The Veterans Memorial Medical Center held the Inauguration and

Blessing of the newly- constructed Emergency Ward on December

7, 2018. The total lot area of the new Emergency Ward is 2,150

square meters.

The Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana, alongside

with Dr. Dominador M. Chiong Jr., Undersecretary for Civil, Veter-

ans and Retiree Affairs Reynaldo G. Mapagu, PVAO Administrator

Ernesto G. Carolina spearheaded the event. In his inauguration

message, Dr. Chiong shared that the Emergency Ward was part of

an ambitious hospital program being undertaken to meet the

growth and service needs of our veterans and our community.

“Meanwhile, Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana in his speech congratu-

lated the VMMC for its notable improvements in its facilities, par-

ticularly the relocation of the emergency. He also assured Manage-

ment of his full support to all hospital projects that will ensure im-

proved access of the veterans to quality health care services.

This historical event drew attendance from numerous distin-

guished guests. Among those present during the inauguration

were Former Secretary of Foreign

Affairs Perfecto Yasay, former Executive

Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, former

USEC Jesus H. Millan, PCSO Chairman

Anselmo Pinili, Philippine envoy to Ma-

laysia Wenceslao Andanar and his

better half, Philippine Veterans League

National Commander Marlon Dantes,

PEFTOK President Col. Sixto Belen, Vet-

erans Federation of the Philippines

Chairman. The newly completed Emer-

gency Ward was constructed and

equipped at a cost of Php 65 million pe-

sos funded by the National Govern-

ment. It provides a space twice the size

of the previous Emergency Room. It

features 21 Treatment Rooms, 2 main

Nursing Stations, a dedicated rapid as-

sessment section or the Triage Room. It

also has provisions for an increased

number of examination rooms, an ex-

panded ambulance bay, a dedicated ra-

diology sections with X-rays and ultra-

sound, an Operating Room and Special-

ty Clinics like ENT, Ophthalmology, Pe-

diatrics and OB-Gynecology. The Emer-

gency Ward opened its doors in July

2018, since then it has increased its pa-

tient census by 8 to 10%. In the foresee-

able future, the number of new emer-

gency patients is expected to rise from

30 to 45% per annum.

VMMC INAUGURATES NEW EMERGENCY WARD

VMMC BULLETIN

THE VMMC BULETIN Published By: Office of the Administrative Officer-Public Relations Unit

JUANITO S. MONTEFALCON-Chief, Public Relations Unit Contributing Writers: Reynante L. Gungon

Maria Reina C. Feliciano Photos by: Ronald S. Nebres

In a simple turn-over ceremony held at the Main Lobby,

Jencait Trading, owner Mr. Toru Suzuki personally turned-

over 20 brand new wheelchairs to VMMC on June 13,

2018.

VMMC Director Dominador M. Chiong together with the

top officials of the hospital received the donation from the

donors. The ceremony was formally opened with the in-

vocaton from the VMMC Chaplain Father Emigdio. The

welcome remarks was delivered by Assistant Director

Franklin Gali. In her turn-over speech, Ms. Glenna Ordeta,

General Manager of Jencait Trading revealed that, she is a

daughter of a retired servicemen and aware of the plight

of the elderly retired servicemen.

The 3rd leg of medical mission was

conducted at the Capitol gymnasi-

um in Malolos City, Bulacan on

August 13, 2018. A total of three

hundred seventy five (375) patients

were served during the mission

(mostly medical; 5 patients availed

of surgical consultation, 90 patients

referred to EENT, 70 patients with

rehabilitation concerns, 19 OB cas-

es, 30 pediatric consultation; 34

dental extraction and 91 ECG pro-

cedures). VMMC director Dr.

Dominador M. Chiong Jr. In his

message emphasized the marching

order of President Rodrigo Duterte

to provide free health care to all

veterans and their dependents.

Furthermore, MGen. Alfredo S.

Cayton of Veterans Affairs Manage-

ment Division, PVAO and Commo-

dore Salvador Q. Esguerra of Veter-

ans Federation of the Philippines

(VFP) delivered their respective

messages.

