SOME 3,272 dialysis and chemotheraphy patients in Pampanga gathered on Saturday, December 21, to receive their Christmas gifts from the provincial government.
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) facilitated the assembly at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City.
Each beneficiary received a gift pack containing goods, such as hotdogs and chicken, and P1,000 cash during the event.
One of the recipients, Rose Gutierrez, is a dialysis patient from the town of Macabebe who lost her left leg due to diabetes.
She has been undergoing treatment for more than a year now. Gutierrez's husband, Alejandro, said they are happy to receive such assistance from the government during the Yuletide season.
"Masaya ako, dahil kahit papaano ay makakatulong sa amin ito, lalo na sa kagaya naming ganito, mahirap," he said.
(I am happy, because it will help us somehow, especially to poor people like us.)
Alejandro appealed to the municipal and provincial government to assist their family in sustaining his wife's dialysis treatment.
"Sana malagyan ng permcath ang misis ko, 'yon lang ang hiling ko ngayong darating na Pasko. Kaya lang nagkakahalaga 'yon ng P40,000 kaya 'di namin kaya," he furthered.
(I wish my wife would have a permcath, that is my only wish this Christmas. But then it costs P40,000. We cannot afford it.)
Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda, through board members who graced the event, sent his thanks to all beneficiaries for their trust and full-support to the provincial government.
"Payabut na pu kekayu ing kayang pasalamat kareng gang bibie yung suporta, at asahan yu pu ing patuluy na pung suporta king medical assistance ning kekatamung Capitoliu para kareng Kapampangan," said Board Member Ananias "Jun" Canlas, Jr.
Also present during the gathering were Board Members Olga Frances "Fritzie" David-Dizon, Cherry Manalo, and provincial disaster office head Angelina Blanco.
The activity was realized through the help of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Provincial Treasurer's Office (PTO), General Services Office (GSO), and Provincial Manpower Training Center (PMTC).