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FIRST LADY VOWS REHAB OF IBA, ZAMBALES HOSPITAL
Iba, Zambales, Aug. 28, 1999 - First Lady Dr. Luisa "Loi" Ejercito Estrada vows to help in the rehabilitation of the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital (PRMMH) here.
Dr. Loi, a native of this town, gave this assurance to Zambales Gov. Vicente Magsaysay after she saw the condition of the 150-bed hospital during a short visit Thursday.
The First Lady was the guest of honor and speaker during the parish night at the Iba Gymnasium as part of the August 28 Feast of St. Augustine, the patron saint of her hometown.
Magsaysay said the PRMMH renovation will start Monday with the initial funding coming from the provincial government. The hospital upgrading project, estimated to cost P10 million, includes repairs of the leaking roof, comfort rooms, hospital wards and procurement of equipment. The renovation may be completed within three to five months.
In her extemporaneous remarks, the First Lady informed her town mates about her various banner projects under the Erap Partnerships for the Poor Foundation Inc. (EPPFI), saying that they are all intended to help the poor, who are the closest to the heart of President Joseph Estrada.
She also informed them of her plan to give mobile clinics complete with X-ray, ECG, pharmacy and dental facilities to provinces nationwide.
The First Lady also said one of her plans is to acquire a rescue plane that would be used to transport patients from far-flung barrios to the Philippine General Hospital where they can get free treatment.
She also intends to put up a dialysis center for the poor in the country's different provinces.
During her speech, Dr. Loi waxed nostalgic, reminiscing about her childhood when she used to play the angel during Easter Sunday rites. She was also an active member of the church choir here.
In appreciation for her outstanding humanitarian work and valuable assistance, the town presented a plaque of appreciation to the First Lady.
As she always did during her previous visits, the First Lady said short prayers at the tombs of her departed parents, Rufino and Manuela, at the Catholic cemetery here. She also attended a mass at the St. Augustine Cathedral.
© Copyright, 1999 by PHILIPPINE
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