The fourth leg of the scheduled

medical mission happened at the

Calbayog Samar Convention Center

on August 17, 2018. A total of 447

patients were served (mostly medi-

cal; 1 surgery operation, 240 pa-

tients lined up for ophthalmology

consultation; 100 patients referred

to Otorhinolaryngology (EENT); 25

patients with rehabilitation con-

cerns; 10 OB cases, 36 pediatric

consultation; 85 dental extraction;

and 47 ECG procedures. The Veter-

ans Management Affairs Division of

PVAO organized the event and

As part of its service and commit-

ment to the veteran patients, their

dependents and the community

VMMC launched several health pro-

gram to provinces where there is a

veteran. On June 27, 2018, Lipa City

Batangas was visited by VMMC Med-

ical Team where 321 patients were

treated and served. Also present

during the mission were Lt. Gen.

Raul S. Urgellio, Executive Director of

FILVETS and MGen Alfredo S. Cayton

of the Veterans Affairs Management

Division of PVAO.

Following the successful conduct of

its first Medical and Surgical Mission

in Lipa City, Batangas, VMMC con-

ducted the 2nd leg of its monthly

nationwide medical mission for 2018

at the Dr. Pablito V Mendoza Sr.,

Multi-Purpose Gymnasium in

Poblacion, Bustos, Bulacan on July

17, 2018. A total of 403 patients

were served (mostly medical and

ophthalmology consultations; with

25 dental extraction 15 gynecologic

consultations; 6 minor surgeries, 7

pediatric consultation; and 61 ECG

procedures. Also in attendance were

Bulacan Congressman Apol Pancio,

Representative of Bulacan Governor

Wilmelmino M. Sy- Alvarado, VMMC

Director Dominador M. Chiong Jr.,

VFP District Commander Rodolfo

Cleofe, Judge Aurora Recina, Former

CHR Chair and President PAWWPO,

Mrs. Liberty S. Dumlao, daughter of

Gen. Alejo S. Santos and LtGen. Ern-

esto G. Carolina, PVAO Administra-

tor.

Authority provided the trans-

portation and meals of the

VMMC Medical team.

On October 15, 2018, barely a

week before Boracay officially

reopens its doors to tourists,

the VMMC medical team was

very privileged to be among the

first outsiders to set foot on its

powdery white beaches. The

medical mission was held at

Brgy. Manoc Manoc Covered

Court, Malay, Aklan. It was

organized by the Boracay Inter-

Agency Task Force in coopera-

tion with Philippine Veterans

and San Miguel Corporation.

The medical team was led by

Chief, Medical Professional

Staff Dr. Mariano A. Mejia and

was composed of 50 members

(Doctors from the Department

of Internal Medicine, Family

Medicine& Out-Patient Ser-

vices, Surgery, Ophthalmology,

Rehabilitation Medicine, Ob-

stetrics& Gynecology and Pedi-

atrics), nurses, dentists, phar-

macists, dietitians and medical

social workers.

During the mission, three hun-

dred sixty (360) patients were

served with fifty seven (57)

dental extraction and forty (40)

ECG procedures performed.

This was the first medical mis-

sion conducted in the Visayas.

Palo, Leyte will be the site of

the next leg of medical mission

which is scheduled on October

19, 2018.

VMMC conducts series of Medical Missions The Management and the Employees Association of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC)

signed a fresh Collective Negotiation Agreement on April 12, 2018 at the CPS Conference Room.

The VMMC management, represented by Director Dominador M. Chiong Jr. and VMMC Employees' Associ-

ation (VMMCEA) represented by its president Dr. Gabriel T. Espinosa signed the new agreement. The salient fea-

tures of the new CNA include, among others, the retention of benefits of the employees such as health and medi-

cal benefits of employee. CNA incentives based on the current DBM Circular, Program on Awards and Incentives

for Service and Excellence (PRAISE) subject to availability of criteria of PRAISE guidelines, implementation of the

Revised policies on Grievance Machinery Committee as promulgated by the Civil Service Commission in MC No.

002 s.20001, Worker's Education Program, implementation of Magna Carta of Public Health Workers, Grievance

machinery and Workers Education Program.

