THE MANILA Naval Hospital (MNH) situated at the heart of Bonifacio Naval Station (BNS) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, continues to provide quality medical and healthcare services to Philippine Navy (PN) personnel, Philippine Marine personnel, their dependents, and even civilians like me. I should know. I was a recipient of this quality healthcare service from January 3-13, 2022.
Call it serendipity, the call of the times, or just simply, part of my emotional healing journey, the hospital confinement was never a big issue for me except for my physical discomforts, haha!
You see, being confined (in a hospital) at a particular time in your life has its reason for being. I neither ask for a reason nor blame anyone. It came about because it was bound to happen. Why fight the inevitable? What’s important is you get well and continue living and loving, in that order.
Now, back to MNH. The hospital’s vision is aptly: “By 2030, Manila Naval Hospital will be recognized as the premier PN MTF renowned for its excellence, professionalism, and compassion in the delivery of comprehensive healthcare services to military personnel, their dependents, Civilian Human Resource, and authorized civilians” while guided by its mission “To provide quality healthcare services to military personnel, their dependents, Civilian Human Resource, and authorized civilians in order to ensure and conserve the fighting strength of the Philippine Navy.”
The hospital is a Department of Health Level 1 accredited facility consisting of sixty-five (65) beds with seven (7) different wards. Healthcare workers are composed of both military personnel and Civilian Human Resource.
When I first visited (before my confinement), I saw the lovely Christmas decors. I loved them! I understand that these ornaments were guided by the creative prowess of LTC Jose A Arcellana MC (Ret). I photographed naturally. I wouldn’t be a writer if I didn’t capture the right moments huh!
The more noticeable behavior of the medical staff is their courtesy and respect for patients. It’s admirable. It speaks well of the discipline inculcated in the culture of the Navy. I wish every hospital in the country could develop the same culture. It certainly aids in the healing process of the sick.
While I was in the hospital, I was privileged to be attended to by my indefatigable and charming cousin-in-law, Dr. Maan Delos Santos-Sales. Well, I can now say for certainty that Maan has embraced me as her hubby’s peculiar cousin, haha! Peculiar in a cute way, huh! Dr. Maan, thank you so much for taking care of me, welcoming me at year-end, and listening to my heart story. You’re indeed a doctor in the truest sense of the word.
Meanwhile, MNH is headed by COL Erickson L Gob MC (GSC), Commanding Officer, MNH, ably supported by LTC Wilfredo Flaviano F Sevilla MC, Executive Officer, MNH.
Like I said, the MNH is located inside the sprawling 33.1-hectare BNS/Philippine Marine Corps/Army Support Command/Special Service Unit property. For an interesting bit of information, half of the property will be developed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority while the remaining half is kept by the PN.
Truth be told, I will miss the grounds soon particularly the oval where I did my first walking in 2016 and before my confinement this year, when all this green gives way to gigantic concrete structures. The trees would then be gone, too. That would be utterly sad. However, since half of the property will remain with the PN, I hope that some green will be retained as well.
But let’s not end our story on a sad note.
With 2022 kicking in, we are hopeful that transformation of the hospital will also happen including the improvement of facilities and added laboratories. This will ensure that our Navy personnel who dedicate their lives to country and fellow human beings will be offered the trademark excellent service of the PN.
And with that, I salute the Philippine Navy.
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While at BNS, I attended the Sunday Service of the BNS Evangelical Church. I met Chaplain Abner R. Saballo. Since it was the start of the year, I found it fitting to request for his time after the service which he gladly granted. We had a meaningful conversation ending with a prayer.
Thank you for your time, Chaplain Abner. I will always remember your kindness to a stranger.
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
