The Friends of the PGH

December 2021- Signing with Dr. Gap Legaspi the Deed of Donation of Laparoscopy Surgical Instruments

Over lunch, the Friends of the PGH Board of Trustees met with Dr Gap Legaspi, Director of PGH to formally sign the deed of donation of two Laparotomy surgical instruments and discuss plans for future collaboration with PGH. FPGH would also like to congratulate Dr Legaspi for being reappointed as Director of PGH for a third term. The luncheon meeting proved to be very productive and informative as we shared updates on the projects of and happenings at PGH as well as the Friends of PGH.

November 2021- Charity Auction to Raise Funds for PGH a Success

To continue raising funds to support the health care needs and treatment of indigent patients at the Philippine General Hospital,  a Charity Auction was held from 20 to 26 November 2021 through online bidding. Out of 46 auction items, 29 had been sold and added to this were substantial donations by members and friends, amounting to a total of P213,200. The most popular items were a drawing of Anita Magsaysay Ho and other paintings, a gold bracelet, Le Creuset pan, porcelain plates and vases, wooden rocking chairs, wooden wall panels, dining gift certificates, and many more. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to our donors!! Till next year again!

August 2021- Friends Of PGH Donates Two Sets of Laparotomy Surgical Instruments To PGH

Two sets of Laparotomy Surgical Instruments were turned over to the PGH ORSA (Operating Room) by Friends of PGH on August 30 2021. PGH Director, Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, Head of ORSA Department Maria Teresa Bascara and PCDS Doctor, Dr. Ruel Querol were present to receive the equipment from Grace, Secretary of FPGH. Laparotomy surgical instrument is used to perform incision to examine the abdominal organs and aid diagnosis of any problems. A set consists of retractors, suction tubes, Gall duct forceps, needle holders, scalpel and many more used for surgery. These two sets of instruments were meant to replace the laparotomy equipment burned during the fire that gutted the Operating Rooms of PGH last July. They were identified by Dr, Legaspi as a priority need.

August 2021- Monthly Meeting Discusses Donation to PGH, the Celebration of FPGH Foundation Day and the Holding of Online Charity Auction for Fund-raising.

The monthly meeting of the Friends of PGH this August discussed exciting forthcoming events for the rest of 2021. First is the turn-over to PGH of four laparotomy equipment worth 700,000 pesos as FPGH donation to replace the equipment burned during the fire at the Operating Room/Surgery Department. An additional amount of 300,000 pesos will be donated for their COVID treatment. Second is the celebration of the FPGH Foundation Day scheduled to take place on October 14. To celebrate the Day, a Zoom mass will be held, followed by the distribution of gift packages to 200 indigent patients and induction of new members. A video will also be shown of the blessing of the FPGH new office.  Lastly, the third event is the launching of the first Online Charity Auction to be held from November 15 to 21. Meant as a fund-raising event, the auction will be held virtually using Viber as the platform. Members and friends can submit their donated items with photos, detailed description and their current fair market value. Bidding will be done both through silent and visible auction on Viber. Members are also called upon to submit the Viber accounts of their family and friends who might be interested to participate in the auction. Exciting months ahead for the FPGH.

January 2021 --First Annual Membership Meeting Reviews FPGH Accomplishments for 2020

The first Annual Membership Meeting of the Friends of the PGH was held last Jan 21, 2021 via Zoom. The highlight of the meeting was the presentation and review of the 2020 accomplishments and the organization's financial standing. The President reported that despite the many challenges faced in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Friends of the PGH continued to function and support the Philippine General Hospital in its care and treatment program. It's biggest contribution to the hospital in 2020 was a donation of more than one million pesos to support the COVID treatment programme of the hospital. In order to provide FPGH a good basis for drawing up a sound plan of action for 2021, a survey was undertaken to identify the current needs and requirements of the different departments and wards of the hospital. The results of the survey will also provide a basis for the fund-raising campaign and operations of the organization. Pending the approval of the amendments of the articles of incorporation and by-laws by SEC, the election of three new Trustees was postponed to 2022.

