Incoming DSWD secretary joins Barikadang Bayan at Fabella Hospital

Incoming Department of Social Work and Development secretary Judy Taguiwalo spoke at the Barikadang Bayan opposing the closure of Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital today.

Taguiwalo said people should continue supporting the campaign to save the hospital as it serves poor women.

The hospital was set to be closed today following plans to sell its property to private developers along with the Old Bilibid Prison, Manila City Jail, Central Market and two barangays.

Department of Health secretary Janette Garin said that Fabella will not really close but will only be transferred to a new facility inside the department premises along Rizal Avenue.

Construction of the new hospital buildings will be completed sometime next year, Garin said.

But the Manila City Engineers Office has certified that majority of the buildings at the hospital’s current location are still structurally sound and may still be retrofitted.

Here is a video of Taguiwalo’s speech.