The signing was witnessed by hospital management. and VMMCEA officers. On the other hand, the ratifica-

tion of the new collective Negotiation Agreement and Constitution By-Laws including amendment was held on

April 20, 2018 at the Basilio Valdes Hall. Said event was attended by hospital management and officers and mem-

bers of the VMMC Employees Association. Moreover, Mr. Suzuki in his message said that Japanese

wheelchairs are technically very comfortable for the elder-

ly. He also mentioned that their company also offers a

wide array of medical and ambulatory devices for patients

undergoing medical treatment. Dr. Chong said in his ac-

ceptance speech thanked the generosity of the company.

After the program , the donors were accompanied by Dr.

Chiong in a routine tour of various areas of the hospital

which included MICU, RDU, DRM among others.

engaged NGOs for the Filipino Vet-

erans Community. The participation

of NGOs contributed immensely to

the success of the event, the Rotary

Club of the City of Calbayog, SOS

Children's ViIlage Calbayog, Inc. and

media partner DYOG Radio ng

Bayan for the information dissemi-

nation. The City of Calbayog pro-

vided the venue and the City Buses

for the transportation services of

the VMMC Medical Team, Officials

of the VFP and PVAO. The 63rd

Infantry Division, Philippine Army

and 8th Army Division Hospital

provided security assistance in the

area.

Heeding the clamor of veterans

living in Northern Mindanao, the

Veterans Memorial Medical Center

conducted separate Medical, Surgi-

cal and Dental Missions in Camiguin

Island and Iligan City Town Plaza on

September 22, 2018 and Septem-

ber 26, 2018 respectively. VMMC

sent four (4) medical personnel to

Mambajao, Camiguin Island while a

Medical Team composed of 85

members was dispatched to Iligan

City Town Plaza.

One hundred ninety-six (196) pa-

tients showed up to avail of free

medical, surgical and diagnostic

services in the medical mission in

Camiguin Island whereas six hun-

dred thirty-six (636) patients were

served in Iligan City (414 patients

have medical concerns,151 dental

extractions and 71 ECG proce-

dures). PHIVIDEC Industrial

The last leg of the medical of VMMC happened on the province of Palo, Leyte.

Hundreds of veterans and their qualified dependents in Palo, Leyte benefited

from the Medical, Surgical and Dental Mission conducted by the Veterans Me-

morial Medical Center and its partners on October 19, 2018.

The one-day mission held at the at DepEd Leyte Gymnasium, Candahug, Palo,

Leyte offered different free medical services such as medical check-up, eye

examination, dental services, ECG, and blood pressure check-up.

A total of three hundred twenty five (325) patients availed of the medical ser-

vices with two (2) minor surgery, forty nine (49) dental extraction and seventy

four (74) ECG procedures performed.

The Veterans Memorial Medical Center joins the nationwide celebration of this year’s Women’s Month with the theme “We

Make Change Work for Women” which aims to give due recognition to the contributions of Filipino women in our society.

After the flag-raising ceremony, VMMC GAD Focal Point Chairperson Dr. Franklin V. Gali formally opened up the month-long observance.

In his message he said” Women are encouraged to be active drivers of bringing about positive changes and to subsequently bene-

fit from all the fruits of development effort. Women should not be passive onlookers at the changes that are coming and happen-

ing in the society but should engage and work with other development stakeholders. Let us work and make change work for

women, today and onwards at all times”

He also mentioned that a series of Gender related activities has been lined up throughout the month of March reaffirming the

institution’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The GAD activities for the 2018 National Women’s Month opened with the National Women’s Month Exhibit at the Main Lobby

simultaneous with the publication and distribution of Women’s Month Celebration materials for patients and employees on Feb-

ruary 26, 2018. There will be a series of seminars and lectures starting with the Training of Trainors on GAD Awareness and Ethics

Advocacy on March 6-8, 2018,

VMMC celebrates Women’s Month

CALBAYOG, SAMAR NORTHERN MINDANAO MANOC, MANOC, MALAY AKLAN

PALO, LEYTE

VMMC Employees get Mandatory Drug Testing

In support of the drug-free workplace campaign of

the government, the Veterans Memorial Medical

Center conducted a random, mandatory testing of

all employees last week at the Basilio Valdez Hall.

