President Duterte has honored several Philippine General Hospital (PGH) health workers who led the evacuation of patients and newborn babies when a fire broke out at the facility last month.
The President conferred the Order of Lapulapu on the 10 brave PGH medical professionals and staff during a ceremony held at the Malago clubhouse inside Malacañang Park Wednesday, June 2.
Among the recipients of the presidential recognition are PGH nurses Jomar Mallari, Kathrina Bianca Macababbad, Phoebe Rose Malabanan, Esmeralda Ninto, and Quintin Bagay, Jr.
Also honored by the President are Dr. Rodney Dofitas, Dr. Alexandra Lee, Dr. Earle Ceo Abrenica, safety officer Joel Santiago, and security officer Ramil Ranoa.
READ: PGH health worker shares how 35 infants were safely evacuated amid fire
PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi and Senator Christopher Go attended the conferment ceremony.
A fire broke out on the third floor of the hospital in Manila early Sunday, May 16, 2021. The blaze reportedly lasted for almost five hours. Several PGH patients, including infants, were transferred to nearby hospitals. No one was hurt in the fire.
After the fire incident, the Palace said the President was prepared to tap his social fund to help government hospital, the country's largest coronavirus referral health facility.
READ: Duterte ready to tap President's social fund to assist PGH
The Order of Lapulapu, created through an Executive Order in April 2017, is awarded to officials, government personnel, and private citizens in recognition of invaluable or extraordinary service in relation to a campaign or advocacy of the President.