Virgen Milagrosa del Rosario church. Photo by Ernie Esconde
BALANGA CITY — A college seminary in Bataan has opened its doors to house healthcare workers of the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) here, Bishop Ruperto Santos of the Diocese of Balanga announced Monday.
“Here in Bataan, the Church and the provincial government are partners. There is no separation. We are shoulder–to–shoulder for the common good of all Bataneos,” the prelate said, quoting a statement from 2nd District Rep. Jose Enrique Garcia III.
Santos said this partnership was again witnessed when the College Seminary of the Diocese of Balanga welcomes and opens its doors to house 26 employees and workers of BGHMC during the duration of the enhanced community quarantine.
The seminary known as Virgen Milagrosa del Rosario is located in this city.
The Bataan bishop said aside from free board and lodging, the diocese provides spiritual nourishments. He celebrates Holy Masses on Sunday and Thursday at the seminary chapel at 11 a.m.
“It is only the doors of the churches which are closed but our hands, our hearts are always open to them. We, the diocese, and the provincial government are both right and left hands available to our people,” Santos said.
“This is a common effort for the welfare of the province. With our joint hands, we carry, we care for our people on their way to safety and sound health of body and spirit,” he added.
Government-run BGHMC was turned into an exclusive facility for patients infected with coronavirus disease after 55 of its doctors, nurses and other workers were found positive of the virus.
The provincial government headed by Gov. Albert Garcia designated the giant Bataan People’s Center as quarantine facility for health workers of BGHMC, tapped hotels for their temporary housing and providing them free food and transportation accommodations and security.