February 2021 --Appeal for Donation for its Fund-Raising Drive

The indigent patients and health care/medical staff of the Friends of PGH urgently need your support. There are thousands of indigent patients who flock to PGH in need of treatment and care. Majority of them are indigent who cannot pay for their tests, surgeries, treatment and medicines. In addition to them, the different wards are also in dire need of additional facilities and apparatuses in order to support the testing and treatment of their patients. FPGH appeals to your good heart to help us support the needs of the PGH and their indigent patients. You can kindly donate any amount in support of the different needs of the PGH and their patients by choosing any causes below for your donation: 1. Medicines 2. Apparatuses like hip/knee replacement prostheses, spine instrumentation, braces, crutches, tractions, BP apparatus, Cardiac monitor, infrared thermometers, IV stand, suction machine, face masks and shields, alcohol, among others. 3. COVID-related emergency and patient care, screening, safety and protective equipment, respirators, disinfectants, etc. 4. Department and ward furnishing like airconditioners, digital wall clocks, electric fans, air purifiers, office chairs and tables, and toiletries among others 5. Technology-related machines to support the management and treatment of their patients such as laptop and desktop computers, mobile phones to be used by patients in contacting their families, printers, photocopying machines, etc. 6. Gift-giving to the different wards during Christmas and other holiday events.

To donate, please transfer or deposit to the following bank account: Name of Account – Friends of the PGH, Inc

Bank Account – Bank of Philippine Island (BPI)

Bank Account Number- A/C# 3531-0087-57

Once you have deposited to Friends of PGH, Inc. bank account, kindly send a photo or screenshot of your deposit slip to our email address- friendsofpgh1984@gmail.com, copy our treasurer Lina Gison at her email address at lina.n.gison@gmail.com. She will send you the receipt of your donation.

March 2021 --Donations Started Coming In

March 18 Zoom meeting of the Friends of the PGH reported of initial donations received from various generous donors. This generosity will enable FPGH, Inc. to continue assisting the indigent patients of PGH. FPGH thanks their families, friends and colleagues who donated generously including the Undying Wishes of Pinoy, Inc., a charitable foundation. FPGH is still open for donations. Thank you to all!

May 2021 (1)--SEC Approves FPGH Amendments of By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation

Friends of PGH is happy to announce that SEC has approved the amendments of its By Laws and Articles of Incorporation making it officially a legitimate charitable Foundation which can now issue official receipts to all its donors for which they can receive tax rebate. The amended Articles of Incorporation approved the amendments dealing with its primary and secondary purposes, utilization of its gross income, participation of PGH Director to sit with the Board of Trustees (BOT), distribution of assets upon dissolution, number of Trustees, charitable and non-commercial function, and location of new office. More specifically, the new name is now Friends of the Philippine General Hospital, Inc. and its primary purpose is to advance public health and welfare by providing financial and other assistance to the indigent patients of PGH in order that said patients may have access to emergency medical services, crucial diagnostic tests, prescription drugs and equipment, life-saving medical surgeries, treatments and procedures and post hospital care. For this purpose, the Foundation shall also directly assist PGH in the acquisition of medical, laboratory and other hospital facilities, equipment and supplies to improve its quality of health services provided to indigent patients who cannot afford to pay for such service. For secondary purposes, the Certificate also empowers the Foundation to accept donations, gifts and inheritance; collect and receive membership fees or annual dues; disburse funds to carry out its primary purpose and reinvest all moneys and income which are otherwise idle funds; to acquire, lease or mortgage real and personal property; acquire, lease, use and sell copyright, licenses, patents, etc.; raise or borrow money for any of the purposes of the Foundation and organize, conduct and carry on any activities necessary for the purposes of the Foundation. The Foundation shall devote its gross income in undertaking the furtherance of its purposes as a Foundation and its level of administrative expenses shall, on an annual basis, not exceed 30 percent of its total expenses for the taxable year and not 30% of the gross income from investments and donations. That the Foundation shall allow the PGH Director to sit with the BOT as PGH Resource Person to help FPGH formulate and implement its programs with clear vision. The amended by laws also provides that in the case of dissolution, any remaining assets of the Foundation shall be distributed either to another existing foundation created for the advancement of public health or to the Republic of the Philippines for the funding requirement of the charity wards of PGH. The number of trustees in the Foundation shall be seven for a term of two years. The Foundation shall for all purposes be a charitable foundation and shall not be conducted for commercial profit. Lastly, the principal office of the FPGH, Inc shall be located at the Ground Floor, Nurses’ Home, PGH Compound, Taft Avenue, Manila. The SEC Certificate of Amended By Laws specifically approved the amendments of number of trustees and terms of office; the qualifications and terms of office of the Foundation’s officers; and adding feminine pronouns “she” and “her” to masculine pronouns “he” and “his” found in all documents. Specifically, the Certificate of Amended By Laws increased its number of Board of Trustees from five to seven who will manage the affairs, business assets and property of the Foundation. For the election of the members of the Board of Trustees, the first four members receiving the highest number of votes will serve for the full two-year term and the other three members will serve for a term of one year only. The Annual Membership Meeting will be held every third Thursday of January and regular and special meetings of the BOT shall be held to be determined by the Trustees and Chairman. The Board of Trustees are empowered to acquire, conserve and manage the funds and properties of the Foundation; initiate and approve projects; appoint and remove all other officers and employees of the Foundation; approve its annual budget; approve policies governing the conditions attached to gifts, bequests and devises; and promote understanding between the Foundation and the community. The Officers of the Foundation will comprise, through election, the Chairman of the Board who will simultaneously be the President, Vice-Chairman, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer. The members of the Board shall not receive and salary for their services as Trustees but expenses dealing with attendance at regular meetings and actual and necessary travelling expenses in pursuits of its objectives may be allowed by resolutions of the Board.

