Church of Jesus Christ donates $135K worth of medical equipment to Naga, Philippines

The City of Naga received a major boost to its neonatal care facilities thanks to a generous donation of $135,000 (PHP 8 million in local currency) worth of specialized equipment from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The contribution, coordinated through LDS Naga-Philippine Stake President Michael Diaz, is intended to upgrade the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Naga City General Hospital, improving care for premature and critically ill newborns.

Mayor Leni Robredo publicly expressed the city’s gratitude for the donation, highlighting not only the medical equipment itself but also the enduring commitment of members of the Church to serving communities across the Philippines.

“What is highly commendable is the act of genuine generosity and compassion, which bring hope and inspiration, especially to those who are downtrodden and destitute,” Robredo said during the turnover and acceptance ceremony.

Church donates $135K worth of medical equipment to Naga, Philippines

The mayor also recalled the Church’s partnership with the Angat Buhay Foundation during her time as a congresswoman of Camarines Sur’s third district—a collaboration that continues today under her leadership in Naga City.

Hospital officials, including NCGH Chief Dr. Joseph Sanchez and Assistant Chief Dr. Jamela Mangente, were recognized for their role in coordinating the acquisition of the life-saving NICU equipment.

The donated items include:

Radiant warmers (5 units): Provide regulated warmth for newborns immediately after birth or during medical procedures.
Incubators (3 units): Maintain stable temperature and humidity for premature or critically ill infants.
Neonatal patient monitors (8 units): Track vital signs such as heart rate, respiration, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure.
Central monitor (1 unit): Integrates information from multiple monitors to enable faster responses in emergencies.
Phototherapy lamps (3 units) and kangaroo care phototherapy blankets (2 units): Treat jaundice while allowing infants to remain in comforting skin-to-skin contact with parents.
Suction machines (9 units): Remove mucus and airway obstructions to support breathing.

Mayor Robredo described the donation as a “blessing that will save lives and uplift families for many years to come,” noting that it will significantly enhance the hospital’s ability to care for its smallest and most vulnerable patients.

The contribution underscores the role of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and its members in supporting local communities through service and philanthropy, particularly in areas of healthcare that directly benefit children and families.