Ilocos Norte allots P19.5 million to procure medical oxygen machines, warehouse
By Freddie Lazaro
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – The provincial government of Ilocos Norte, through the initiative of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, has allotted a budget amounting to P19.5 million for the procurement of medical oxygen machines, and building a warehouse.
The allocated amount for medical oxygen was one of the projects listed in Supplemental Budget No. 1, which was approved by Governor Marcos Manotoc, along with the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The funding allocation for the procurement of health facilities was very timely as the province is currently experiencing the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic.
The fund was derived from the unappropriated surplus in last year’s budget.
“The provincial government allocated P18 million for the medical oxygen machines, and P1.5 million for the medical oxygen warehouse. With these, we will be able to produce our own medical oxygen,” said Rhona Ysabel B. Daoang, the officer- in-charge of the Communications and Media Office (CMO).
“Our governor is hopeful that through this initiative, we could soon provide medical oxygen to government hospitals and even to district hospitals and medical centers. We are really hopeful that there will be no scarcity of supply in the province,” she added.
The provincial government continues to affirm its commitment in investing in the health of its people; providing them accessible healthcare services, through one of its missions: “Sapasap a salun-at,”