All the employees of the hospital, from the utility

workers up to the medical practitioners, regular

and contractual employees showed up on their

respective scheduled dates and voluntarily sub-

mitted themselves to the mandatory drug testing

at the Basilio Valdez Hall on February 6, 8 and 9,

2018.

Dr. Felicitas A. Soriano, Chairperson of the VMMC Drug-Free Workplace Policy Committee, said the drug test is in compliance with the memo order issued by Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lo-renzana to DND-Proper and its Bureaus last Jan. 29, 2017 directing the implementation of the Guidelines for a drug-free workplace, to include the conduct of mandatory drug test as a pre-employment requirement; random drug test for personnel; advocacy, education and training pro-grams and activities; display of messages for a drug-free workplace; and physical fitness pro-grams.

She added that employees who will not be able to show up during their

scheduled test will be asked to explain their absence and will have to go

directly to the National Reference Laboratory at the East Avenue Medical

Center for the drug test on their own and at their own expense. Employees

who will be found positive of drug use after the initial screening test shall

be subjected to further confirmatory drug test. Any employee who will

then be found positive of illegal drug use shall be dealt with accordingly.

The Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loan

Association Inc.(AFPSLAI) donated a Multicab to

the Veterans Memorial Medical Center on March

16, 2018.

The blessing and turn-over ceremony was held at

the Main Lobby of the hospital where AFPSLAI ex-

ecutives and hospital officials and staff gathered

together to bear witness of the event.

During the ceremony, VMMC Chief

Medical Professional Staff Dr.

Mariano M. Mejia delivered the wel-

come remarks. “We are gathered

here today to witness the turn-over

of the multicab being donated by

AFPSLAI.VMMC is fortunate that we

are being tapped as beneficiary of

cause-oriented companies such as

AFPSLAI. The multicab will add up to

our growing need for additional

transportation. We thank you for this

donation and more power” Rever-

end Father Emigdio A. Paredes offici-

ated the blessing of the vehicle.

After the blessing, AFPSLAI Executive

Vice President and General Manager

Emeraldo C. Magnaye assisted by

other AFPSLAI executives name-

ly; Chairman of Donations

Committee, B Gen Luis C. Vinoya, Jr., Area

Head of Luzon, Ms. Evelyn A. Corpuz, Manager

of Aguinaldo Branch, Mr. Joseph Macarilay and

Ms. Marilu Benedicto turned over the key of

the multicab to VMMC Director Dominador M.

Chiong Jr.

In his message AFPSLAI Vice President Emeral-

do C. Magnaye assured their full and contin-

ued support to the hospital’s endeavors.“Ang

isa sa mga values ng AFPSLAI ay malasakit sa

kapwa; malasakit sa bayang Pilipinas. Handa po

kaming tumulong sa lahat po ng miyembro ng

AFPSLAI. Kapag po ang VMMC ay tumawag sa

amin ay agad po kaming nandiyan upang mag-

silbi. Kaya maasahan po ng VMMC ang aming

patuloy na pagtulong, Ang AFPSLAI ay laging

nandiyan para sa inyo” he said.

In his acceptance speech VMMC Director

Dominador M. ChiongJr. Conveyed his grati-

tude and appreciation to AFSPLAI” In behalf of

the VMMC family, maraming salamat po talaga

sa inyong donation at yung pong inyong pakiu-

sap na we will again activate our partnership

with AFPSLAI regarding providing healthcare

services to their personnel ay paguusapin po

natin yan. We treat everyone especially in the

Defense Department as one family.” he said.

AFPSLAI DONATES MULTICAB TO VMMC

The AGFO Suite at Ward 21 of the Veterans Memorial

Medical Center was officially opened and blessed last

March 28, 2018. The one-day mission held at the at

DepEd Leyte Gymnasium, Candahug, Palo, Leyte

offered different free medical services such as medical

check-up, eye examination, dental services, ECG, and

blood pressure check-up.

