Stroke patients get rehab center

CEBU, Philippines - A rehabilitation center, which officials described as a “Valentine gift of love” to stroke patients was turned over yesterday to Lower Tipolo Homeowners Association Inc. in Mandaue City.

The Mandaue City’s Public Information Office reported that the facility was donated by four groups, including the Setsunan University Faculty of Science and Engineering Department of Living and Environmental Design in Osaka, Japan which made the design and the University of San Carlos School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design and its Institute for Planning and Design whose students helped implement the design.

Cebu Doctors’ University Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy will administer the therapy sessions while SANGKAI Construction built the structure.

The facility will also cater to the needs of special children, out-of-school youth, persons with disabilities and the elderly.

“This is truly a big help for us and we thank them for their concern,” said Dometila Subang, president of the association which manages the subdivision of informal settlers, an on-site project of the administration of Mayor Jonas Cortes implemented through the Housing Urban Development Office (HUDO).

Subang who is rehabilitating from her stroke said because of financial problem, many similar patients could not avail of this kind of services.

Among those who signed  the agreement were Dr. Genecio Woo who represented CDU; Architect Joseph Michael Espina, dean, USC School of Architecture and Fine Arts and Architect Danilo Ravina, director of USC Institute for Planning and Design; and Engr. Manuel Zeta of SANGKAI.

Tony Pet Juanico, head of HUDO, said this is another partnership program of the city government with the private sector in addressing the needs of the less fortunate individuals.

“After learning of the situation, we immediately decided to lend a helping hand,” said Dr. Takeshi Shiratori of Setsunan University Faculty of Science and Engineering Deparment of Living and Environmental Design who flew in with two of their students.

Aris Sunga Behik, a fifth year Architecture student of USC who volunteered in the construction, said, “I am very happy that I have shared my time and skills, one way of thanking God for the blessings.”  (FREEMAN)