CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (DPJGMRMC) formally inaugurated the Major Juan Pajota Veterans Ward.
This initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push to strengthen the country’s healthcare system by improving access to quality, inclusive, and people-centered medical services, especially for sectors that rendered invaluable service to the nation.
During the inauguration ceremony, DPJGMRMC Medical Center Chief Jose Ravinar Austria reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to serving Filipino veterans and their families.
“Malugod po naming kayong tinatanggap dito sa aming pagamutan at lalo pa po naming pagbubutihin at kung ano pa man po ang maitutulong ng aming pagamutan sa mga beterano at kamag-anak ng mga beterano ay ito po ay ibibigay ng buong puso ng aming pagamutan,” Austria said.
The newly inaugurated facility features 15 hospital beds, one isolation room for infectious diseases, and other essential amenities dedicated to providing healthcare services for veterans and their dependents.
Representing the Department of Health, Health Facility Development Bureau Director Melissa Sena commended the hospital management and stakeholders behind the facility’s establishment.
“On behalf of the Department of Health, I would like to give recognition and commendation to the management and staff of Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center for the establishment of Major Juan Pajota Veterans Ward, with the continued support of the Department of National Defense, for the establishment of veterans ward around the country,” Sena stated.
Meanwhile, Department of National Defense Undersecretary and PVAO Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu emphasized the importance of sustaining concrete programs that protect the welfare of Filipino veterans.
“May this veterans’ ward become a symbol of continuing responsibility to all our veterans through concrete programs that improve their lives and safeguard their welfare,” he said.
The official added that the facility stands as a lasting reminder that the sacrifices and heroism of Filipino veterans continue to inspire future generations.
The veterans ward at DPJGMRMC was named after World War II hero Major Juan Pajota, a former captain under the Luzon Guerrilla Army Force, who played a vital role in the successful liberation of more than 500 American prisoners of war during the historic raid at Camp Pangatian in Cabanatuan City.
Through the establishment of the veterans ward, government agencies continue to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and deliver responsive medical services in line with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of a healthier and more resilient nation.
