THE Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) vowed to sustain its quality health care and hospital services to Filipino veterans and their qualified dependents as it celebrated its 70th founding anniversary.
The jubilee observance had for its theme “Saluting Our Past, Inspiring Our Future: 70 Years of Healing Heroes.”
Dr. Eli Paulino Madrona, the chairperson of the VMMC 70th anniversary committee, noted that the milestone was not just a reflection of VMMC’s rich history, but also about “honoring the countless healing heroes who have shaped its legacy while renewing its commitment to providing exceptional care for generations to come.”
Retired Maj. Gen. Jose Magno, Jr., a revered pioneer of the Philippine Army’s Special Forces, the last surviving officer of the Philippine Contingent 1 to the Vietnam War in 1964, and a pillar of the UP Vanguard, graced the commemoration rites.
“When I retired, I was able to see how the veterans have been taken care of. Fellow veterans, you should remember that after your active service, the Veterans Medical Memorial Center will take care of you. That is why we are very lucky today to have face-to-face with our doctors, our nurses, our administrators. So today is a homecoming. We are happy to be invited,” Magno said in his inspirational message.
Former VMMC directors Dr. Antonio B. Sison, Dr. Nona dela Fuente Legaspi, and Dr. Dominador Chiong, Jr., also joined the VMMC community in celebrating the hospital’s anniversary.
VMMC director Peter Paul Reuben Galvez culminated the program by conveying his heartfelt gratitude to the VMMC family and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment. Rex Espiritu
“May we embrace positive change and innovation guided by the spirit of our past. Together, let us continue to be instruments of healing and hope as we move forward into another era of service. Today has been a blessing. Let’s take to heart the words of 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in various forms,” Galvez said.
Founded through legislation and initial funding from the US government, the VMMC was inaugurated on Nov, 20, 1955. It served as a tertiary hospital under the Department of National Defense as mandated by the Constitution and various Philippine laws to provide quality hospital services, medical care, and health treatment to Filipino veterans and qualified dependents.
