By Nimfa Estrellado Gov. Tan, accompanied by Dr. Gabriel Quezon-Avanceña, a descendant of President Manuel Luis Quezon and the guest of hono...
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| Gov. Tan, accompanied by Dr. Gabriel Quezon-Avanceña, a descendant of President Manuel Luis Quezon and the guest of honor, led the commemorative flower offering at the hospital's Healing Garden, paying tribute to the former president and his vision for healthcare. (Photo from Quezon PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - "Health is a right, not a privilege. Our residents should not hesitate to demand this right from their government, and that's precisely what we are striving to provide," declared Quezon Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan in an emotional address during the 100th anniversary celebration of the Quezon Provincial Health Office - Quezon Medical Center (QPHN-QMC) on August 1, 2024.
Gov. Tan, along with Dr. Gabriel Quezon-Avanceña, one of President Quezon's grandchildren and the event's guest of honor, led the solemn flower offering at the monument of former President Manuel Luis Quezon in the hospital's Healing Garden.
Tan shared her unwavering belief in ensuring every Filipino's access to quality healthcare, a dream that fueled her advocacy for the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law during her time as a congresswoman. "This dream of providing accessible and quality healthcare for all is what drives us at QPHN-QMC," Governor Tan stated. "It's the legacy we've inherited, and the legacy we must continue to uphold."
Addressing the hospital staff, the governor emphasized the importance of compassion in healthcare. "As we move forward, I urge you all to remain compassionate and dedicated in your service. Our patients are not just numbers or cases; they are individuals seeking care and comfort. Let us always remember the human touch in our practice," she said.
The governor doctor also stressed that the needs of the residents should not be limited. "We must strive to provide comprehensive healthcare services that address the diverse needs of our community. This includes not only physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being."
Reflecting on her tenure, Tan acknowledged, "I may not be able to achieve every single dream I have for healthcare in our province, but my legacy will be to do everything within my power to improve the lives of our people through accessible and compassionate healthcare."
Established in 1924, QPHN-QMC has grown into a leading healthcare institution in the region, offering a wide range of medical services to the people of Quezon Province. From its humble beginnings as a small provincial hospital, it has expanded to include specialized departments and state-of-the-art facilities, catering to the diverse healthcare needs of the community.
The event was also graced by the presence of Vice Governor Third Alcala, QPHN-QMC Chief of Hospital Dr. Juan Eugenio Fidel Villanueva, PHO Head Dr. Kristin Mae-Jean Villaseñor, and Quezon Provincial DOH Team Leader Dr. Juvy Paz Purino.
The centennial celebration serves as a reminder of QPHN-QMC's unwavering commitment to providing quality healthcare to the people of Quezon Province for the past century and its ongoing dedication to the well-being of the community.
As part of the centennial celebration, a "Centennial Commemoration Night" with the theme "A Road to 100 Years of Excellence" was held at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City. The event featured a moving tribute to the hospital's legacy, highlighting its achievements and milestones over the past century. Governor Tan addressed the attendees, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the employees of each department for their unwavering dedication and commitment to serving the people of Quezon.
The governor emphasized the vital role each staff member plays in upholding the hospital's mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care to all patients. Shee acknowledged the challenges faced by healthcare workers and praised their resilience and perseverance, especially during the recent pandemic. Looking ahead to the hospital's next phase, the governor outlined plans for expansion and modernization, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in facilities, technology, and staff training.
Adding to the festivities, a lively dance competition among the hospital's seven departments showcased various generational themes, fostering camaraderie and team spirit. The event culminated in a celebratory dinner, where staff, officials, and community members came together to toast the hospital's centennial milestone and look forward to a future of continued excellence in healthcare.
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