For persons with disabilities, the availability of prosthetics is a great blessing.

This is also one of the focuses of Governor Ramon V. Guico III in the health sector.

With Governor Guico’s collaboration with various health agencies, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the provincial government and Physicians for Peace Philippines on November 6.

This agreement will bring a Prosthesis and Orthosis Center and Mobile Clinic to Pangasinan.

“Did you know this is the first prototype, a pilot project for the whole Philippines? In Pangasinan, no one will be left behind, whether disabled or not. We are very happy and our hearts are full to have been given the opportunity by our governor to have this program here in Pangasinan,” said Dr. Josephine Bundoc, Chairman of the Physicians for Peace Philippines Inc.

“This is the first in the Philippines because it’s dual. Other areas have centers with either a single mobile van or just a facility. Here, we have both, which Governor Mon approved. There’s magic in every first, and because we’re the first to have this model, as Governor Mon said, this will serve as a model for the whole Philippines. Isn’t that a pride for Pangasinan?” Lyne Abanilla, Chief Operating Officer of the Physicians for Peace Philippines Inc. added.

This facility will be located at the Lingayen District Hospital.

It will be the first of its kind in the entire country.

“Congratulations to LDH, the province of Pangasinan, and of course Physicians for Peace Philippines for this landmark project. It’s going to be the first mobile prosthetics and orthotics facility in the whole Philippines,” said Governor Ramon V. Guico III.

“Our province has gone through and achieved so much in healthcare, and I want to announce that this is not the end of our commitment to improving healthcare. This is just the beginning. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I’m very honored and proud to be part of the team leading the improvement of healthcare facilities and services, led by Governor Ramon Mon Guico,” Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino commended.

Thanks to the initiative of Governor Guico’s mother, Dr. Arlyn Grace Guico, this dream for the province has become a reality.

“I love our province, Pangasinan, and I love our fellow Pangasinans. That’s why I want to help and support in any way I can, whether in healthcare or other aspects. I’m very eager to contribute and support the needs of our fellow citizens,” said Dr. Arlyn Grace Guico, Board of Trustees of the Physicians for Peace Philippines Inc.

The public was also shown the first mobile prosthesis and orthosis clinic truck.

Now, Pangasinenses won’t need to go to hospitals, as this truck will travel to reach those in need of prosthetic and orthotic services.

Currently, the provincial government is coordinating with other agencies to get the facility and mobile clinic running.

**VALERIE ANN DISMAYA