Wednesday, March 25, 2009 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
By Ian Ocampo Flora
BACOLOR -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday approved P350 million for the rehabilitation of the Ricardo P. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital (RPRMH) here and other infrastructure-related projects under the Bacolor Rehabilitation plan.
The implementation of the rehabilitation plan is mandated by the Bacolor Rehabilitation Council Act. The legislation was initiated in the Congress by 3rd District Representative Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. as House Bill (HB) 3380.
The bill aimed to rehabilitate the lahar-stricken town of Bacolor through the implementation of the comprehensive rehabilitation plan that will see the rise of needed infrastructure projects like buildings, institutions, and road networks.
Bacolor town was literally buried under tons of lahar when Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991. For a while it was virtually abandoned by its townsfolk who, however, have trickled back there to pick up the tattered pieces of their lives.
The RPRMH forms part of the infrastructures funded by the P1-billion Bacolor Rehabilitation Program (BRP) under Republic Act 9506 otherwise known as the Bacolor Rehabilitation Council Act.
Aside from the RPRMH, the BRP package include the construction of additional Gugu dikes and upgrading of portions of the Pampanga Megadike, the Pasig-Potrero Pilot Channeling project, and the reconstruction of the town's municipal hall, among others.
Bacolor Rehabilitation Council chairman Remigio Mercado updated President Arroyo on the progress of the BRP, assuring the Chief Executive that it is proceeding as planned.
Bacolor Mayor Romeo Dungca expressed his jubilation over the enactment of RA No. 9506 and the President's attendance at the RPRMH groundbreaking rites.
"We are ecstatic indeed here in Bacolor because . . . after so many years following the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, our hospital will rise anew on the same spot where it was buried under tons of lahar and volcanic debris," Dungca said.
"Because of RA 9506, our dream to see the revival of our vibrant community will finally be realized," he added.
With Arroyo at the RPRMH groundbreaking rites here were Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane.
"The President was impressed on our dedication in coming up with the rehabilitation plan this early. As soon as the project funds are aligned through the respective government agencies, we can start on the construction," Gonzales told Sun.Star.
He said the Ricardo P. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital will be constructed through the Department of Health, while the budget for the remaining infrastructure projects would be taken from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Gonzales also lauded Arroyo for the seeming outpouring of support for the rehabilitation of Bacolor.
The President had earlier expressed close affection for the town that once served as capital of the province and at one time the capital and center of government of the Philippines during the Spanish era.
She also expressed her optimism that the Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trade (DHVCAT) here would also rise from the ashes with the Bacolor Rehabilitation Plan in place.
The state college has suffered greatly from the subsequent lahar flows in the 90s.
Gonzales said the President preserves a soft spot for DHVCAT because in 1964, the school was renamed Don Honorio Ventura Memorial School of Arts and Trades (DHVMSAT) in honor of Don Honorio Ventura, a prominent son of Bacolor, a statesman, and philanthropist.
The renaming of the school was signed by then President Diosdado Macapagal, a protégé of Don Honorio who sent him to school and became instrumental in the former's success, especially during his (Macapagal's) struggling years.
"We are very thankful for all the president has done for Bacolor, as well as for the other four towns and one city of the Third District. These are lasting legacies that we are truly thankful for," Gonzales said.
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