VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oiental–If plans dont miscarry, the much-awaited groundbreaking of the P450-million worth Mindanao District Hospital is happening soon, said Mayor Jennie Uy-Mendez.
Mendez said the hospital which will be constructed in one hectare land “and we will do the groundbreaking with Senator Bong Go soon.”
She said the construction of Mindanao District Hospital in this town was the legacy of the Uy family. Her father, Atty. Julio Uy is a former town mayor of Villanueva and former Vice Governor of the province of Misamis Oriental; her mother, a former town mayor of Villanueva and now a three-termer member of the House of the Representives representing the second district of Misamis Oriental; and mayor Jennie Uy-Mendez herself.
Advocacy
She said the idea of constructing a hospital in the town was conceptualized in 2014, at a time when she was working as congressional staff of her mother. “It was the time when everything was just our advocacy and now we will soon hold the groundbreaking. The fulfillment of our or our dream” she added.
“Sa una, sa among nakita kulang gyud kaayo ang support sa atong healthcare especially ob public health,” said Mendez.
She emphasized: “Kining sa hospital, dili man gud ni siya bounded by any territorial or jurisdiction, its a universal need.”
Mendez said the hospital will be constructed under the funding of the Department of Health (DOH).
It will be a 4-5 storey public hospital,said the mayor adding,”kani nga project dako kaayo ug ikatabang sa mga tawo.”
“Si mama, morag batang gamay nga mihilak sa kalipay nga ma put-up na gayud ang Mindanao District sa Villanueva,” said Mendez.
She emphasized that the hospital ws not constructed to compete with other public hospitals and to decongest the already crowded Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), also known as provincial hospital.
Likewise, Mendez thanked her parents for inspiring her “because they seek to improve the quality of life of people through education, health, eave and order, employment, livelihood, and housing.
House Bill 3462
Rep. Uy filed House Bill 3462 at the House of Representatives. Uy said HB 3462 seeks to establish the Northern Mindanao District Hospital of Villanueva, which will be under the supervision of the Department of Health (DOH).
In her explanatory note, Uy said that the town of Villanueva is widely consideredas the growing industrial hub in the province of Misamis Oriental.
Not only in Misamis Oriental, she pointed out, but even in Northern Mindanao as it has 16 medium to large scale industries.
With its growing local economy and the influx of industrial plants, Uy said there is a steady increase in the population of Villanueva.
“In line with this, there is a need to establish a hospital in the area to ensure that the population is given adequate health care in the quickest possible time especially during emergencies,” said the lady lawmaker adding, “this is essential considering that Villanueva is 26 kilometers away from Cagayan de Oro City where the nearest hospitals are located.”
