Malacañang has thanked those who responded to the call of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for emergency donations as it expressed sadness over the tragedy that befell the State-run institution.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after a fire broke out in PGH in Taft Avenue, Manila past midnight of May 16, and damaged a portion of the hospital, leaving patients displaced.
In his statement, Roque said the Palace was saddened by the incident.
"We are saddened by the fire that hit a portion of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) early morning today," he said.
"Hospital operations continue even as repairs are ongoing," he added.
The Palace official likewise thanked those who heeded the call of PGH for donations.
"We thank our people for immediately responding to the call for emergency donations of the PGH.," Roque said.
"Big or small, cash or in-kind, these acts of kindness and generosity would be of great help and assistance to those who are in need. Kindly send them to the official fundraising groups of the state-run hospital," he added.
"Bayanihan para sa PGH (Unity for PGH)," he continued.
Fire authorities said the fire started in an operating room on the third floor of the facility. It reached the first alarm at 12:41 a.m. and was quickly raised to the second level at 12:58 a.m. The BFP said the fire was declared under control at 2:46 a.m. and was put out at 5:41 a.m.
No one was hurt in the fire.
At 9 a.m. on Sunday, the University of the Philippines (UP) Office of the Student Regent said it was accepting emergency donations of water, food, and face masks for the PGH.
Below are the details for those who wish to donate:
- In-kind non-food donations may be dropped off at the Nurses Home or contact 0917 772 3947
- Food may be delivered to PGH ORTOLL Reproductive Center and can be coordinated with Dr. Michael Castillo (0956 592 8892) or Emelita Lavilla (0922 831 8994)
- Cash donations may be paid directly to cashier-on-duty Rose Acabado (02 8554 0440 local 2016)
- Online cash donations may be sent through the hospital's account at the Development Bank of the Philippines: 00-0-05028-410-8.
Donors were told to email [email protected] once they have sent their donation, They may also coordinate with the Bayanihan Na operations center at 155-200.
Vice President Leni Robredo also joined the call for donations for PGH.
Appealing to anyone with big, industrial fans who would be willing to lend them. PGH urgently needs them to dissipate the smoke that enveloped the hospital due to the fire. Thank you.
— Leni Robredo (@lenirobredo) May 15, 2021
The PGH is the country's largest coronavirus (COVID-19) referral center. Even Roque himself was admitted to the PGH the second time he caught the disease last month.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported on May 14 that the PGH's COVID-19 bed capacity was already under the moderate classification, translating to about 60 percent to 69 percent of its coronavirus beds occupied.