Our Lady of Peace Hospital (OLPH) in Parañaque formally received the donation for a brand-new hemodialysis machine from former Deputy House Speaker andbusinessmanMichael “Mikee” Romeroin partnership with the World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP).
Mr. Romero’s donation comesinthe heels ofa recent assistancefor the supply of vital medical diagnostic materials and equipment for far-flungTawi-Tawihospitals. Mr. Romero personally visitedMapunandTaganakislands, the most far-flung and southernmost of the Philippine archipelago.
The dialysis machine for the Parañaquehospital andother life-saving equipmentarefor treatment of indigent patients for who was built thehospital throughthe efforts of the surgeon-nun Sister EvaMaamo, who is nowchairmanemeritus of the Foundation for the Our Lady of Peace Missions, Inc. (FOLPMI).
It will be a cornerstone of OLPH’s Hemodialysis Center for the Poor, which will implement a no-balance-billing policy to ensure free dialysis sessions for marginalized Filipinos.
The donation comes amid a surge in dialysis cases nationwide. The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) has reported a 22% rise in patients undergoing dialysis from 2023 to 2024, including an alarming increase in younger individuals. On average, one Filipinodies every hour due to kidney failure.
OLPH coordinates with the WSFP for its initiatives to enhance its capacity to serve indigent communities.
Mr. Romero’s donation also strengthens the WSFP’s Adopt-a-Hospital Program, which helps capacitate partner hospitals to deliver affordable and quality healthcare.
Founded by Sister EvaMaamo, a surgeon and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, OLPH has long been known as a “hospital for the poor.” Through the Foundation of the Our Lady for Peace Mission, Inc.has provided medical and surgical care to underserved populations for decades and has been a consistent partner in humanitarian and community development work.
Mr.Romero and his family have been long-time supporters of Sister Eva’s initiatives, extending aid to both the hospital and its outreach missions.
Among these efforts is sustainedassistanceto theAetacommunity atSitioGala in Subic,Zambales, where the foundationoperatesa livelihood, feeding, and educational program.
Years ago,Mr.Romero surprised theAetasby bringing his PBA team, theBatangPier, to the village — an event that gave the indigenous community a rare chance to connect with professional athletes while also highlighting the importance of inclusion and support for marginalized groups.
The professional basketball players immersed themselves in the localAetaculture and saw firsthand the plight of their indigenouscountrymen.A number oftheBatangPier players also committed aportionof their earnings to theAetacommunity through the FOLPMI.
Beyond Subic,Mr.Romero has made health, education, and poverty alleviation central to his public service in the total of nine years he served as a three-termcongressmanand former Deputy Speaker of the House.
Ending his tenure ascongressmanlast June, he continues torendercivicassistanceand leadership aschairmanof the Association of Reservist and Reservist Administrator of the Philippines.
Last week,Mr.Romero traveled from the northernmost part of the Philippines, theMavulisIsland inBatanes, to the southernmost part of the country,TaganakislandinTawi-Tawi, to strengthen medicalassistanceto underserved parts of the country in coordination with the Western Mindanao Command.
Hospitals serving remoteMapunandTaganakislands received donations for vital medical diagnostic supplies and facilities. Lying far out as the southernmostPhilippine islandin Sulu Sea,Taganakis already 20 minutes by boat to Sabah, Malaysia.
Mr.Romero continues to travel around the Philippines, extendingassistanceas part of his personal outreach. He hasalso recently donated for the rebuilding of a burned-down hospital inBasco,Batanesand for the building of afully-coveredcommunity multi-purpose center and basketball court inMariki,ZamboangaCity, a community that has seen devastating conflict.
Sister EvaMaamowas joined by OLPH AdministratorEidelbertSantiago,representingDr. LesterSuntay, FOLPMI vice-president and WSFP CEO;NiloQuinte, FOLPMI executive director; and Madeline Garcia, also of FOLPMI, in acceptingMr.Romero’s donation during signing rites.
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