US-based docs forge ties with Taguig

A group of Filipino surgeons based in the United States is seeking partnership with the Taguig City government in ongoing projects it has undertaken in the city, including a housing program that has benefited several residents in dire need of permanent dwellings.

Officers and members of the Society of Philippine Surgeons in America (SPSA) vowed to fully support Taguig’s Gawad Kalinga (GK) project, which they said has been nurturing progress and development in the city.

In a letter to Taguig Mayor Sigfrido Tiñga, SPSA members said they want to develop a strong partnership with the city government in esuring a better life for Taguig residents and millions of poor Filipinos in the long run.

"I was surprised and honored when I received their letter because it is not every day that our initiatives are noticed by our Filipino compatriots abroad," Tiñga said. "We in Taguig look forward to working with the SPSA in our ongoing housing projects."

The group praised Tiñga for his leadership and added that Taguig could become a model city in Metro Manila.

"We selected Taguig not only because of its proximity to other cities and towns in Metro Manila, but because of the political integrity, honest and caring leadership of its officials," SPSA head Dr. Sarie Laserna said.

The city government, in partnership with non-government ogranizations like GK, Habitat for Humanity and the Center for the Homeless Foundation, has numerous housing projects citywide. The SPSA has committed to sponsoring the construction of 100 homes.

The SPSA also asked that other GK sites in Taguig be reserved for US-based Fil-Am medical organizations that can sponsor a village of 30 to 50 homes.

The group also asked that space or buildings near the Taguig General Hospital be reserved for use as the headquarters of the GK Healthcare Coordinating Council and as a meeting place for other US-based Fil-Am organizations.

"We are also asking that some space in the hospital be reserved for the Philippine Surgical Training program for surgeons based in the provinces," Laserna said. "Once the renovation of the Tagiug hospital is completed by December 2007, SPSA promises to hold its annual surgical missions there."

A warehousing facility was also requested by the SPSA where medical supplies, surgical and hospital equipment and balikbayan boxes for relief projects in calamity-stricken areas in the Philippines will be stored.

The SPSA also proposed the mounting of trade missions between Taguig and the US in the future, as well as recommended that medical and health education in Taguig be broadened through effective information dissemination and free medical services.

Tiñga said he welcomed the proposals of the SPSA and plans to implement the proposals that can be done immediately. – Rhodina Villanueva