STO. TOMAS, Pampanga – “Central Luzon, particularly the province of Pampanga, has become the home of at least 10,000 Korean nationals. They are living harmoniously with the local population.”
Thus, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa expressed his appreciation to the provincial government during his visit to the country’s first Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) Center here on June 26.
Lee’s visit aimed to evaluate the center’s operations and explore how the South Korean government can further enhance medical services in the province.
“It’s a good way of giving back to the Filipino friends. That is the driving force to strongly recommend them to see the BUCAS facility here,” he said.
The envoy was accompanied by Vice Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, 4th District Rep. Anna York Bondoc-Sagum, Sto. Tomas Mayor John Sambo, Department of Health-Region 3 director Corazon Flores, and Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital medical chief Monserrat Chichioco during the ocular visit.
The vice governor announced plans of the provincial government to open another BUCAS facility near the Capitol to decongest the number of patients flocking into JBLMGH.
“Meron kaming isang BUCAS center na gagawin ni Gov Delta sa likod ng Capitol. Kasi nakita namin yung mga taga-Sta. Lucia, San Fernando at mga malapit sa likod ng Capitol dito pa sila pumupunta. Meron naman kaming malaking building doon bubuksan namin sa mga gustong magpacheck-up,” she added.
To date, there are a total of 17 BUCAS Centers established around the country to bring Level 3 hospital services closer to communities. Photos: Daniel Ombina/ Pampanga PIO)
