Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan inaugurated her administration's fifth health center in Manila.
The Lanuza Health Center, which has a total cost of P45,024,912.46, is located in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
During its inauguration on Thursday, March 13, the mayor showcased its surgical room, vaccine refrigerator, and walk-in chiller.
Lacuna-Pangan, a medical doctor by profession, highlighted her leadership in the city’s health response measures, which have been crucial since the onset of the pandemic.
"Ako po ang namuno sa lahat ng health response measures natin dito sa Maynila mula pa noong panahon ng pandemya. Alam po yan ng lahat ng ating mga health care workers sa mga health centers at hospital (I have led all of our health response efforts here in Manila, and our healthcare workers in health centers and hospitals are witnesses to this),” the mayor said.
She reflected on the past challenges during the pandemic and stressed the importance of being proactive in the face of potential health threats.
She warned against the dangers of underestimating seemingly minor symptoms, especially for vulnerable groups like children, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens.
The mayor said the message comes as the city focuses on improving its healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that all Manileños can access the care they need during health crises.
"Ayaw po nating maging nasa huli ang pagsisisi kapag sumablay ang mga maling-akala na simpleng lagnat lang ang iniinda, lalo na ng mga bata, PWDs, at seniors. Itinayo natin ang mga bagong super health centers para may malapitan agad ang mga Manileño para hindi na kailangang tiisin ang mga iniindang sintomas (We don't want to regret waiting until it's too late, thinking it’s just a simple fever. That's why we built new Super Health Centers to ensure that Manila residents have easy access to medical attention and don't have to suffer through symptoms alone)," she added.
Meanwhile, the local chief executive also directed barangay officials to continue the dengue prevention measures.