The year-end event in Zambales highlighted Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr’s unveiling of ambitious plans for health care and livelihood in the province.
IBA, Zambales – Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. outlined the provincial government's plans to improve its healthcare service and livelihood projects aimed at benefiting the residents of this province.
Ebdane shared the ongoing and future projects centered on bolstering healthcare infrastructure and creating livelihood opportunities during the celebration of his birthday on Dec. 30 held at the Zambales Sports Complex.
Addressing thousands of his constituents, the governor has detailed plans for improved medical facilities, increased access to healthcare services, and the implementation of health programs that prioritize the overall wellness of Zambales residents.
Among these initiatives is the improvement of the San Marcelino District Hospital and Candelaria Hospital through a P30 million fund from the Department of Health (DOH).
Ebdane said another hospital in the northernmost town of Sta. Cruz will be constructed in a 3-hectare location in Barangay Malabago, which is seen to benefit not only local residents but also those from nearby Pangasinan province.
He also reported that in the entire Central Luzon region, Zambales logged the least number of COVID-19 patients, and those who fell ill did not have to spend anything since the provincial government shouldered all the costs of hospitalization.
Fishery and mango
In terms of livelihood, Ebdane said he would boost the fishery and mango industries, which are among the major sources of income among the residents since Zambales is both a coastal and agricultural province.
He also highlighted efforts to upgrade the quality of education at the Ramon Magsaysay State University by offering new courses for students from the province.
Earlier, the governor announced the major infrastructure projects in the province, including the construction of the new Provincial Capitol building, an auditorium, and a hospital.
Congresswoman Maniquiz
Meanwhile, Zambales Second District Congresswoman Doris "Bing" Maniquiz also extended warm greetings on behalf of her Programang Kalingang Nanay Bing and Alagang Tingog Party List, as well as her entire staff, to Governor Ebdane and his son Zambales Board Member Jun Rundstedt Ebdane and also Botolan Mayor Omar Ebdane, who celebrated his birthdays two days ago, along with their whole family, including the governor's wife Alma Cabanayan Ebdane.
According to Cong Maniquiz, she is always by the governor's side, supporting all his endeavors for the welfare of the people and the province of Zambales, which is very fortunate.
It can be recalled that just last week, the congresswoman continued to provide Financial Assistance to all students through a cash payout to over 20,000 students in the second district of Zambales, in partnership with Tingog Party List and with the full support of the governor when it comes to Education for the bright future of the Zambaleño people, which is one of the most important goals of the two leaders in the province.
Ceremonial lighting
Earlier at the ceremonial lighting of the provincial Christmas Tree and the opening of the Christmas Village at the Capitol, Governor Ebdane announced the conversion of the aging Provincial Capitol into as a world-class auditorium and the ongoing construction of the new capitol in front of it that cost P500 million.
"The auditorium would be a perfect place for conventions, meetings, and exhibitions," he said in his speech as he led the occasion that carried the theme, “Paskong Zambaleño, Gabi ng Ningning at Pag-Asa (Zambales-style Christmas, a night of shine and hope)."
Ebdane said the construction of the auditorium involved the clearing of 2,115 square meters of land and is expected to accommodate 3,000 guests.
"It will have function halls designed for smaller groups. All areas of the facility are air-conditioned and controlled individually," the governor shared.
He added, “This would be a PICC-inspired, multi-level auditorium that is ready to accommodate a large number of guests attending comfortably different events at the same time."
The existing sports complex will also be undergoing renovation to turn it into a first-class sports facility capable of hosting Olympic games like soccer or football. The new sports center will be ideal for sports training and competitions, complete with sports equipment, facilities and comfortable space.
RM Hospital annex
Ebdane also revealed that the provincial government had earlier approved and started the construction of the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital Annex, which he described as a modern, all-new medical facility with a total area of 21,738 sq. meters, with a 264-bed capacity, complimented with up-to-date medical equipment and apparatus. The annex has a budget of P500 million.
Also in the pipeline is the distribution of new and bigger service vehicles to every barangay in the 13 municipalities. This is to augment the existing fleet of vehicles they possess to ensure better service to residents and reach the remotest areas.
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