BONTOC, Mountain Province – The inauguration and blessing of the new Outpatient Department (OPD) Laboratory Building of the Bontoc General Hospital (BoGH) including a new generator set, new mobile laboratory vehicle, newly installed solar-powered pump and the constructed guard house and waiting shed, along with the Christmas party of the BoGH, Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Provincial Office of the Department of Health (DOH) was held on December 20, 2024.
The inauguration of the facilities was led by Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. and Vice Gov. Francis O. Tauli, while the Eucharistic celebration and blessing was led by Rev. Fr. Sammy Maximo. It was attended by provincial government heads of offices and employees of the PHO, BoGH, DOH, and other partner agencies. In attendance were Board Members Ezra Samson A. Gomez and Joshua B. Fronda, Mountain Province Councilors League President Kapon B. Gomgom-o, Sangguniang Pangkabataan President Ken Paulo P. Nacnas and Provincial Administrator John K. Likigan.
In his message, Gov. Bonifacio “Boni” Lacwasan Jr. said that the facilities which are needed in the delivery of efficient and quality health care services, are made possible in collaboration with the DOH, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Office of Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara and through the joint effort of the provincial offices and officials and various stakeholders. The Governor also acknowledged the efforts of the provincial government’s partners in the realization of the projects like the JBA Construction, BKA Construction, Filgen, St. Marks and Ira.
The Governor also relayed that the new OPD Laboratory Building was funded by the Department of Health and was implemented by the provincial government through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council while the new generator set and the guard house and waiting shed were funded by the provincial government. In addition, he said that the solar pump was implemented by the DPWH and was funded by the Office of former Senator and now Department of Education Secretary “Sonny” Angara.
Lacwasan also thanked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for always being supportive by approving resolutions that give him the authority to enter into an agreement or understanding with partner agencies for the implementation of development projects. He further assured that one of the top priorities of elected officials is the health sector.
Moreover, Provincial Health Officer Annie Claire B. Pekas acknowledged the efforts of the provincial officials and the cooperation of the different offices that led to the successful implementation of the project and turnover of the various blessings. She mentioned and recognized the efforts of the BoGH and PHO employees and the retirees who are present.
Pekas also underscored the importance of thankfulness and giving and urged everyone present to reflect on this year’s bounty and blessings. In relation to this, Provincial Health Officer Carolyn D. Yawan urged everyone present to remember the spirit of Christmas and recognize each and everyone’s hard work this year.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Tauli and the other officials present also assured and expressed their continuous support for the further development of the health sector in the province. By esb
