Groundbreaking of the OFW Hospital – Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center (Speech) 12/10/2024

Groundbreaking of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital – Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
December 10, 2024

Recognizing the extraordinary strength, determination, dedication, sacrifice and love for family of the nation’s modern-day heroes, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital – Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga on December 10, 2024.

“Since its inauguration in 2022, the OFW Hospital in Pampanga has stood as a testament to our commitment to care for and our commitment for them to be cared for by us, and not only for themselves but also for their families…And this is why the hospital’s second floor will be dedicated to the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center. While the vision is clear, we acknowledge that work remains to be done to ensure that this facility will be equipped to serve those who are in need,” President Marcos Jr. said in his keynote message.

He commended the collective efforts of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), other government agencies and private partners for the realization of the project.

He also honored the late DMW Secretary Susan Ople who dedicated her entire life to working for the rights of migrant workers, citing that the project was inspired by her vision. “Her legacy reminds us to approach every patient with compassion and care, assuring them that they are not alone in their fight,” he emphasized.

During the program, the Chief Executive conducted a site inspection and listened to the project briefing of DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac before leading the time capsule laying at the site proper.

“Sa aming minamahal na OFWs, ang karagdagang pasilidad na ito ay para po sa inyo at sa inyong pamilya. Hindi naman natin hinahangad na magagamit ninyo ito, ngunit mas makakahinga tayo nang maluwag kung alam natin na may matatakbuhan na ospital ang ating mga OFWs sa oras ng inyong pangangailangan. Nawa’y ang Cancer Care [Center] na ito ay maging simbolo ng ating mas magandang kinabukasan – kung saan ang sakripisyo ng ating mga OFWs ay masuklian, ang kanilang pangarap ay mabigyang katuparan at ang kanilang kalusugan ay pinapahalagahan,” the President stated.

A Level 1 Specialty Hospital with a 50-bed capacity, the OFW Hospital has been in operation for two (2) years. It is the first and only medical institution in the Philippines that provides comprehensive medical services, from pre-employment to post-arrival health needs, for overseas workers, seafarers and their dependents.

Construction of the Cancer Care Center will start in January 2025 and is expected to be completed by November 2025. It is targeted to become operational in the first quarter of 2026, where it is expected to accommodate 64 patients and provide various treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, diagnostic and staging services, and surgical oncology, among others.



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