The proposed Cancer Center is the first project of is kind under President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. new administration. He has lured both local and foreign investors to bid in order to raise P6 Billion for the Cancer Center project designed to be built under the government’s public-private partnership (PPP) program.
To be built inside the University of the Philippines Philippine General compound, the building will have 300 beds: 150 dedicated for sponsored public patients and the other 150 for self-paying private patients.
The Center houses a dedicated cancer hospital that provides international quality medical treatment. While the following are some terms on this PPP project as announced. Thus:
– Private partner will design, finance, construct and commission the new hospital building;
– UP-PGH will provide the clinical services for free to public patients, while the self-paying ones will be provided by the private partner;
– Private partner will provide all major equipment, undertake facilities maintenance, as well as provide non-clinical services including cleaning, catering, laundry, portering and security to entire hospital over 30-year PPP commission.
Incidentally, in March 2023 more than 60 firms attended the investor’s conference called by UP-PGH – the firms signified their interest on the PPP project, a heart-warming barometer for the Center’s realization.
MY COMMENT:
The proposed Cancer Center, like most science and medical facilities, have had rough sailing, some languishing into oblivion due to snail-paced, actions or sky-high disinterest among the honorables with the Legislative and Executive branches of government. Otherwise, if the Center project pushes through, it will be a living legacy of the PBBM administration.
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Doing nothing
Societal degradation refers to the decline or deterioration of social values, norms, and overall well-being within a community. While societies rely on the collective efforts of responsible citizens to maintain and improve their communities, instances occur where individuals choose to remain passive in the face of societal degradation.
When good citizens fail to act against societal degradation, moral decline becomes inevitable. A society’s ethical foundation depends on individuals upholding and promoting morality. When members of the community abstain from taking a stand against immoral behavior, societal norms begin to erode. Corruption, dishonesty, and unethical practices infiltrate the social fabric, eroding trust and perpetuating a culture of deceit. Without the vigilance and actions of good citizens, moral degradation can spiral out of control, further exacerbating societal issues.
This inaction against societal degradation can perpetuate existing inequalities, leading to a worsening social divide. Good citizens have a responsibility to challenge unfair practices, discrimination, and disparities that hinder progress. When individuals fail to address or combat systemic issues such as poverty, racism, or gender inequality, they inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of these injustices. By remaining silent or indifferent, good citizens indirectly endorse the status quo, deepening divisions along socioeconomic, racial, or gender lines.
Another consequence of good citizens not taking actions against societal degradation is the erosion of democratic values and institutions. Democracies flourish when citizens actively participate in shaping their communities and holding the government accountable. When indifference prevails, the very essence of democracy becomes vulnerable, and an environment conducive to authoritarianism and corruption may emerge. Good citizens must exercise their rights to vote, voice concerns, and engage in constructive dialogue to keep democratic values alive and prevent the erosion of democratic institutions.
Moreover, when citizens choose to do nothing against societal degradation, they inadvertently contribute to a loss of social capital. Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and trust that exist within a community, enabling individuals to work together for common goals. By refusing to address societal problems, good citizens inadvertently weaken the bonds that hold society together. This erosion of social capital can hinder collective action, cooperation, and the ability of communities to address pressing issues and find innovative solutions.
The lack of action by good citizens against societal degradation might result in a loss of personal and collective well-being. Neglecting societal problems can lead to deteriorating living conditions, increased crime rates, and diminished access to essential resources such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. When citizens fail to rally against these issues, they compromise their own quality of life and contribute to the decline of collective well-being. Inaction may lead to a sense of apathy and hopelessness, undermining the general spirit of unity and resilience required to rebuild and strengthen communities.
The consequences of good citizens choosing to do nothing against societal degradation are far-reaching and detrimental to the well-being of societies. We have a responsibility to recognize and address societal problems head-on, championing positive change and actively participating in shaping a more equitable and just society. Only through collective action can we reverse the course of societal degradation and build a brighter future for all.