"One Small Step...": The Official Opening of Candoni's New Infirmary

September 15, 2008 is historical. In other parts of the world, Zimbabwean politicians made a historic power-sharing deal hopefully ending a bloody chapter in their political history. In the U.S., the Lehman brothers filed for bankruptcy, sending stock markets worlwide in a downtrend spiral. In a small town of Candoni, Negros Occidental, about 40 kilometers away from the nearest city, the people gathered to celebrate the opening of its infirmary. The once old structure which suffered almost 3 years with no electricity and doctor, was rejuvenated. It was almost impossible, when about 10 months ago, I was seated inside the Mayor's Office talking with the Mayor about his plans to revitalize the Rural Health Center. With my own knowledge regarding PHILHEALTH accreditation and the benefits the town can get from its Capitation Fund, the Mayor was all the more willing to proceed with the half a million budget of renovating the center. But where would he get that kind of cash? For a 4th class municipality, half a million pesos is already a big burden? It was not a surprise therefore if many were doubtful of whether the Infirmary can be established. But Mayor Borromeo was a man of faith. The renovation was delayed until June, when he was able to find some money to start the renovations. By the end of August, the Infirmary was already 90% complete. When Congressman Alvarez visited the town during its town anniversary, we brought him to the empty infirmary and right on the spot, he pledged to add 500,000 pesos more. With this pledge we were able to add some tiling on the floor. The engineering department spent many nights trying to catch the deadline. By September 12th, the Infirmary was already complete.

Every one was invited to attend the special mass celebrated at the Infirmary grounds, which was followed by the blessing of the place, a simple program to commemorate the event and the regular meeting of the South Negros Interlocal health zones. Mayors from Sipalay, Hinoba-an, Ilog and Kabankalan, including Board Member Mangao were present, along with their doctors, councilors and nurses. Representatives from the province were also present. All municipal employees and department heads were present. Even my family was there to give their support. It was a big day for Candoni. It was a special day for me as a doctor.

Before the final blessing was given, I was able to address the people attending the mass. I gave them a speech I wrote the night before. I could not sleep so I wrote down my thoughts and ended up writing a speech. Here's what I told the crowd in attendance:

Honorable Cicero Borromeo, Mayor of the municipality of Candoni, Honorable Vice Mayor Jimmy Tiaga, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, Department Heads, Municipal Employees and Guests, good morning.

It is a privilege to speak before you in such a historic occasion for Candoni. In my brief stay as a doctor to the barrio, deployed by the National Government, I have seen a lot of things which have touched me personally as a physician and as a public servant. The revival of this old structure and the transformation into a facility that can best serve its clients is testament to the authentic desire of all Candonians to better their quality of life through improved health care services. We owe this to a living visionary, Mayor Cicero Borromeo, whose unquestionable faith bore fruit in the visible image of Candoni’s new Infirmary. I laud you, Mayor Borromeo, for your genuine concern for your people. I am honored to serve this municipality under your leadership. I pray that God will continue to bless you so that His blessings upon you will spill over the people you serve so zealously. Thank you, Mayor Borromeo.

But the work of one man is futile if no one will strive to emulate. And none can better complement the dedication of Mayor Borromeo than our dedicated rural health workers. I have witnessed the heroism of these health workers, both in the field and in the office. Despite our limitations in human and financial resources, our health workers patiently travel to far flung barangays to provide the basic health services our people need. Despite the lack of adequate compensation, our medical staff patiently attends to our patients in our ER without prejudice whatsoever. Some would travel long distances in ungodly hours of the night just to report to the E.R. for the graveyard shift. These are things which, unfortunately, some of our people were not able to appreciate. But whether they are remembered or not, they work tirelessly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no holiday breaks. I am privileged to have served this municipality with a band of heroes. Truly, our health workers are Candoni’s Best.

Let me appreciate also their families for having understood the nature of their jobs. In fact, my own family is here with me today. Please extend to your families my personal gratitude for their quiet support.

Let us no forget the many hands which helped push forward the agenda of health: our political leaders, the Sangguniang Bayan under the leadership of Vice Mayor Jimmy Tiaga, with special mention to Councilor Dolores Tomol, chairperson for the committee on health; the various department heads, to the men and women who spent many nights trying to beat the deadline for the Infirmary, of course, special mention to Municipal Engineer Ruiz; to our barangay captains and community leaders and teachers, and our partners outside of Candoni, from the province and region. You, too, have been instrumental in the success of Candoni.

Candoni now is in the crossroads. Before us lie opportunities that can bring success and progress to our small town. Let us not waste these opportunities. Let us instead link arms and gather together, walk with the same pace, heading towards one goal. Today, in the opening of our Infirmary, we have made that extra step, one small step to begin a few hundreds more.

It is a joy to welcome you all therefore in this historic moment. God bless us all.

During the South Negros Interlocal Health Zone meeting, the SNILHZ proposed to donate additional 50,000 pesos for Candoni's Infirmary. I was able to talk with Dra. Pabillo (Chief of Hospital of the Kabankalan District Hospital) and Board Mangao about the needs of the Infirmary. They are planning to augment our supplies and equipments.

After lunch, I went back to Bacolod with my family happy and at the same time worried. Now, the bigger work is next.

My congratulations to the people of Candoni.












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