LAGAWE, Ifugao, Jan.6 (PIA)- – Senator Teofisto “TG’ Guingona III promised the Ifugao people to work hard with officials of the province for the completion of the new Ifugao General Hospital (IGH) located at Barangay Poblacion North this town.
Guingona, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, during his visit to the province today, vowed to work closely with local officials so that the long delayed construction of the IGH shall be completed.
The construction of the new IGH to replace the old and dilapidated IGH which was found to be standing on unstable ground should have started way back in 2008 but due to political bickering and conflicts among local officials, construction was delayed.
The project in 3-phase scheme was finally approved for implementation in 2010. The first phase construction by the provincial government was bided and awarded to local contractors but was found to be defective and again riddled with controversy prompting the Department of Health (DOH) to take over the construction of the second phase.
The DOH engaged the services of outside building contractors, however, some people claimed flaws and defects in the construction and a protest was lodged to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in 2012 further delaying work.
With the condemnation of the old IGH in 2014, hospital services were temporary transferred to the small and not fully equipped Panopdopan District Hospital in the town of Lamut.
But many residents have reportedly been experiencing poor health services and inconvenience. The situation is also causing them too much financial burden as they have to travel and avail of the services of tertiary hospitals in Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Baguio City and even in Metro Manila.
Thus the clamor for the local and national government to fast track the completion of the new IGH.
Meanwhile, Guingona also assured his help for the tourism development of the province with its rich culture, tradition and scenic spots to attract more tourists and visitors.
Lastly, he confirmed his support for the Cordillera’s quest for the establishment of an autonomous region in the Cordillera and the amendment of the Philippine Constitution for a Federal form government./JDP/DBC- PIA CAR, Ifugao