In a simple ceremony held at Ward 21, VMMC Director

Dominador M. Chiong Jr. conveyed his sincere appreci-

ation to AGFO for funding the renovation of the AGFO

suite and vowed to continue to upgrade and modernize

the hospital to better serve the veterans and their qual-

ified dependents. “Ito po and aming pangako at pagsisi-

kapan, ang makapagbigay ng maayos at makabagong

serbisyo . We will continuously find ways to improve

our services. We will strive to give the highest standard

of medical treatment expected of us. We will work hard

to fulfill our commitment to the veterans to meet their

needs and expectations” he said.

“We have made significant progress in all these under-

takings to modernize the hospital but still have lot of

work to do. We would like to thank our senior leaders

specially Secretary Lorenzana and USEC Carolina for

their continuous support and guidance. Alam ninyo po

wala pa po yata kaming hinihingi sa kanila na hindi

binibigay sa amin. It is really about time to modernize

the hospital. We must remember that this is the only

hospital dedicated to the care of our veterans and we

really envision that this should be a hospital we all can

be proud of. A true haven for our veterans when the

time comes when they needed our care.”he added.

On the other hand, AGFO President Raul Urgello in his re-

marks expressed his appreciation to VMMC” “We are very

happy that AGFO has been given this suite. We visited this

and we were given a look and It is really a very nice place to

stay. But I hope that this (suite) will be very comfortable for

many of our generals who would like to be confined here.

The Veterans Memorial Medical Center received a generous donation

of fifty (50) mattresses from Uratex, the Philippines’ largest manufac-

turer of commercial and automotive polyurethane foam products.

During the turn-over ceremony held at the CPS Conference Room on

April 19, 2018, VMMC Director Dominador M. Chiong Jr. personally

received the donation from RGC Group of Companies CEO Natividad Y.

Cheng.

According to Mr. Eddie Gallor, Executive Vice President of RGC Group

of Companies,the donation is part of their corporate social responsi-

bility project dubbed Project 50 and in celebration of their 50th year in

the industry. The program he added follows the motto “Thanksgiving

Through Giving”, a yearlong project that involves distributing 2,500

mattresses—50 mattresses each—to 50 chosen hospitals and nursing

homes nationwide.

VMMC Director Dr. Chiong in his acceptance speech expressed his gratitude to the management of Uratex Foundation and lauded the charitable program it is presently undertaking. He said that such philantrophic act/project is a testament of their generosity and social responsibility which is good for the continued success of their busi-ness.

A short audio-visual presentation about Uratex was also held during the ceremony showing the humble beginnings of the company, from just 10 employees in a rental warehouse as their first factory in Pasay, Manila and until slowly spreading out to different parts of Manila, and eventually setting foot in Visayas and Mindanao.

The ceremony was graced by hospital top officials and other Uratex

representatives.

RGC/Uratex Turns Over Fifty (50) Mattresses to VMMC AGFO SUITE OPENS IN VMMC

Again, I would like to thank the leadership of the DND, the VMMC, the

doctor here who have been doing a great service and I would like to say to

please continue with what you’ve been doing. ” he said.

PVAO Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina likewise acknowledged and

praised the establishment of the AGFO Suite “It’s a great day for AGFO

(because) when there is a need, you are assured that there is a room

where you can be properly taken cared of and it is comfortable. It’s really

worth waiting. It is a suite tama lang sa status ng retired general and flag

officers.” he stressed.

DND Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana served as the Guest of Honor and

Speaker of the event. In his brief message, he lauded the various infra

projects undertaken in the VMMC. He also cited future projects for the

hospital in order to improve its services such as the building of additional

parking spaces, repainting of the entire building, beautification of the

lawn, setting up of Jollibee fast food inside the compound and leasing up a

portion of the land to generate income for the procurement of more med-

icines for patients. He also mentioned plans for the establishment of a

ward for veterans and active military personnel in regional and district

DOH hospitals throughout the country. Lastly, He thanked the AGFO for

their generous funding of the suite.

After the short program, Secretary Lorenzana together with Dr. Chiong,

Gen. Urgello and USEC Carolina led the ceremonial unveiling of the marker

and ribbon cutting. VMMC Chaplain Reverend Father Emigio A. Paredes

officiated the blessing of the AGFO Suite.

