LUBAO -- “Cancer patients are praying for the Pinedas. We want them to continue their care for the Kapampangans, their genuine service and good governance in the province.”
Thus said Mary Grace Ilagan, in behalf of the 231 leukemia, breast, uterus, colon, cervical cancer patients who came the other day in this town to receive their monthly cash assistance of P5,000 with a total amount of P1,155,000 plus assorted groceries, Ensure food supplement and one cavan of rice each from the personal funds of the Pineda family headed by Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda and Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab.
Ilagan, 29, a resident of San Vicente, Sto. Tomas town said that she suffers from chronic myelogenous leukemia since 2016. She started to receive assistance from the Pinedas in 2017.
“I started taking medicines in 2017. At first, we were given P30,000 each. I used the financial assistance to buy my medicines. One medicine costs P1,600. I take medicine six times a day so, I consume P10,000 a day,” Ilagan said.
Aside from the monthly assistance, Ilagan added that every year, they undergo a check-up at the National Kidney Center and the Pinedas are extending P15,000 for their check-up to diagnose the percentage of their health conditions.
“We are also receiving a cavan of rice each which is a big help to our family,” she said.
Ilagan thanked the governor and the vice-governor for their wholehearted support to the sick.
“We are praying that they would be blessed more so they could continue giving blessings to other people, especially to us,” Ilagan further said.
Vice Governor Pineda assured the cancer patients that the Pineda family will continue to attend to their medical needs especially for chemotherapy and other assistance beneficial to their health and their families.
The vice governor told the cancer patients to channel their request for assistance to barangay officials especially to barangay health workers (BHWs) and Nanay Community Workers (NCWs). He said the BHWs and NCWs were trained by the governor to assist the patients from their respective communities.
“The BHWs and NCWs are voluntary workers tasked by Nanay Gov. They receive no salary from the provincial government. Hence, we should thank them. With their voluntary work, the provincial government under Governor Nanay could easily attend to the needs of the patients. We will continue to employ and enhance their services so we could serve you better,” the vice governor told the cancer patients.
He added that BHWs and NCWs are like caregivers who most often help persons with cancer but are not paid to do so.
Melinda Santos Paller, a BHW from Barangay Sto. Tomas in San Luis town, said the medical and financial assistance program of Governor Pineda is very essential to the patients and their families.
Santos said the program has helped and is continuously helping those who are in need especially those who are less fortunate in life.
“We are hoping that this will continue, so many would benefit from the program. As Barangay Health Workers, we learned a lot of things and how to take good care for the welfare of our fellowmen who are sick. It is because of Nanay Gov and Vice Governor Delta,” the BHW added.
Caring for someone going through cancer treatment can be demanding, but being good at it can give a sense of meaning and pride. These good feelings can help provide the strength and endurance to continue in the role for as long as needed, she said.
Other BHWs said that helping the sick enriches their life.
“You might feel a deep sense of satisfaction, confidence, and accomplishment in caring for someone. You may also learn about inner strengths and abilities that you didn’t even know you had, and find a greater sense of purpose for your own life,” they said. (PR)