Step into the entrance of the Philippine General Hospital or
PGH and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The hallways, staircases
and even windows all reflect the era of the time when it was built – 1907. But
more than the traditional furnishings and mouldings, the PGH stands by one other
tradition, that is helping people in need by providing quality health care.
On August 17, 2007, the PGH will be celebrating 100 years of
standing by this noble tradition. And to help the PGH continue doing what they
do best, the hospital received a US $1 million donation from Coca-Cola.
A small ceremony was held last March 29, 2007 at the PGH to
honor the contribution made by Coca-Cola to the hospital. Dr. Carmelo Alfiler,
director of the PGH, extended his thanks to the company. "PGH today is really
blessed as we approach our centennial year. We have really been counting our
blessings since last year; we have had a wellspring of philanthropy from both
the government and the private sector. Of course today we are overwhelmed by
this donation from Coca-Cola."
"This donation will really go a long way in rebuilding three
patient pay blocks and one charity ward," he continued. "And these blocks will
not only render service to the paying patients of the hospital, but also to the
poor and marginalized patients of the charity wards. These pay blocks will also
generate some income which we will use for the operation of the hospital in
general. So with that, I join the whole PGH community in thanking Coca-Cola for
this very generous donation."
The ceremony was attended by Neville Isdell, Coca-Cola chair
and CEO, who handed over the donation to PGH. "I want to salute all the men and
women who have dedicated themselves over a hundred years to help the PGH to be
what it is today. And I come of service to the Filipino," he stated.
"We trust that with what we do today, for our relationship
with the PGH to continue on this noble mission and to reach out to the ever
great number of Filipino people. Congratulations to you on your centennial year
and more power to your organization," he concludes.
Also in celebration of the PGH’s centennial celebration, Coca-Cola
collaborated with the institution to release supplements in major dailies and
magazines. These supplements contain interesting information about the colourful
history of PGH and the state of the hospital today.
