Garin leads groundbreaking for new cancer center in Cebu

HEALTH Secretary Jeanette Garin was in Cebu recently to lead the groundbreaking of the first government-run cancer center in Central Visayas.

Garin flew to Cebu on Tuesday afternoon, days before her term as Department of Health (DOH) Secretary ends today.

She believed that the immunization and other healthcare programs that they had implemented under the Aquino administration would be retained by the incoming administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

She expressed thanks to those who supported her during her stint.

The new cancer center will be built inside the compound of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC).

The bidding started last March and ended on June 6 with the project awarded to the lowest bidder, Cuerpo Construction.

The P475.8-million funding for the construction of the center will be taken from the national government and the hospital’s income. The 10-story building has a two-story basement parking.

Garin was joined by Representatives Gwen Garcia, Benhur Salimbangon, Bebot Abellanosa, Raul Del Mar and VSMMC Chief of Hospital Dr. Gerardo Aquino during the time capsule laying after the groundbreaking.

There are two existing cancer centers in Central Visayas. However, these centers are privately-owned.

Former representatives Rachel Del Mar, Pablo Garcia, Eddie Gullas and incumbent Representatives Luigi Quisumbing and Benhur Salimbangon supported the initiative by passing an endorsement letter.

Aquino said these congressmen supported this initiative “even if it was just a dream.”

“Through this we are inspired to do better,” he said in his message prior to the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of RA 10770 or An Act of Increasing the Bed Capacity of VSMMC.

From its current 800 bed capacity, the VSMMC will now have 1,200 beds to accommodate more patients.

Aside from the groundbreaking, there was also the blessing of their Central Sterile Supply Department and the additional PhilHealth ward.