The event was graced by AGFO officials and members, PMA Class

73 alumni as well as hospital management and staff.

VMMC conducts ISO 9001:2015 QMS Seminar

In line with the ongoing preparation for the transition from ISO

9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015 certification, the Veterans Memorial

Medical Center, through the Quality Assurance Office conducted a

series of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Semi-

nar Workshops: Awareness Seminar on March 8 and 14, 2018; In-

ternal Quality Audit on May 3 and 4, 2018 and 2nd Quarter Internal

Quality Audit application of ISO 9001:2015 Standard Clauses on

May 7, 8 and 9, 2018 at the Basilio Valdes Hall. The seminar work-

shop was designed to raise awareness, understanding and full ap-

plication of the hospital QMS requirements of ISO 9001:2015

standards.

The seminar-worskshop was facilitated by Ms. Ingrid

Manglapus of IRCC Engineering Consultancy Service and

attended by employees from various process owners. Said

seminar consisted of lectures and thorough discussion of the

first five clauses and requirements of the ISO 9001: 2015 as

well as group workshop.

During the workshop, the participants were clustered into

three groups: Medical, Paramedical and Administrative

group. Each group was then tasked to demonstrate their understand-

ing of the Quality Management principles through the identification of

the internal and external issues, and risk management in their respec-

tive offices.

The participants are expected to master and implement the transition-

ing measures needed for the ISO 9001:2015 certification. The transi-

tion period is to be completed this year before a certifying body from

AJA Registrars. VMMC shall be given the accreditation if it has success-

fully met ISO requirements.

The 2015 version is the latest internationally-accepted Quality Management

System dubbed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as

“ISO 9001:2015”. This falls under the umbrella of the ISO 9000 family known as

a set of best international standards on quality management. These standards

are continually being developed by nominated standards experts from 160

nations.

Barely two months after sponsoring the repainting of

Ward-14, the PMA Marangal Class 1974 spearheaded

the turn-over of another project, the newly-renovated

chemotherapy unit at Ward-10 on June 8, 2018.

The event started off with the ceremonial unveiling of

the marker and ribbon cutting led by VMMC Director

Dominador M. Chiong Jr and PMA Class 71 Ladies Cir-

cle President Dr. Lorna V. Esperon. Also gracing the

event were top VMMC officials and prominent mem-

bers and officers of PMA Marangal Class 1974 as well

as the members of the PMA Class 71 Ladies Circle.

Last April 2018, the PMA Marangal Class 1974 funded

the refurbishing and repainting of Ward-14.

The Veterans Memorial Medical Center took part in an inter-agency tree

planting activity inside the hospital compound on November 7, 2018. The

event was initiated by the Department of National Defense and was made

possible through the generosity of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy of the King-

dom of Jesus Christ who donated two thousand (2,000) young pine trees to

be planted inside the hospital compound.

Top hospital officials and employees headed by Director Dominador M.

Chiong Jr. together with Assistant Director Franklin V. Gali and Chief, Medi-

cal Professional Staff Mariano A. Mejia participated in the tree planting

activity.

Gracing the event were Eduardo D. Del Rosario, Chairperson of the Housing

and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Undersecretary

for Civil, Veterans and Retiree Affairs Reynaldo B. Mapagu who represent-

ed the DND Secretary,PVAO Administrator Ernesto Carolina, Veterans Golf

Council General Manager Romeo T. Fajardo, Marlon Rosete, President and

CEO of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) and more than two

hundred (200) volunteers from the Church of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Prior to tree planting, a short program was held at the main lobby of the

hospital where Dr. Chiong cordially welcomed and extended his apprecia-

tion to all the guests and volunteers. He said that the future pines trees

may not only help improve air quality in the surrounding areas of the hos-

pital by removing air pollutants such as carbon monoxide but also reduce

noise pollution. He added that the patients and hospital staff will ultimately

reap the benefits of this worthy endeavor once the trees are grown up.

