Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday expressed gratitude to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for granting his request for an authority to sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the Gensoli family that is donating 3.5 hectares for the site of the Bacolod City General Hospital and the new City Health Office.
With Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and SP’s approval of Leonardia’s request, the mayor can now enter into an agreement with the Exellion Agri and Realty Corporation and Bukid Agri Ventures, Inc., represented by Gloria Gensoli, that owns the property in Barangay Vista Alegre, Bacolod City.
The Sanggunian also ratified during its December 9 regular session the provisions contained in the Deed of Donation that calls for the LGU to name the whole integrated property “Teofilo M. Gensoli, Sr. Memorial Medical Center” that will include the Bacolod City General Hospital and the new CHO.
Leonardia welcomed SP’s twin moves, saying that these signal the realization of the 2019 campaign promise that was fully concurred and signed by the Grupo Progreso slate three years ago.
He also thanked Senators Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya for their roles in the passage of the legislation creating the city hospital.
“The fulfillment of the GP campaign promise is very timely,” the mayor said, adding that with the medical complex rising in the area in the next few years, it will also spur economic growth in Barangay Vista Alegre and outlying areas.
“This will instantly develop the Vista Alegre area just like what we did with environs of the NGC, MassKara Coliseum and Bacolod Museum growth centers.” Leonardia emphasized.
The city hospital and the new CHO, he continued, highlights the local government’s firm commitment to strengthen Bacolod’s healthcare system and readiness to attend to the needs of residents in times of any health emergencies.
All told, the mayor had long been envisioning the establishment of a holistic medical complex that included not just the city hospital, but also the establishment of the new City Health Office that is having difficulty handling the increasing population of Bacolod at its present site in BBB Galo.
Thus, with the donated property by the Gensoli family, 1.5 hectares, out of the total 3.5 hectares, has been apportioned for the new CHO that will be built using local resources, Leonardia explained.
“Allow me, therefore, to reiterate my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Gloria Gensoli and the whole Gensoli family for this generous gesture and unwavering commitment to serve their community. We cannot overemphasize our sincerest gratitude for their civic mindedness,” he said.
SANGGUNIAN ACTIONS
The august body also considered in its decision the opinion of City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan, who posed no objection should the mayor accept the donation, provided that the Sanggunian approve the authority for the local chief executive to sign the DOD.
The donation was actually the result of a year-long, silent negotiation with the Gensoli family with Bayatan taking the lead, the mayor said.
Apart from the 3.5 hectares for the city hospital and the CHO structures, the Deed of Donation also stipulated that the LGU will develop additional 5,000 square meters for road access to serve as entrance and exit to the medical complex.
CITY COORDINATION WITH DOH
Without much fanfare and publicity, Leonardia said his administration had been coordinating with the technical team formed by the Department of Health and the City Engineer’s Office.
Silently, too, he disclosed, Bayatan was tasked to ensure and see to it that the property donation will be realized.
Leonardia said he was elated that his idea of establishing a medical complex, where the CHO is also integrated, is now in progress adding that the funds for the construction of the hospital will mainly come from the national government coffers while that of the CHO will be locally sourced.
The new CHO is also envisioned to operate a dialysis center, among others, and the city government hopes to acquire modern and state-of-the-art medical equipment to further improve the delivery of basic health services for Bacolodnons, Leonardia said.*
