Mayor Emerson Pascual (center) poses with members of the local medical community. Photo by Armand Galang.
GAPAN CITY – Local officials headed by Mayor Emerson Pascual led the groundbreaking for a 132-bed medical center beside the city hall compound here on Friday.
Pascual said the P750-million four-storey Batang Gapan Medical Center (BTMC) will serve local residents for free.
“Wala nang magiging kawawa sa Gapan,” the local chief executive said referring to financial difficulties being encountered by people in health crisis. “Wala nang mangungutang, wala nang magsasanla. At ayoko na may mga kababayan ako na lumalapit sa pulitiko para manghingi ng tulong.”
The health project is expected to be finished in 18 months to two years, Pascual said.
He assured the public that the LGU can sustain its operation based on their budget. “Wala pong utang ito,” he stressed.
Vice Mayor Dodong Bautista said the hospital is the latest health project of the LGU having established Libreng Dialysis Center and Libreng Diagnostic Center several months back.
“Kaya mahalaga na magkakasama at magkakaisa ang mga lider,” Pascual said, stressing the support of the city council to his projects, including the hospital.
Pascual’s sister, 4th District board member and mayoralty aspirant Joy Pascual also attended the rites. She had promised to continue her brother’s programs.
Mayor Isidro Pajarillaga of nearby Gen. Tinio, along with members of the town’s sangguniang bayan, also joined the event.
Pajarillaga expressed hope his constituents can also benefit from the hospital.
