President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday visited the Masbate Provincial Hospital in Masbate City to assess the damage caused by Typhoon Opong and extend government assistance for its rehabilitation.
During his visit, President Marcos inspected key areas of the hospital, including the Emergency Room Complex and the Internal Medicine ward, to personally see the extent of the damage. He also turned over a facsimile check worth ₱3 million from the Department of Health (DOH) to the provincial government of Masbate to fund the repair of hospital facilities.
To help improve communication amid connectivity issues, the President provided two Starlink units to the hospital. He likewise supplied additional generators to address the ongoing electricity problems and ensure the hospital can accommodate more patients.
“Nakapagpadala na tayo ng generators sa inyong ospital dahil may generator ang ospital pero kulang. Kaya dinamihan natin ang generator para mas maraming pasyente ang kayang tanggapin ng inyong ospital,” President Marcos said earlier during the distribution of aid to families displaced by the typhoon at Nursery Elementary School.
To prevent the spread of illnesses in evacuation centers, the President said the DOH has deployed medical teams to monitor and safeguard the health of evacuees.
“‘Pag nakikita ko itong mga evacuation center na ganito ay nakikita natin nagsisiksikan ang tao at mabilis kumalat ang sakit kung sakaling mayroon man. Kaya nandiyan din ang ating mga medical team ng Department of Health para tumingin at tiyakin na kayong lahat ay naaalagaan,” he added.
As of September 30, Masbate Provincial Hospital has admitted 339 patients and employs 364 hospital personnel.
After his inspection, President Marcos presided over a situation briefing on Typhoon Opong’s impact, held at Masbate Comprehensive National High School.
