DAVAO ORIENTAL — The newly completed Park and Ponds Wellness Center — the latest addition to Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center’s expanding facilities — has recently been inaugurated.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang along with the officials from the Department of Health (DOH) XI and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) led the inauguration on Thursday, April 15, 2021.

The Park and Pond Wellness Center is a multi-purpose facility for recreational activities. It is equipped with a jogging/biking lane and an activity center  for the public to enjoy while providing a relaxing ambiance to promote the well-being of  patients.

Department of Health XI Regional Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang lauded the provincial government and the DOPMC management for constructing the facility. She added that DOPMC  is the only hospital in the region that has constructed a spacious Wellness Center.

Implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the project was funded by the national government through Former Speaker of the House of Representative Gloria Arroyo and was strongly supported by Davao Oriental Second District Representative Cong. Joel Mayo Almario.

The construction of the sprawling park was started way back in 2019. Before its construction, the more than one hectare area was used to be a marshland. Amidst the construction, the engineering team designed the park in such a way that will preserve the natural ecosystem which is known to be a habitat of migratory birds and wild ducks.

Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Reden Bersaldo said this facility is more than a venue for fitness activities as it is also touted to contribute to the holistic development of people as its landscape is intended for relaxation and enjoyment.

Other Hospital Facilities

Aside from the said Wellness Center, the provincial government also inaugurated other completed facilities. These facilities which were funded by the Department of Health include the newly renovated emergency room, Intensive Care Units (ICUs) – Neonatal ICU(NICU), Pediatric ICU(PICU), Surgical ICU (SICU) and Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and newly installed CT Scan UPS. These ICUs are set to operate in the next few months.

Also, a new procurement office and a motorpool facility were also inaugurated. These facilities were funded by the provincial government.

“For the upcoming developments, we will be adding more diagnostic modalities with more specialists, the expected Medical Arts Building will soon operate for the strengthening of public health programs. With regards to the Wellness Center, Sports Complex/Evacuation Center will be constructed at the back, with a new Pyroclave to manage medical waste,” said Dr. Bersaldo.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang said these new developments are part of the provincial government’s commitment to provide holistic health care, especially to the poor. With these new facilities established, the provincial government hopes to continue to lessen the number of referrals  to hospitals in bigger cities.

Meanwhile, he also expressed his appreciation for the consistent help and collaboration of partner agencies who helped in the province’s leap of developments and improvements not only in terms of facilities but in the betterment of services for the people.

Also present in the ceremony are Second District DPWH Engr. Jane D. Cainghog,  City Councilor Roger Pabio representing Congressman Joel Mayo Almario represented, Hon. Alan Andrada representing Mayor Michelle N. Rabat. | Story by Mark Alvite | Photos by Diether Cadayona and Eden Jhan Licayan