THANK YOU SO MUCH

by Irma Cruz - Roasa
Distinguished Service Awardee
85th Founding Anniversary

Madam Governor, Keynote Speakers, Members of the Board of Trustees, Members of the Management Committee, Colleagues at Bethany Hospital, Guests, Ladies & Gentlemen, Good Evening.

I am deeply honored and privileged to give the response in behalf of the awardees tonight. We thank the Board of Trustees, the Management especially Mr. Laurino, for giving due recognition to all of us who have served the institution 15 years or more. Perhaps, they chose me among the rest of the awardees because I am the most senior but I am not 85 years old like Bethany Hospital. Yes, Bethany Hospital on its 85 years! Does Bethany Hospital look that old? During orientation of students and new employees in the Nursing Service, I always mention the length of service Bethany Hospital has done to the community. They could not believe that Bethany Hospital is the oldest hospital in Region VIII. As Bethany Hospital grew older, it gets much younger, the looks of sweet 16. What must be the secret behind it? It is the sustained effort and inspired dynamism of everyone who has the opportunity to work in this hospital. Consequently, there is the continuous face lifting, and upgrading of facilities being initiated and implemented by the management together with the employees.

At this point, let me bring you back to year 1960, 43 years ago when I was 23 years young. There was one person who was responsible for my coming to join Bethany Hospital as a Nurse, Dr. Julio Dolorico. At one instance, Dr. Dolorico's advice was sought by Mr. Samuel Roasa who was then a Bookkeeper of Bethany Hospital because of his personal dilemma, having more than one girlfriend at a time and he wanted to settle down. Dr. Dolorico adviced him to wed a kababayan because we all came from Luisiana, not in USA but in Laguna. We cannot thank Dr. Dolorico enough for that sound advice which started our career and life in Bethany Hospital and Tacloban City.

This distinct honor given to me tonight is not mine alone. These awards are not ours alone. It belongs to all of us, my colleagues in the hospital, from the Nursing Service to all other departments. The support and cooperation extended to me made my task easy and effective. At this point, I wish to make special mention and congratulations to the members of the Nursing Service because during the latest survey on hospital services to patients, the Nursing Service got always a rating of very good. To all of you, congratulations! Keep up the good work!

In behalf of all the awardees and that of my own, we thank Bethany Hospital who contributed to make us what we are now. We are truly grateful for being a part of the hospital, not only for all the privileges but also for the chance to be a a part of the Healing Ministry serving the people of Samar and Leyte. Allow me to quote the message of Bishop Taganas during our Opening Thanksgiving service on May 12, 2003 which says, "That we should continue to learn together, develop new paradigms, renew ourselves everyday, always remembering that we have a work and a mission - 'The Healing Ministry of our Lord Jesus through Bethany Hospital'."

In closing, let me share with you one of my favorite verses in the bible, which truly guided me in my work. It is found in Isaiah 41:10 "Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my right hand." I hope that his promise of our Lord will also help you as we continue to serve Bethany Hospital, the institution we truly love.

"THE HIGHEST PRAISE BELONGS TO HIM WHO MADE ALL THINGS POSSIBLE."

Thank you very much!