The Department of Social Welfare and Development has turned over P4,035,000 to Benguet General Hospital as part of its effort to contribute to the country’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
BeGH has been the chosen recipient of the donation, which was raised through the voluntary contribution of the agency’s officials and employees in its central and field offices. The amount was deducted from the May and June payroll of all willing personnel.
DSWD Usec. for General Administration and Support Services Group Jose Ernesto B. Gaviola and Regional Director Leo Quintilla led the turnover of the donation in a ceremony held June 17 at the DSWD-Cordillera office in Baguio City.
In his message delivered by Gaviola, DSWD Sec. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista said the donation is a symbol of the bayanihan spirit among DSWD workers and a sign of their gratefulness to medical frontliners who are battling the pandemic.
“Helping the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized is not only our duty, but also our purpose. DSWD is one in giving premium to the work extended and sacrifices made by public servants during this challenging time,” Bautista said.
Bautista explained that DSWD conducted a survey among its personnel and coordinated with the Department of Health in determining the public hospitals with the most number of Covid-19 patients but have least available funds. With the increase in the number of cases in Benguet, Bautista said the agency recognized the need of BeGH for more assistance.
Benguet Gov. Melchor D. Diclas thanked the DSWD employees for their donation. He said BeGH is the only hospital in the province that treats Covid-19 patients.
“Maraming salamat sa sakripisyo ng mga empleyado ng DSWD. Sweldo nila ang pinanggalingan. Malaking tulong po ito sa Benguet General Hospital. Ito ang gagamitin natin for our Covid-19 patients. Thank you very much. Papahalagahan natin ito,” Diclas said.
Benguet General Hospital Chief Meliarazon Dulay also thanked the DSWD for choosing the hospital as the recipient.
Dulay said DSWD has been a longtime partner of the hospital in giving assistance to their clients. She said the amount will augment their resources in serving their clients.
Since February, 1,812 persons under investigation have been recorded in the hospital, while the facility has already admitted 357 suspected cases. It currently has 19 active patients.
“We hope that this little amount can contribute to the efforts initiated by the Benguet General Hospital and the Province of Benguet. We recognize the hard work and dedication of all medical frontliners who continue to deliver the much-needed services amid the threat of the Covid-19. The angels in red vests are one with you in this battle against an invisible enemy. DSWD shall be your partner as we uphold our commitment to work and our compassion to serve,” Bautista said. – Press release
