Bacolod City – The Abelardo and Remedios Bantug Memorial Hospital in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, is expected to be operational next year, Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez announced over-the-weekend.
In a press briefing at the Victorias City Hall, Benitez said the city government has allocated an additional P41 million budget, on top of P17 million they had allocated last year for the hospital, formerly known as the Kaayong Lawas Foundation Hospital.
By then, we will have a Level 1 hospital, which is fully equipped and operational by 2024, the mayor said.
The Victorias Kaayong Lawas Foundation Inc. donated the 2,000 square meter lot and building of the Kaayong Lawas Hospital, or Immaculate Conception Health Center, to the Victorias City Government, which paved the way for its development.
Benitez said they will set up a dialysis center in the hospital, so that Victoriahanon patients will no longer have to go to Bacolod City for treatment.
He also reported that Senator Mark Villar also assured them of P10 million for the hospital.
Benitez also announced that a Super Health Center will soon rise at Villa Miranda in Victorias City.
The Victorias City government has a budget of P870 million next year, an increase of four percent, compared to this year.
Benitez also reported that the master plan for the New Government Center and the design of new City Hall will be unveiled next month.
The New Government Center will house the P500 million City Hall and other infrastructure, including the P55 million evacuation center, which is now up for completion, he added.
Benitez also announced that City employees will receive P25,000 regular bonus, which he expects to add, a result of the Collective Negotiation Agreement they have signed between him and the employees.
He, however, refused to reveal the total amount to be received by the City employees, pending the announcement during their Christmas party on December 21. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)
