The Dumaguete City Engineer’s Office deployed personnel and heavy equipment to start clearing the donated lot in Barangay Talay, where a modern city hospital will soon rise.
The one-hectare property was donated by the Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc. (PTSI) to the city government, with the deed of donation signing held Aug. 9.
The lot is adjacent to the City Health Office, where basic medical services can be availed of already by residents.
Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, who witnessed the clearing operations led by City Engineer Loyd Tenaja and City Planning and Development officer Leonides Caro, said the local government will construct a concrete perimeter fence on the boundary of the donated lot to separate it from PTSI’s remaining portion of the property within a reasonable time.
Remollo said he is committed to find means to build a modern city hospital without resorting to contracting a loan.
He thanked the PTSI for its generosity in donating the property that will be used to establish a modern hospital that will enhance the delivery of healthcare services to residents.
PTSI president, Dr. Camilo Roa Jr., said the city is also a recipient of a portable x-ray machine that, with the help of artificial intelligence, will be able to screen possible tuberculosis cases for early detection and treatment to save more lives.
Roa and Remollo led the deed of donation signing, witnessed by former senator Teofisto Guingona III – chairperson of the PTSI Committee on Legal Concerns, and City Legal Officer Manuel Arbon.
Guingona also commended Remollo for continually working in line with his vision of a progressive, cleaner, and healthier Dumaguete, a press release from the city said.
The delegation from PTSI also included vice president Benjamin Quezon Avanceña, Dr. Jaime Lagahid, executive director Ronald Vergel de Dios, and medical director Dr. Pauline Jean Rosell-Ubial.
Also present at the donation signing and presentation were councilors Karissa Tolentino-Maxino and Franklin Esmeña Jr., city administrator Lilani Ramon, assistant city administrator Dinno Depositario, community affairs officer Renz Macion, department heads, and the doctors, medical technologists, and nurses of the City Health Office. ||
