Church Donates Medical Equipment to Bay District Hospital

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints formally turned over medical equipment to Bay District Hospital on May 7, 2026, in a ceremony that coincided with the inauguration of the hospital's new free chemotherapy center.

The turnover was attended by more than 100 individuals, including medical professionals, local government officials, and Church members. The event marked a significant contribution to the hospital's capacity to serve patients across the region.

Equipment and Scope of Contribution

The Church's donation includes 60 hospital bed mattresses, five electrocardiogram machines, 20 infusion pumps, 20 heavy-duty nebulizers, cardiac monitors, and various diagnostic and surgical supplies. The equipment will support the hospital's catchment area, which covers Los Baños, Calauan, Bay, and the broader Laguna Province.

San Pablo Stake President Ronnel R. Catungos represented the Church at the ceremony and explained the purpose behind the donation.

"One of the fundamental purposes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to care for the poor and the needy," Catungos said. "This donation from the Church is to serve this purpose. We believe that we are all brothers and sisters, children of our Heavenly Father."

Immediate Impact on Patient Care

Dr. Nathaneel V. Rallos, Officer-in-Charge Chief of Hospital for Bay District Hospital, said the new equipment would meaningfully expand the facility's ability to serve its patients.

"Given the limitations of our equipment and our supplies, it will greatly affect all our patients," Dr. Rallos said. "It will increase our capacity to serve more than what we already have."

Laguna Governor Marisol Aragones-Sampelo, who presided over the launch of the hospital's new chemotherapy clinic, expressed appreciation for the Church's contribution.

"I am so excited because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a donation for us," the governor said. "Thank you very, very much for your donation to us. Thank you very much for helping Bay District Hospital."

Bay Mayor Michael Punzalan underscored the regional reach of the donation.

"I am thankful for the donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in modern equipment," Punzalan said. "Not only the citizens of Bay but our neighboring towns will benefit as well."

A New Center for Cancer Care

The donation turnover coincided with the inauguration of Laguna's third public chemotherapy center. Equipped with 20 chemotherapy machines, the new center is capable of treating up to 40 patients per day. All services are fully covered by PhilHealth, making cancer treatment accessible to patients regardless of financial capacity.

To close the program, Bishop Rey John Estera of the Calauan Ward offered a dedicatory prayer for the newly opened facility, linking the physical expansion of care with a prayerful commitment to the well-being of those who would be served within its walls.