PRESIDENTIAL Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino asked for additional medicine and ambulance from Retired Police Colonel Royina Garma, who is now the new Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager.
In his message during the turnover of office ceremony at the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CCPO) last Thursday, July 11, 2019, Dino teasingly reminded Garma of his request for additional medicine supply and ambulances for the Central Visayas.
“I know that your love for the Cebuanos is as big as your love for the (entire) Filipino people. This is why I personally believe that even with your transition in public service, you will give the same love to the Cebuanos as well by giving us more ambulances and medicine,” Dino said.
The PCSO is a government-owned and controlled corporation under the Office of the President. It is mandated to raise and provide funds for health programs, including medical assistance and services.
Garma sought early retirement from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Police Colonel Gemma Vinluan, her classmate at the PNP Academy, replaced her as the new CCPO director.
According to Dino, Garma’s new role is vital for the success of Malasakit Centers.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop of various government agencies that gives financial aid to poor and marginalized Filipinos, allowing them to conveniently avail of medical and financial assistance.
Garma said any assistance given by PCSO to Central Visayas will not be because of her but because of the existing programs.
“I think Cebu is in the lineup already. Soon, maybe by August, there will be a distribution (of ambulances) already. It’s not because of me; it’s because of the program,” Garma said.
On one hand, last July 4, Siquijor Provincial Hospital formally opened its own Malasakit Center.
Dino and Senator Lawrence "Bong" Go unveiled the Malasakit marker and turned-over the P5 Million check as Malasakit fund to the Siquijor Provincial Hospital.
The Siquijor Malasakit Center is the 11th Malasakit Center in the Visayas. (SunStar Cebu)