Mr. Rosete, who represented Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy shared in his re-

marks the pastor’s aspiration when he founded SMNI in 2005 was to re-

store back the beauty of the environment which was polluted and exploit-

ed by the people for so many years. He said that after receiving the re-

quest, the pastor immediately pledged 2000 seedlings of Baguio pine trees

to be planted inside the hospital compound in order to help VMMC provide

an environment that is conducive to the recovery and healing of its pa-

tients. He further encouraged everyone to join hands in helping to protect

our environment, one way of which is to plant one tree a time. “Let us

plant tree with love because we are angels of the environment “he added.

Meanwhile, Del Rosario lauded the vast improvement in the facilities and

state of the art equipment of the hospital. He also conveyed his gratitude

to Pastor Quiboloy for his efforts and sincerity for making the environment

clean and green. Moreover, he likened planting of trees as a way to achiev-

ing immortality since trees will live and its benefits will linger on forever.

VMMC hosts inter-agency “Tree Plating Activity” PMA CLASS 1974B LEADS THE BLESSING AND TURN-OVER OF NEW-

LY-RENOVATED CHEMOTHERAPHY UNIT In his welcome remarks, Dr. Dominador M. Chiong Jr. con-

veyed his gratitude and appreciation to Class Marangal 1974

for their generosity and said that the newly renovated chemo-

therapy unit is a welcome addition to the ongoing moderniza-

tion of the hospital. He also informed the crowd of the numer-

ous ongoing infrastructure projects being undertaken in the

hospital which aim to improve the quality of medical ser-

vice. Further, he assured that in the light of the windfall of

donations and sponsorships from the different stakeholders

the hospital will reciprocate with improved service from the

staff.” Makakaasa kayo nang aming magandang serbisyo para

sa mga beterano” he assured.

Dr. Esperon meanwhile said that helping out the hospital is

one of her advocacies. ”Giving blessings to the hospital is one

of my missions and may be my advocacy. Being a doctor, you

know our soldiers need our care, a care that they cannot get

from anywhere else.” she stated.

She also assured that their group will continue to support and

sponsor improvements in the hospital. “We will try our very

best to raise funds for other projects. We are not closing our

door. We will help one another. This is not the last that we will

see each other. ” She added. At the end of her speech, she

thanked VMMC management for giving their group the oppor-

tunity to implement the said projects.

VMMC HOLDS DATA PRIVACY ORIENTATION SEMINAR

The Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) through its Data Privacy Committee chaired by Dr. Felicitas A. Soriano conducted a Data Privacy Orientation Seminar on October 30, 2018 at the Basilio Valdes Hall.

More than sixty (60) officials and employees led by Director Dominador M. Chiong Jr. together with Assistant Director Franklin V. Gali and Chief, Medical Professional Staff Mariano A. Mejia attended the seminar. Mr. Cleo R. Martinez, Information Technology Officer of the National Privacy Commission served as the resource speaker of the event.

The seminar consisted of lecture/ discussion session and open forum. During the lecture session, the speaker gave a

brief overview of the Data Privacy Act of 2012. He also discussed thoroughly the salient issues of law which included

the principles of data privacy, rights of the data subjects and five pillars of compliance to the law. On the other hand,

the participants were given the privilege to raise questions and concerns during the open forum which were satisfac-

torily addressed by the speaker.

Almost four years from the enactment of the Data Privacy Act, its Implementing Rules and Regulations have finally

been promulgated. In early September 2016, the IRR took effect and within one-year from effectivity, all private and

government entities must comply with the extensive requirements of the law.

Usec Mapagu, on the other hand, underscored the importance of planting trees to help our environment “This providential donation of pine trees to VMMC will provide shade and have a cooling effect on the hospi-tal surroundings. It will protect the soil from erosion and provide wind break from strong winds, likewise it will serve as natural screen for privacy and buffers from noise pollution” he stressed.

After the program, the hospital staff, guests and volunteers proceeded to the tree planting area.

October 29, 2018- The Veterans Memorial Medical

Center received a Certificate of Registration of its Col-

lective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) from the Civil

Service Commission. Director Cecilia C. Villafuerte of

the Civil Service Commission, National Capital Region

(CSC –NCR) handed over the certificate to Director

Dominador M. Chiong Jr. after the Flag Raising Cere-

mony in front of theVMMC employees.

