TACLOBAN CITY – Sibling senators Pia and Allan Cayetano this week donated an initial fund of P 1-million to the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) here to help indigent patients confined at the hospital.
Representing them was their Visayas coordinator Rey Martinez, who signed a MOA with Dr. Alberto de Leon, EVMRC chief, on how the funds would be used. Leyte board member Carlo P. Loreto and Hilongos Mayor Joy Roble, good friends of the senators, and Dr. Aileen Espina witnessed the signing.
Martinez explained that the funds were just “initial” and once depleted, they will release additional funding. It was also learned that the donation was made through the initiative of BM Loreto who passed a resolution asking financial assistance from the Cayetanos.
In recognition of the Cayetano’s generosity, BM Loreto also authored a resolution during their SP session this week, “adopting” the two as a “daughter and son” of Leyte. It was unanimously approved.
To avail of the financial assistance, a patient has to be confined at the EVRMC. They then file the necessary forms and vouchers for P1,000 worth of medicines will be released from the offices of BM Loreto and Hilongos Mayor Roble. The vouchers can only be used at the EVRMC Pharmacy and in case it is already consumed and the patient is still confined, he can avail of another P1,000 voucher. Martinez dubbed this as “modifying circumstances.”
Dr. de Leon, for his part, said the fund is a big help to the many indigent patients confined at the hospital coming from different provinces in the region. Dr. Espina added that while EVRMC is only a 250-bed hospital, sometimes there are as many as 400 patients confined, who just have to sleep at the hospital corridors.
BM Loreto, on the other hand, said Mayor Roble will soon assign one staff to EVRMC to assist patients seeking medical assistance. Loreto added that the Leyte Provincial Hospital also received P1-million funding from the Cayetano siblings, increasing their initial release of P500,000. By Vicky Arnaiz
Leyte adopts Sen. Pia, Alan Cayetano
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