May 2021 (2) --Skycable Channel 224 (ISYU 101) Interviews FPGH Secretary

The Friends of PGH, Inc. through its Secretary, Atty. Clarizze Deloroso was interviewed on Radio/TV program entitled ISYU 101 over on Skycable channel 224, hosted by our member, Tita Cora Alma De Leon and Johnny Gomez.. The interview focused on the history, objectives, functions, activities and membership of FPGH and how it has made a difference in the treatment of indigent patients. The interview brought up the most recent Fire Fund Drive that FPGH undertook to help PGH purchase some equipment that were lost during the fire. Some listeners who got interested asked how they can become members of FPGH. The interview also gave the opportunity for Atty Clarizze to appeal for donation

June 2021-- Dr. Gap Legazpi, PGH Director, Identifies Priority Needs for the Restoration of the Burned Operating Room

The Board of Trustees of the Friends of PGH held a Zoom meeting with Dr. Gap Legazpi, Director of the Philippine General Hospital to get an update on the restoration work from the fire that gutted the Operating Rooms on the third floor of PGH as well as identify the equipment, instruments, and linens needed to immediately refurbish and reinstate to working capacity the surgery operations of PGH. Dr. Gap mentioned that the loss incurred from the fire damage amounted to 90 million pesos. These included the infrastructure damage, eight sterilization units which cost three million pesos per unit; 20 laparotomy equipment which cost 400,000 pesos each, laparoscopy equipments which cost 1,300,000 pesos each, endoscopy, linens, pediatric surgery instruments, computers and printers, and many more basic supplies and instruments. Apart from these equipment, instruments, linens, and infrastructure restoration Dr. Gap pointed out the need for professional expertise in the staff training, management, maintenance and modernization of the different departments and wards of PGH, either through voluntary services from FPGH and friends or outsourcing to management services of private hospitals. So far Dr Gap reported that they have resumed 20 percent of their surgical tasks and private donations enabled them to immediately procure some equipment and instruments needed for surgery. The place has been evaluated, found to be unsound and retro-fitted to make the building fire-safe and secure. To provide a good basis for the FPGH to decide what it will donate from its fire fund drive, Dr Legazpi will submit a shopping list of priority equipment, instruments, linens and supplies that they immediately need. After the Zoom meeting, the FPGH Board of Trustees immediately decided to donate One million pesos which might go to procurement of two laparotomy and linens. The FPGH will also donate two computers and printers and 50 fire extinguishers. The FPGH, upon the advice of Dr Gap, will also support the needs of two priority departments which are slow in raising funds--these are the Department of Family and Community Medicine and Emergency and Ambulatory Services Department. In this regard, we are appealing to you for donation to support the emergency needs of the PGH which will eventually benefit their indigent patients. To donate, please see below photo of the FPGH, Inc. bank account details. Every FPGH donor helps ensure that the most vulnerable and indigent patients have access to their basic medical rights and services.

June 2021 (1) Monthly Meeting Reviews Fund-raising Drives

The monthly meeting of the Friends of PGH this June reviewed the progress of two fund-raising campaigns FPGH launched these past three months. The first one refers to the ongoing regular fund-raising campaign and the second deals with the emergency fire fund drive aimed at helping PGH restore the recently burned Operating Room on its third floor. Both fund-raising initiatives earned substantial donations, though more participation of the members in the campaign was called for. For the fire fund drive, FPGH decided to donate two laparotomy equipment and linens to replace those burned. The FPGH will also look into the priority needs of two departments as recommended by Dr Legazpi, which include the Emergency Ward and the Family Community Medicine Department. Another fund- raising activity was discussed which could be easily organized during the pandemic--this was the Silent Auction where members can donate their treasures to be auctioned off online. The meeting also planned how to celebrate the FPGH anniversary or foundation day in October. It was agreed that a gift bag distribution to indigent patients and honoring the donors who have donated through the years be organized.