The Rotary Balita no. 742 (March 25, 1954)

It will be, as one of the members of the Inner Wheel Committee said, a milestone in the work started four years ago by the Rotary Anns. The long-projected construction of a pavilion for convalescent patients will finally be underway after the ceremonies held last Monday of the laying of the cornerstone for the building. The First Lady of the land consented graciously to be the guest of honor at the ceremonies and lay the cornerstone of the building which, sponsored by the Rotary Anns, will be an improvement in the surroundings required for convalescent patients/ The Rotary Anns started this work and sought contributions from civic-minded people. Collections were not sufficient and they decided to get the necessary funds through other projects. The last one which provided the largest amount was the Rummage Sale held last month which was properly advertised in the Balita. A large number of guests attended the ceremonies at which the Honorable Secretary of Health was the main speaker. Sponsors for the occasion were our own President Danding Romualdez, Dr. Tranquilino Elicaño and Rotarian Gaudy Antonino. Words of gratitude toward everyone who has contributed or participated in any manner in the realization of this project were expressed by Mrs. Balbina Icasiano, President of the Inner Wheel Club. Among the donors, special mention was given to Rotarian Gaudy Antonino who contributed for the posts of the building and who besides preparing the plans for the same will supervise the construction. The members of the Inner Wheel Club who conducted the drive and solicited contributions for the new pavilion include Mrs. Dorothy Green, chairman, and Bertel Kaufmann, Magnolia Antonino, Pompin Anton, Angela Fores, Fely Go and Mina Yang, as members. At the occasion, the Secretary of Health, our fellow Rotarian Paulino Garcia, spoke the following words: There are two significant points which we can attach to this occasion. Both of them are equally important. The construction of a pavilion for convalescent patients is proof of our recognition and acceptance of progressive approaches in the handling of patients confined in institutions for mental illness. In no other illness, perhaps, is the need for a wholesome and healthy environment more acute than in mental cases. Any sort of therapy that can be devised will not likely have its full effect if it is counteracted by adverse influences within the immediate environment of the patient. The atmosphere within which a patient with mental illness is confined should be conducive to the release of all factors that keep up the mental fixation and should be wholesome enough to promote the development and acquisition of healthier and sane mental attitudes. The pavilion which will be constructed here will give that kind of atmosphere. This is the first significant point of this occasion. Health is not and should not be the concern of the government alone. It is the responsibility of the people as much. Verily, health is everybody's business. The attainment of health objectives can be enhanced with the active participation of the people and the community. Indeed, the work and contributions which voluntary and civic organizations can give for health activities are of unlimited possibilities. The efforts of the Inner Wheel Club of Manila in the construction of this pavilion is as outstanding example. It demonstrates how much can be accomplished with active citizen participation. This is the second significant point. We can take this occasion as a triumph of our cooperative work and efforts of which we can justly be happy and satisfied. It is important to us, but it will be of more importance to those who will be the beneficiaries of our acts. When this pavilion shall have been finished, its occupants will feel that we understood their sad and sorry plight and have provided for their comforts. Perhaps their state of mind may not make them appreciate the efforts, but their relatives, their friends, the people and the community will. All of them will know we have at heart the welfare of those committed to our care. They will know that the Inner Wheel Club of Manila was their champion and their guardian. Let me express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the fine and gallant members of the Inner Wheel Club of Manila for their magnificent efforts which made possible the construction of this pavilion. It is a civic and public service of the highest order. The officials of the National Mental Hospital, of the Bureau of Hospitals, and those of the Department of Health can take their cue from this shining example. They can on their part demonstrate equal measure of sincerity by giving their best attention and service to the patients committed under their care. These we must do, otherwise, we will lose our part in this cooperative work by default which is both unhealthy and unpardonable.