The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has turned over a total of P4, 035,000 cash donation to Benguet General Hospital as part of its collective effort to contribute to the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Benguet General Hospital has been the chosen recipient of the DSWD COVID-19 cash donation, which was raised through the voluntary contribution of the Department’s officials and employees in its Central and Field Offices (FOs). The amount was deducted from the May and June payroll of all the willing personnel.

DSWD Undersecretary for General Administration and Support Services Group Jose Ernesto B. Gaviola and FO Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Director Leo Quintilla led the turnover of the donation in a simple ceremony held today at the FO CAR in Baguio City.

In his message, delivered by Usec. Gaviola, DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista explained that the donation is a symbol of the collective efforts and bayanihan spirit among DSWD workers and a sign of their gratefulness to medical frontliners who are battling the pandemic.

“Helping the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized is not only our duty, but also our purpose. DSWD is one in giving premium to the work extended and sacrifices made by public servants, such as all of your here, all the more during this challenging time,” the Secretary said.

Sec. Bautista explained that DSWD conducted a survey among its personnel and coordinated with the Department of Health in determining the public hospitals with the most number of COVID-19 patients but have least available funds. With the increase in the number of cases in Benguet, the Department, he said, recognized the need for the Benguet General Hospital for more assistance.

Benguet Province Governor Dr. Melchor D. Diclas thanked DSWD employees for their donation to Benguet General Hospital, which, he said, is the only hospital in the province that treat COVID-19 patients.

“Maraming maraming salamat po dito sa sakripisyo ng mga empleyado ng DSWD. Alam natin na this is a sacrifice. Sweldo nila ang pinanggalingan. Malaking tulong po ito sa Benguet General Hospital natin. Ito yung gagamitin natin for our COVID-19 patients. Thank you very much. Papahalagahan po natin ito.” Governor Diclas said.

Benguet General Hospital Chief Dr. Meliarazon Dulay, likewise, thanked the Department for choosing their hospital as the recipient of its donation.

“It’s an honor for Benguet General Hospital to be chosen as your recipient from DSWD COVID-19 donation from your employees, our angels in red vest. Dr. Dulay added that the DSWD has been a longtime partner of the hospital in giving assistance to their clients. According to her, the donated amount will augment their resources in serving their clients. “Thank you very much, you will forever be our partner in the service of our people especially in the province of Benguet,” she said.

The Benguet General Hospital started its COVID-19 battle since February. A total of 1,812 persons under investigation have been recorded in the hospital, while the facility has already admitted 357 suspected cases. It currently has 19 active COVID-19 patients.

“We hope that this little amount can contribute to the efforts initiated by the Benguet General Hospital and the Province of Benguet. We recognize the hard work and dedication of all medical frontliners who continue to deliver the much-needed services amid the threat of COVID-19. The Angels in Red Vests are one with you in this battle against an invisible enemy. DSWD shall be your partner as we uphold our commitment to work and our compassion to serve,” Sec. Bautista ended. ###