OFFICE of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (Opav) Sec. Michael Dino has asked for additional medicine and ambulances from Ret. P/Col. Royina Garma, who is the new Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager.
In his message during the turn-over of office to new Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director P/Col. Gemma Vinluan last Thursday, July 11, 2019, Dino reminded Garma in jest about his request for additional medicine supply and ambulances for the region.
“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,” he 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). Vinluan, her classmate, replaced her as the new CCPO director.
According to Dino, Garma’s new role is vital for the success of the “Malasakit” centers.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop of government agencies that gives financial aid to poor and marginalized Filipinos, allowing them to conveniently avail of medical and financial assistance offered.
Garma then said any assistance given by the PCSO to Central Visayas would not be because of her but because of existing programs.
“I think Cebu is in the lineup already. Maybe by August, there will be a distribution (of ambulances) already. It’s not because of me. It’s because of the program,” she said.
Meanwhile, last July 4, Siquijor Provincial Hospital formally opened its own Malasakit Center.
Dino and Sen. 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. (WBS)