Chief denies hospital in the red

“That's not true. Too many words were put into my mouth”, was the quick reaction of Dr. Samuel Tonogan when reached for comment in connection with a banner headline in the News Express 17 th Special Anniversary Issue. Last June 30, hospital staff and employees of Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH) were a bit amused by the report which came out from News Express since of all the people they are in the best position to observe and experience if indeed the hospital they served and work for is beset by problems.

The headline news came as a big surprise to Dr. Tonogan since he has just submitted a report to the Governor's Office through his Administrative Officer IV Maria Ninfa B. Payne, detailing the progress and improvement introduced and implemented by the Provincial Government.

“I was quoted not just out of context but way, way out of context” blurted Dr. Tonogan. “The transcript of my statement when I appeared before the Provincial Board will bear me out. The media should not interpret it any other way since it is very clear that nowhere in my statement had I painted a grim picture of the “state of affairs” in the Provincial Hospital. It is most unfair to the Provincial Government headed by Gov. Sally Zaldivar Perez, who has done so much in ending the cycle of apathy that has characterized the attitude of previous administrations, continued Tonogan.

It was further learned from the office chief that a number of completed programs and projects are scheduled for blessing and inauguration, proof that indeed there is no other recourse but for the hospital to move towards the direction of positive change. When asked what these projects are, he said quite in jest “its contained in one folder”, but quickly added quite seriously that his office is open to anyone who would like to see the improvements introduced under the present administration.

Antique Governor reaffirms support to PGMA

In the midst of political chaos confronting the nation, Antique Gov. Salvacion Z. Perez reaffirms her support to the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

In her message to the President, Gov. Perez, who also is Vice President for the Visayas of the Liberal Party, said that the Antiqueños are still one with PGMA in her pursuit of “good governance and welfare for the Filipinos.”

Gov. Perez likewise lauded the president's move of confronting frontally the issue on wiretapped conversation. According to her, PGMA's courage to admit her mistake and ask for forgiveness has strengthened the governor's trust in her capability to govern the country.

As stalwart of the Liberal Party, the governor supports the party's stand to institute reforms for the administration to regain people's confidence. Foremost in the list of reforms suggested by LP leadership is coming-up of concrete reforms to curb corruption in government. LP believes that this is an important first step towards genuine reforms.

“President Arroyo has been so kind to Antique,” said Gov. Perez. Under her administration, Antique was able to receive various assistance and projects from the national government. Early this year, the President visited Antique to inaugurate three big infrastructure projects.

As chairperson of the Regional Development Council VI, Gov. Perez lauded the President for going ‘an extra mile' in bringing developments to the local level through consultations with local government officials.