In response to the need for better healthcare facilities caused by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partnered with the Cebu local government to donate almost P1 million worth of laboratory equipment and hospital beds to the Danao District Hospital on September 23, 2021.
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Through Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC), the Church’s humanitarian arm, the 38 new hospital beds and new laboratory equipment were handed over to the Cebu government represented by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. She was accompanied by Honorable Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco, 5th District Representative Congressman; Honorable Andrei “Red” Duterte, Board Member; Dr. Guy Perez, Department of Health (DOH) Region 7 Assistant Director; Director Engelbert Soriano, Cebu Provincial Police Office; Dr. Peter James Aznar, Prime Care Cebu Chief Executive Officer; and, Dr. Mary Ann Josephine Arsenal, Danao Provincial Hospital Chief.
During the handover ceremony, Governor Gwen Garcia shared her vision for the healthcare system: “I aim to provide the best healthcare services to those who have less in life through the Danao District Hospital.”
Dr. Arsenal expressed gratitude to the Church for the generous donations. She shared, “I am thankful to the donated beds to accommodate more patients especially with the upcoming expansion of the hospital.”
Representing the Church were Elder Edmarc Dumas, Area Seventy of the Church; President Emer Juntilla, Liloan Stake (Diocese) President; and, LDSC missionaries Elder Butch Colipapa, Elder and Sister Huskinson.
Speaking of the Church’s efforts to help fight the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Elder Edmarc Dumas, an Area Authority of the Church, shared:
"The Church will always be extending help, especially during the pandemic. Efforts include providing medical and emergency supplies to help with the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we would like to follow His example to care for our brothers and sisters in whatever way that we can.”
The Church has helped over 150 countries in their COVID-19 response initiatives. It has also donated US$20 million to support UNICEF's ACT Accelerator and COVAX work, making it the single largest private sector donor.
Humanitarian Services
Caring for the poor and needy is a foundational belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Built on the principles of personal responsibility, community support, self-reliance, and sustainability, humanitarian efforts are designed to give individuals and communities the tools they need to improve their own circumstances in permanent and meaningful ways.
Humanitarian service may include emergency response to natural or man-made disasters. It may also be part of a longer-term effort to meet serious and more entrenched human needs, such as alleviating disease.