If I were the governor

If I were the governor of the province of Cebu I would visit Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital so that I could witness first-hand the dire situation obtaining in the said hospital. I could empathize with the myriads of patients unattended to probably because of dearth of personnel needed in the ER department. Perhaps, my heart would melt seeing the relatives of the victims standing by the side of their sick love ones with only a chair to sit on.

During the visit I could also have a glimpse of the same situation in the birthing section. There, I could see three to four women lying in one bed crosswise with legs dangling because of so mothers but no ample space to accommodate.And if there are more than one to attend to the patient, only one is allowed inside, the rest stay outside standing or sitting on the floor because there are no benches available.

If I were governor, visiting the hospital helped me understand it current status. I could see many ambulances coming in and out bearing names of practically all the municipalities in the province of Cebu. Then, it dawned on my mind that what is needed is to build more hospitals located in other municipalities so health needs of my constituents are attended. I would give priority to building more hospitals equipped and at par with Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital so that the said hospital may not be congested, and many lives can be saved because considering the distance traveled from far-flung areas, many patients are declared dead on arrival. Then in retrospect, I would say to myself that what do I get from being a DILG awardee if I could not cater to the needs of the poorest of the poor!

Also, if I build these hospitals, I would have done what my predecessor never did. I would leave a legacy that would be etched in the memory of the people. I have served my people and they would remember that even if I am gone.

If only I could and if only I were.