Suan bats for ₱10-M budget for women, children protection unit at JR Borja Hospital

COUNCILOR Aga Suan urged the JR Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) to submit a ₱10-million budget proposal for its Children and Women Protection Unit (CWPU), saying the city must finally provide adequate resources for victims of violence and abuse.

Suan, at the recent meeting of the committee on women and family relations, said the hospital should “shoot for ₱10 million” instead of settling for the underfunded budget of the past years.

“Since you were only given ₱500,000 from the proposed ₱6.5 million budget, I suggest we go higher. I propose that the department submit a budget proposal of ₱10 million,” Suan suggested, noting that the figure would still be subject to deliberation and possible reduction by the Local Finance Committee (LFC), but aiming higher increases the chances of securing at least the intended allocation.

Paolo Dablio, representing the Local Finance Committee, however clarified that the ₱500,000 budget of the WCPU was requested by JRBGH, which the finance body approved.

Since the 2026 budget had already been finalized, the council could enact an ordinance establishing the CWPU with its staffing pattern and funding requirements, which would then be eligible for supplemental budget next year.

With this, Councilor Marlo Tabac moved that the JRBGH submit a formal proposal in two weeks to serve as the basis for drafting the ordinance to be deliberated once more by the committee. (FDC/SP)