By Veronica V. Wuson

Who doesn’t appreciate a second chance? Just as a mulligan in golf offers a do-over without penalty, the healing garden at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) aims to provide a space for renewal and a fresh start.

To bring this vision to life, the Friends of PGH (FPGH) are organizing a golf tournament on Friday, Oct. 23, at the Canlubang Golf Course in Laguna, with the goal of netting ₱5 million, par for the cause!

“The funds will build the Healing Garden in front of the Cancer Institute and harmonize with three other pocket gardens within the hospital grounds. It will be a sanctuary where patients, visitors, healthcare workers, and students can reenergize, relax, and find peace during difficult times,” explains PGH executive director Dr. Gap Legaspi. 

This future 200 square meter green space evokes the words of the late actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Dr. Legaspi hopes this “therapeutic and wellness garden will offer a glimmer of hope for tomorrow—a place where families and loved ones can heal together.” 

“We can jumpstart projects that might otherwise get caught in bureaucratic red tape. But of course, the government still provides the biggest support. Everything is free for the patient,” emphasizes Dr. Legaspi.

Thanks to FPGH and other charitable organizations, the hospital on Taft Avenue has renovated wards and clinics, painted Disney characters in the children’s wing, and secured funds for medication. “Our infrastructure was built in 1938, with wards designed for 40 patients. Today, our Cancer Institute alone serves 400 patients at any given time. Half of them are children under 18 suffering from leukemia and brain tumors. Cancer is now the second leading cause of death in the country, outranking stroke. Among adults, breast and lung cancers are the most common.”

Since taking over as PGH head nine years ago, Dr. Legaspi has seen a 30 percent increase in cancer patients, and credits the hospital’s “strong, active pediatricians for providing hematology/oncology services to the children.”

“Our passionate love and care for PGH’s indigent patients, providing free medical services, crucial diagnostic tests, and life-saving treatments for 40 years,” highlights FPGH president Lita Salvador. “We’ve also assisted in acquiring essential equipment to improve health services.”

Lois Villanueva, FPGH’s vice president for information, added, 

“The Healing Garden will also include a covered waiting area for cancer patients and their caregivers, replacing the makeshift shed at the PGH entrance,” adds FPGH vice president for information Lois Villanueva.

According to volunteer Renee Francisco, this is the fourth time a golf tournament will take place to raise awareness and funds for the PGH. While Dr. Legaspi is not a golf player, he promised to play the saxophone during the rewarding.

To help build the Healing Garden through the golf tournament, individuals can become sponsors, donate raffle prizes or cash, or participate as players.