ARMM health facilities get P318M from Aquino
ZAMBOANGA CITY: President Benigno Aquino 3rd released over P318 million to fund the rehabilitation of health facilities in the ARMM which is composed of Sulu, Basilan, TawiTawi, Maguindanao, Lanao province; and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.
The fund, part of Aquino’s continuing initiative to improve socioeconomic conditions in the southern region, would also be used for the purchase of health equipment, according to Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.
“We don’t know how to thank the President for all these support to the ARMM and Sulu in particular, and I am sure that these projects will benefit mostly the poor,” Sulu Governor Sakur Tan told
Tan said it is only now that the national government has put so much attention to the poor plight of the ARMM. “All we can Mr. President is thank you very much and our people appreciate all these peace and development projects,” he said.
Abad said they had earlier released some P437.5 million used to enhance hospital facilities in the ARMM. The latest release comprised the remaining balance from the P756 million under the ARMM Transition and Investment Support Plan.
“Our ability to ensure better public health care for ARMM communities is crucial to the region’s overall socio- economic growth. We’re actively improving facilities and conditions in the region’s public hospitals, many of which still do not have the means or equipment to respond to their patients’ medical needs. The medical staffs are often talented, but without the right facilities, they can do little,” Abad said in a statement.
He said of the total amount released, P188 million will go to the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, rural health units and village health stations. The remaining P130.5 million will be used to purchase new hospital equipment and other health care materials for hospitals identified in the region, he said.
“The President is committed to improving the situation for ARMM communities compromised by armed conflict and security issues. As we continue to push for quality healthcare in the region and the physical wellbeing of ARMM residents, we can reasonably expect them to become more productive members of their communities and more effective agents of change for the entire region,” Abad said.