Speaker Martin Romualdez (3rd left), with Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc.(CSFI) President Rose Marie Arenas (3rd right), Chairperson Yedda Marie Romualdez (2nd left) , MVP Group of Companies Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan (leftmost), AFP Chief of Staff Gen.Romeo Brawner Jr. (2nd right) and Makati Medical Center Foundation President Dr. Victor Gisbert (rightmost), sign the Manifesto of Partnership and Support for the Bagong Bayaning Mandirigma Casualty and Cancer Care Center (BBM-CCCC) during a simple ceremony at the Speaker's Social Hall in the House of Representatives Tuesday morning. 

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has hailed the partnership between the Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc. (CSFI) and the MVP Group of Companies, which has the laudable goal of providing medical support for their soldiers and their families. 

“On behalf of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Filipino people, I extend my deepest gratitude to the CSFI and the MVP Group of Companies. Your efforts today reflect a spirit of generosity and unity that we hope will inspire other sectors of society to step forward in support of our nation's most noble causes,” Speaker Romualdez said. 

The Speaker was the guest of honor during the signing of the Manifesto of Partnership between the CSFI and the MVP Group held at the Social Hall of the Speaker’s Office in the House of Representatives Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 24 

The partnership includes the establishment of specialized facilities, such as the Bagong Bayaning Mandirigma Casualty and Cancer Care Center (BBM-CCCC) at the AFP Medical Center (AFPMC), to provide long-term medical support for soldiers and their families. 

Apart from the Speaker, signatories to the Manifesto include tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of the MVP Group, CSFI Chairperson and Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, CSFI President Rosemary “Baby” Arenas, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. and Dr. Victor Gisbert, President of Makati Medical Center Foundation which is a strategic partner of AFPMC. 

The Speaker--the husband of Rep. Romualdez--thanked Pangilinan for his generosity and kindness, noting that he continues to help Filipinos in various facets of our society. 

“Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our soldiers, who bear the burden of defending our sovereignty, receive the care and attention they need. It promises not only to address their immediate medical concerns but also to provide long-term support,” Speaker Romualdez noted. 

“This will give them and their families the peace of mind that their health needs will be met, especially in times of critical need,” added the Leyte 1st district congressman. 

He said the signing of the manifesto of partnership is timely, particularly “in times like these when our sovereignty and security are constantly tested". 

Noting that there are forces that threaten to undermine our national security and way of life, Speaker Romualdez said that to safeguard our future, we must remain vigilant and ensure that those who protect us are equally protected. 

Acknowledging the immense demands on finite government resources, especially in ensuring the care of soldiers and their families, he praised the joint initiative for helping fill this critical need. 

Turnover of Phase 1 of the BBM-CCCC, which includes the Casualty and Wound Care Center, is expected by November this year, while Phase 2 is scheduled for completion by April 2025, featuring Cancer Care Center for active military personnel and their dependents. 

Stressing that the strength of our nation depends heavily on our unity, Speaker Romualdez reiterated his call to set aside division. 

“Together, let us continue to set aside division and embrace the power of collaboration and united action. Let us move forward, stronger and more unified, in service of our nation,” he said.