House of Hope ownership transfer inked

The ownership of the shelter for mentally-challenged individuals has finally been transferred from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro to the City Government as it eyes to expand its operations by getting enough national government support.

A memorandum of agreement was entered into by the Archdiocese, the owners of the land Escano Estate where the House of Hope is situated, Department of Health, Nothern Mindanao Medical Center, JR Borja General Hospital, and the city government to upgrade the mental health facility House of Hope.

Michael Fabello, City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) executive overseer said the city considers Health and Hospital Service as crucial components under its 8-point Agenda to promote health programs, especially involving mental health.

The Escano family has also donated an adjoining parcel of land with an area of 4,733 square meters for the expansion of the House of Hope facilities.

Under the agreement, the DOH shall facilitate the implementation of infrastructure projects to upgrade and enhance the facility’s services, while the NMMC and JRBGH will provide support services such as management f the Acute Mental health

crisis and provide allied support services.

“This is a collaborative effort by which we can finally treat the mentally-challenged, who are maybe among the poorest in the community. There is no health without mental health. With this kind of program, we can really move forward of bringing better services and at the same time, continuing to have that spiritual care, personal care,” Archbishop Antonio Ledesma said.

“We look forward to better care for all our resident patients in the House of Hope,” he added.

Msgr. Perseus Cabunoc said House of Hope currently houses about 58 patients, pointing out that sometimes, getting enough supply of food, medicine, and maintaining manpower can be a challenge for the mental health institution.

Mayor Oscar Moreno for his part said, the transfer of the ownership to the city makes the institution eligible for government support.

“We are very happy and proud to be part of this history. We will continue to serve the people of Cagayan de Oro and region,” he said.

The city has also vowed to allocate P1 million for the House of Hope as its financial assistance every year for medical supplies and other needs of the clients.