May 16, 2003

Bethany Hospital
United Church of Christ in the Philippines
Tacloban City
"A Medical Center For The Sick Of All Creeds"

Message

It is worth noting that the organizers and participants of this year's 85th anniversary have devoted so much time and effort to make the anniversary celebration memorable. As we celebrate, we also reflect its humble beginning in 1918 as a single wooden structure on the very same location where the 3-storey cemented Main building now stands.

The first physician of Bethany Hospital was Dr. Warren J. Miller, who was an American Missionary doctor. In 1925, Dr. & Mrs. Andrew Hall came and took charge of the hospital. Dr. Hall did similar work both as a Missionary and a doctor. Dr. Hall retired in 1936 and Dr. Arcadio Ortiz became the Physician-in-charge until 1941 when he resigned at the time when the Second World War broke out.

In 1948, the hospital resumed operations as a church related hospital with Dr. McAnlis as the Director up to 1951. Dr. Dolorico then became the Director of the Bethany Hospital.

With 125 beds, the Bethany Hospital has grown to become one of the leading tertiary care, teaching and referral hospital in Region 8. The role of the hospital is twofold: to maintain the highest quality of medical care and to become the scientific practice of healing art with the message of Jesus Christ.

Yet for all its size and advanced expertise, Bethany Hospital hasn't lost touch with its heritage. The hospital is recognized for delivering excellent health services, the same compassionate care that its Missionary founders delivered back in 1918. Bethany Hospital is a not-for-profit health care organization dedicated to listening and responding to the health care needs of individuals and families.

In this regard, I would like to express our gratitude and thanks to all the hospital staff for their firm and enthusiastic support in the fulfillment of the Bethany Vision and Mission.

The Bethany Hospital is indeed a great gift from God and this is our privilege to be a part of His witness and blessing, and for being instruments of God's Healing Ministry. This is for God's glory and we are rededicating this institution to HIM.

Earl Courtney A. Viernes, MD, FPCS
Medical Director
Bethany Hospital