Dr. Gap Legaspi about to receive the first legal Covid-19 vaccine in the Philippines. Image: PTV
The first person to receive the Covid-19 vaccine in the country is Philippine General Hospital director Dr. Gerardo Dizon Legaspi, who also goes by Dr. Gap.
While being inoculated with the Sinovac vaccine yesterday, March 1, is a milestone, Cheats singer Saab Magalona remembers him for another feat: Legaspi is the reason that her first son with husband Jim Bacarro, Pancho, is alive and well now.
“This man saved my son’s life,” she said on Twitter, sharing a photo of Legaspi’s credentials, as well as photos of Pancho post-surgery and as a healthy toddler.
“He performed two successful brain surgeries on Pancho and I am forever grateful. I wish [Dr.] Gap well and pray for the best for the Philippines’ healthcare workers,” she stated.
This man saved my son’s life. He performed two successful brain surgeries on Pancho and I am forever grateful. I wish Dr Gap well and pray for the best for the Philippines’ healthcare workers. pic.twitter.com/f2QH0FgRtg
— Saab (@saabmagalona) March 1, 2021
It can be remembered that in her first pregnancy, Magalona faced complications while expecting twins. She gave birth, in February 2018, months before her due date in April. In the process, baby girl Luna did not make it, while both she and Pancho were left in critical condition.
Pancho had a number of conditions that endangered his health. At 17 days old, he underwent brain surgery, an operation performed by Legaspi and his team.
Magalona recalled in a video last January 2020 that she was told Pancho would have a disability, but that he continues to exceed his doctors’ expectations.
Other Twitter users chimed in on Magalona’s post with regard to Legaspi’s competence.
“One of the best [neurosurgeons] here in PH. I can attest to his medical skills and patient-centered values,” said one @waenyyy.
“I trusted him with my mom’s life before,” said another commenter, @attyjong.
Legaspi received the vaccine in PGH and said he was confident in receiving it based on data and science. The dose he received is from the 600,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine donated by the Chinese government and is the first vaccine to legally enter the country. JB
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