Manila, Philippines — The Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) and the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI) successfully held their Media Appreciation and MOA Signing Day with major local media on December 9, 2024. The MOA will provide medical assistance through discounts on selected laboratory services and room rates to members of various local media companies.
In his welcome remarks, CGHMC President and CEO Mr. Kelly Hun Sia focused on three key points: partnership, engagement, and collaboration. “CGHMC is your partner in health. By offering discounts on laboratory services and room rates, we aim to cultivate a healthy workplace,” he stated.
Focusing on engagement will ensure the exchange of relevant and accurate medical information, especially in times of crisis. “One thing we learned during the pandemic is that information and communication are the first lines of defense,” he added. Lastly, Mr. Sia encouraged collaboration for joint projects and knowledge and information sharing. PCCAI Chairman Antonio Tan expressed that the hospital looks forward to a dynamic partnership with the media, stating that providing medical assistance would enable the press to continue working for the good of the country and in the service of the Filipino people.
Representatives from various media outlets attended the MOA signing, including the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Daily Tribune, Alagang Kapatid TV5, News and Information Bureau, National Press Club, and United Print Media Group (UPMG), as well as The Manila Times, Malaya Business Insight, and Pilipino Mirror. Also present were ABS-CBN News and GMA Integrated News, which covered the event.
PDI President Atty. Rudyard Arbolado delivered a response message on behalf of all the media present. He expressed deep gratitude: “Your support underscores your commitment to the welfare of our community, and we deeply appreciate this initiative. By making medical services accessible to media members, you have supported the role of the media in fulfilling its vital mission of informing and educating the public.” He also mentioned that this generous gesture from CGHMC is timely, as PDI is celebrating its 39th anniversary.
Dr. George Co, the CGHMC Director of Charity and Outreach Programs, provided an overview of the many charitable works and medical missions that CGHMC has initiated over the years.
Dr. Jason Letran, the Director of Clinical Operations at CGHMC, presented an overview of the hospital’s recent development, state-of-the-art facilities, and treatment modalities. He also announced that this year, the hospital’s Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) program has performed over 3,000 cases, the first time in the history of Philippine Surgery, while the Robotic Surgery program has completed over 300 cases in a record time of two years.
The MOA Signing concluded with closing remarks from the CGHMC Medical Director, Dr. Samuel Ang. In an interview with ABS-CBN, Dr. Ang stated, “The Chinese General Hospital is always at the forefront of helping people. So why not offer assistance to media professionals?”
