other city government employees.

Baricuatro said the ?50 million would serve as an initial allocation to equip the city-run hospital and enhance its capacity to provide quality healthcare services to Mandaue residents.

She also assured city officials that the provincial government would continue supporting the city’s priority programs and future healthcare initiatives.

“Gusto nako ipahibaw nimo, mayor, kato imong request sa inyong hospital, initial na, mayor, ang ?50 million. Unya next year atoa na budgetan,” said Baricuatro.

“Padayon lang ta. I know you are very capable here in your City of Mandaue, but please know na naa ra ang Cebu Provincial Government nagpaluyo sa inyo and padayon mi sa pagka-collaborative uban ninyo,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Mandaue City Council approved during its regular session yesterday, June 29 a resolution authorizing the release of the budget for the procurement of the medical equipment.  “Mao ni ang kinahanglanon didto (Capitol) for the release of the check,” said Councilor Joel Seno in an interview.

The approved procurement covers eight categories of medical equipment, including emergency room equipment, operating room and delivery room equipment, laboratory machines, physical rehabilitation equipment, portable ultrasound units, a mobile X-ray machine, a portable bedside ultrasound featuring curvilinear transducers, and a BTL 6000 Super Inductive System.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ouano thanked the governor and the Cebu Provincial Government for extending financial support to the city’s healthcare program, noting that the assistance would help complete the city’s plans for its hospital.

“Ang kani man gud atong hospital, wa kahibaw ang kadaghanan nga ang building ra na ang gihimo. Mao na ang gipaningkamotan namo ni Cong. Lollypop. Mao niadto ta sa Senado last year og nakakuha ta og ?400 million, but that’s just for the building. Ang kani gihatag ni gov para to sa atong medical equipment sa atong city hospital, mao nga salamat kaayo, Gov,” he said.

“Rest assured, gov, you have our commitment and cooperation para sa benepisyo sa mga Mandauehanon,” he added.

Councilor Seno also said the governor’s visit was “a very good gesture” from the mother of the province.

Mandaue City is the only highly urbanized city (HUC) in Cebu that remains under Cebu Province.

While the city is not under the administrative supervision of the provincial government, Mandauehanons can still vote for the governor, vice governor, and provincial board members.

Seno said that while the city’s approved resolutions and ordinances are not transmitted to the Provincial Board for approval because it is an HUC, its residents still have the right to vote in provincial elections and receive benefits from the provincial government.

“Mao nay naka-unique kay we can vote and makadawat sad og assistance from the province,” he said. — (FREEMAN)