Open Letter to the People of New Washington

By: Jessica Regenio Panambo, former Mayor of New Washington, Aklan

It is with a sincere heart that I address the people of New Washington regarding the ongoing discussions about our  Super Health Center. This project was for every family born from a shared vision- to provide quality, lasting healthcare for every family in our beloved municipality.

The Super Health Center was carefully planned not just as another facility, but as a testament to how much we value and future of New Washington. While most LGUs built the standard one-storey Super Health Center (around 500-600 sq meters) using the P10 million fund from the Department of Health, the  New Washington project was designed as a two-storey facility measuring 26.3 meters by  22 meters- over 1,150 square meters of total floor area.

Because it is two-storey, the structural design required a stronger and more durable foundation, beams, and columns to support the second floor and comply with safety and engineering standards. This added to the cost but ensures the building’s strength, safety, and long-term use.

The facility includes both the standard amenities and additional essential services with more space features that are not commonly found in typical Super Health Centers. Before the demolition of the old RHU building in Barangay Poblacion, public health services continued without interruption by temporarily transferring operations to the Municipal Evacuation Center in Barangay Poblacion and the Primary Care Facility in Barangay Mataphao.

The P10 million DoH Fund served as initial support, while the total project cost of approximately P28 million represents the effort to construct a complete, modern and sustainable health favility for the long-term benefit to the people.

Recent images circulating online capture only a fractionof the truth, They show unfinished elements but not the nearly completed second floor, the functional  x-ray and dental areas, or the significant progress made behind the scenes.

This Health Center represents more than the concrete and steel- it embodies our collective hopefor a healthier New Washington. It stands as a proof that when we dream big and work together, transformation is possible.

To our valued leaders, I extend a hand of cooperation. Rather than creating false narratives about the past, let us channel our collective energy into the  future. This health center is too important to become a casualty of politics. I humbly urge you to move forward not by starting over, but by building upon the foundation we have laid.  Let us unite to complete this vital project for the people of New Washington, what have waited long enough for the quality healthcare they rightfully deserved.