When the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) as a COVID-19 Referral Center and UPPGH Bayanihan Na! Operations Center (BNOC) opened simultaneously on March 30, 2020, a massive donation campaign for essential hospital equipment and back-of-house operational needs, including food, was also launched. Food donation drive was necessary due to the difficulty in securing food during the lockdown and the increased number of frontliners who will serve in the COVID-19 wards and BNOC volunteers who will serve 24/7.
But even before the above projects started and since the imposition of the Luzon Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) last 16 March, the call for support for healthcare workers of UP-PGH has been receiving tremendous response in the form of food and beverage donations from the community. From day one, the medical frontliners have been receiving much attention and care from a grateful nation, willing to be part of the COVID fight in its own thoughtful and generous way. From home-cooked hot rice meals, bottled water, fruit juices, sweets, desserts, pastries, breads, milk teas, hot coffee, fast food meals, pizzas, cakes, biscuits, ice cream, snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables, canned food products, and the list goes on; foodstuffs kept on coming.
Currently, the BNOC takes the calls from donors and strategically schedules delivery throughout the day and week to avoid food wastage. Distribution to the different hospital staff is centralized with the help of the PGH Dietary Department under the able supervision of its head, Ms. Amelita Lavilla. The healthcare workers are very appreciative of these delectable meals which nourish them; but what strengthens them more is the overwhelming support of the public that they feel.
From the selfless frontliners of PGH and the whole UP Manila community, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals, groups, and food establishments who have and continue to provide us with nourishment and love.
Dr. Scarlett Mia Tabuñar | Published in Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 8
