SP Highlights: Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center

Based on existing data, there has been a continuing increase in number of individuals who have suffered from physical disabilities. Stroke, sprains, and, for some, accidents that led to amputation and other physical injuries, have caused our citizens to experience problems with movement. Their conditions cannot be cured by simple medications, but will require physical therapy and other interventions for rehabilitation. In this regard, thru the initiative and sponsorship of Councilor Jose C. Rañola, MD, together with her senior citizen counterpart, Hon. Herminia A. Morada, the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod decided to provide a responsive intervention by passing Ordinance No. 2017-093. This legislative measure provides for the establishment of a Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center, which shall be located beside the City Health Office. The Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center shall be dedicated for helping individuals with problems on mobility, including speech difficulties, to recover from the same. It will be manned by three physical therapists, a receptionist and a staff. Said center will be supervised by a committee, headed by the chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Health and co-chaired by the City Health Officer and Chief of the Naga City Hospital. Members of the committee are the head of the Persons with Disabilities Office (PDAO), president of the Senior Citizens’ Federation, chairman of the HELP Learning Center, president of the Liga ng mga Barangays, chairman of the SP Committee on Children, as well as a physiatrist and a city social welfare and development officer. Budget for the construction of the center is P3.1 million which will be sourced from the donation of the Quezon City Government, under the kind leadership of Mayor Herbert M. Bautista and Vice Mayor Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte-Alimurung. As for the P1.5 million needed to purchase the necessary equipment for the center, it will be sourced from our own city coffers. The sustainability of the center is guaranteed as the annual budget of said office will be charged against the mandatory one percent allocation to senior citizens and persons with disability (considering that majority of the clientele will come from these sectors). The creation of the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center is a much needed improvement for Naga. Thru this, we can further sustain our growth as those who were physically immobilized, sprained or hurt will now be having the attention and facilities they need to recuperate and get back to work. Also, in our pursuit towards a Maogmang Lugar, this center will play a vital role in bringing back the smiles to our injured fellows.