Also present in the ceremony were Assistant Director Franklin V. Gali, Dr. Mariano Mejia, Chief, Medical Pro-fessional Staff, Dr. Felicitas A. Soriano, Assistant Chief, Medical Professional Service, Mercedes M. Ronquillo, Acting Chief, Administrative Division, Manolo Prospero C. De Leon, Chief, Financial Management Division and Dr. Gabriel T. Espinosa, DMD, President of VMMC Em-ployees Association.

VMMC EA President Dr. Gabriel Espinosa expressed his

sincere thanks and appreciation to the Civil Service

Commission for recognizing the association’s collective

effort and vowed to continue to work hard for the

betterment of the working conditions at the VMMC.

He further said that the efforts of the VMMCEA was

not wasted in coming up with a fair negotiation with

the management .

CSC Director Villlafuerte in her remarks congratulated

VMMC for satisfactorily complying with the Commis-

sions’ rigid requirements in registering Collective Ne-

gotiation Agreement. On the other hand, she request-

United States Department of Veterans Administration

(USDVA) officials headed by Tracey Betts paid a courtesy

visit to VMMC to meet with VMMC top officials on Septem-

ber 27, 2018. She was accompanied by Kevin McAllister,

Nathan Loft and Constance Santos. The delegates were cor-

dially welcomed by top VMMC officials led by Director

Dominador M. Chiong Jr and Assistant Director Franklin V.

Gali.

After a short talk at the CPS Conference Room, the dele-

gates were given a hospital wide tour which included the

following areas: Department of Pathology, The newly-

installed 128 CT Scan, PACU, the newly renovated Emer-

gency Ward, MICU, MITU among others.

VMMC has been a recipient of the generosity of the United

States over the years and through the USDVA, countless

high tech medical equipment such as MRI, CT Scan, Apher-

esis Machine, Dialysis Machines and a lot more were do-

nated to our hospital. Moreover, the Establishment of the

Eye Center was made possible through the financial assis-

tance of the latter. However in 2015, the USDVA formally

ceased their financial aid to VMMC.

The visit signals a renewed spirit of cooperation between

VMMC and our main benefactor. Both parties are hopeful

that a mutually beneficial relationship will be further en-

hanced and strengthened in the future. Prior to their visit

to VMMC, the delegates visited PVAO and met with its key

officials in the morning of the same day.

Management to settle disputes of employees internally

citing that cases pile up in their office due to indiscriminate

filing. She added that CSC receives cases which could have

been easily resolved within the agency or bureau. As a

parting message, she sent her advance yuletide greetings to

the employees.

Director Chiong also thanked the CSC for its continued sup-

port to VMMCEA. He also commended the VMMCEA for its

effort. Likewise, he said that the conferment of the certifi-

cate is a testament that the working condition between the

employees and Management in the hospital is healthy and

harmonious. He assured that Management will continue to

find more ways to further improve the working environment

of employees and the provision of financial benefits due the

employees.

Malacanang Internal House Office Affairs Office Head visits VMMC

USEC Jophee Avancena, Undersecretary for Internal House

Affairs Office of the Office of the President together with Ms.

Editha A. Lorenzana, betterhalf of DND Secretary Delfin N. Lo-

renzana paid a visit to VMMC on August 1, 2018.

The guests were warmly welcomed by VMMC Director Domina-

dor M. Chiong Jr and other hospital officials at the Director’s

Office where they consulted and met with Management to as-

certain the needs of the hospital for possible donation of medi-

cal equipment and supplies. Afterwards, they toured the hospi-

tal to give them a glimpse of the current condition of the hospi-

tal.

Among the areas visited were the Renal Dialysis Unit (RDU),

Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Medical Intensive Treat-

ment Unit (MITU), Department of Radiology and Radiotherapy

(DRR), Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (DRM), Presi-

dential Suite, Ward-11 and the site of the soon to- be- Heart

Institute etc.

CSC Confers Certificate of Registration to VMMC Employees Association

USDVA Officials Pays Courtesy Visit to VMMC